The Terminal 5 of Xianyang International Airport is seen in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

Flight MU5025 departed from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport for Istanbul early on Tuesday, marking the launch of the airport's first direct international route to Türkiye.

Operated by an Airbus A330, the Xi'an-Istanbul flights are scheduled three times per week -- on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays -- under flight numbers MU5025 and MU5026.

MU5025 departs from Xi'an, the capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, at 1:50 a.m. Beijing Time and arrives in Istanbul at 7 a.m. local time. MU5026 departs from Istanbul at 11 a.m. local time and arrives in Xi'an at 1:25 a.m. Beijing Time the following day.

The new route will promote further economic, cultural and tourism exchange between northwest China and Türkiye, as well as the Middle East and Europe. Travelers can now experience the rich history of Xi'an and the unique charm of Istanbul more easily, said Zhang Yuhui, general manager of the northwest branch of China Eastern Airlines.