Turkish Airlines and Air China have signed a new agreement expanding their existing codeshare partnership; it now covers all direct mainline flights between Türkiye and China, rather than just the Istanbul–Beijing route as before. The document was signed at the opening ceremony of the 4th China Air Transport Association (CATA) conference and exhibition in Beijing. The parties agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two countries' flag carriers.

The previous model for open seat sales had been in effect since June 2024 and applied only to Istanbul–Beijing flights. Under the new terms, the agreement now also covers select domestic flights within China via Beijing and specific international routes via Istanbul. Both airlines are members of the Star Alliance and continue to expand connecting options between their respective hubs.

Thanks to the expansion, Turkish Airlines passengers will be able to reach a greater number of cities in mainland China—Shenzhen, Chongqing, Xiamen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Qingdao—via Beijing. In turn, Air China customers will gain access via Istanbul to Ankara, as well as to destinations in Africa—Accra, Lagos, Marrakech, Dar es Salaam, Algiers, and Tunis—and in Latin America—Cancún and Mexico City—served by the Turkish carrier.

Booking flights from both airlines on a single ticket should offer passengers more route options and simplify connections when traveling to China, Turkey, and beyond.

Turkish Airlines and Air China also plan to include new direct routes in the agreement as they are launched between the two countries. The airlines state that the development of the partnership should help strengthen trade, tourism, and cultural ties between Türkiye and China.

Background. Turkish Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance, was founded in 1933 and began with a fleet of five aircraft. Today, the carrier operates a fleet of 566 passenger and cargo aircraft and flies to 358 destinations in 133 countries, including 305 international and 53 domestic routes.