国航恢复成都—伦敦盖特威克航线（2026）：旅客须知
国航将于2026年7月12日恢复成都天府至伦敦盖特威克直飞航班，中断七年后复航。8月前每周4班A350-900，随后至9月每周2班。
核心观点
Air China resumes nonstop flights between Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) on July 12, 2026, restoring a route absent for seven years. The A350-900 service operates four times weekly through August 10, then reduces to two weekly flights from September 11 to 27, 2026. UK passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days under the unilateral visa exemption effective through December 31, 2026.
报道正文
最后审核： 2026年7月11日 · 影响： 中等 · 来源： 国航 / 盖特威克机场
变化内容
国航此前曾运营成都至伦敦航线，但数年前将成都—伦敦业务全部调整至希思罗机场。盖特威克复航为四川旅客提供第二个伦敦门户，也为拥堵的希思罗枢纽提供了替代选择。
根据航线追踪网站 AeroRoutes 的信息，初始航班计划运行于 2026年7月12日至8月10日，航班日期为 周一、周三、周五和周日。经过短暂运营暂停后，该服务将于 2026年9月11日至9月27日 以 每周2班 恢复。所有航班均使用 空客A350-900，这是国航旗舰远程宽体客机，设有商务舱、超级经济舱和经济舱。
盖特威克机场确认，该航线是其 2026年夏季第五个新开通的远程航线，据 AirportRoutes 报道。
下一步
- Search Air China website or preferred booking platform for July–August dates with the four-times-weekly schedule for maximum flexibility. 2. Verify passport validity (6+ months from entry) and confirm visa-free eligibility for your nationality. 3. If traveling after August 10, compare with Heathrow year-round service or connecting options via other Chinese hubs.
可能变化的部分
The September schedule (September 11–27 at two weekly flights) has not published specific departure days as of July 11, 2026. Aircraft type may vary by specific flight date during shoulder season. The UK visa-free entry policy is confirmed through December 31, 2026, but could be extended or modified.
常见问题
Can UK citizens enter China without a visa on this new Chengdu to London Gatwick flight?
Yes. Since February 17, 2026, UK ordinary passport holders can enter China without a visa for stays up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchange programs, and transit. The policy is valid through December 31, 2026, as confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in London. You only need a passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages.
Is the Chengdu–Gatwick route permanent or seasonal?
The route is seasonal as currently scheduled. It operates July 12–August 10 at 4x weekly, pauses, then resumes September 11–27 at 2x weekly. Air China has not announced winter 2026/2027 schedules for this route. Year-round Chengdu–London service remains available via Heathrow.
Which terminal at Gatwick does Air China use?
Air China typically operates from Gatwick's North Terminal. Terminal assignments can change — check your booking confirmation 24 hours before departure and allow extra time for inter-terminal transfers via the free 2-minute shuttle.
Can I use the 240-hour transit policy in Chengdu and fly to London on this route?
Yes, if you are a citizen of one of the 55 eligible countries and your itinerary is Country A to Chengdu to London (a different third country). Chengdu Tianfu is one of the 37 designated 240-hour transit ports. You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to London and leave mainland China within 240 hours.