Emirates Airline is significantly expanding its presence in Asia with the launch of new flights to Shenzhen, Da Nang, and Siem Reap. This move underscores the airline's commitment to broadening its network and facilitating economic and cultural exchanges between Asia and the rest of the world.

Shenzhen: A New Gateway to China's Tech Hub

Starting July 1, Emirates will operate daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Shenzhen, making it the first Middle Eastern carrier to serve this technology and innovation hub in South China. According to the Dubai government's media office, flight EK328 will depart Dubai at 10:05 am local time, arriving in Shenzhen at 10 pm. The return flight, EK329, will leave Shenzhen at 11:55 pm, landing in Dubai at 3:40 am the following day. This new route will be serviced by Emirates' retrofitted wide-body Boeing 777-300ER, featuring a four-class cabin including Premium Economy. Emirates SkyCargo expects to uplift 10 tonnes of cargo per flight between Shenzhen and Dubai, supporting exports of high-tech devices and e-commerce items.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion, stating, "Our expansion into Shenzhen opens new doors for business and economic exchange between this technological powerhouse and global markets." The flight times are designed to optimize connections to key destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.

Da Nang and Siem Reap: Expanding Southeast Asian Network

In addition to Shenzhen, Emirates is also enhancing its Southeast Asian network with new flights to Da Nang in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Starting June 2, Emirates will introduce four weekly services to Da Nang via Bangkok. These flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using the Boeing 777. Flight EK370 will depart Dubai at 9 am, arriving in Bangkok at 6:25 pm, before continuing to Da Nang, arriving at 9:50 pm. The return flight, EK371, will depart Da Nang at 11:30 pm, arriving in Dubai at 6:50 am the next day after a stop in Bangkok.

From June 3, Emirates will also launch three weekly flights to Siem Reap, connecting via Bangkok. These flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flight EK370 will follow the same Dubai-Bangkok routing as the Da Nang flights, with the Siem Reap leg arriving at 9:30 pm. The return flight, EK371, will depart Siem Reap at 11:50 pm, arriving in Dubai at 6:50 am after a stop in Bangkok. These services will be operated with Emirates’ two-class Boeing 777-300ER.

Kazim noted that Vietnam holds a strategic place in Emirates’ Southeast Asia network, especially following the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Vietnam. The Siem Reap service is designed to offer leisure connections for travelers from Europe, including France, the UK, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and Russia.

Strategic Importance and Economic Impact

Emirates' expansion into these new Asian destinations highlights its role as a key facilitator of global trade and tourism. The Shenzhen route is expected to serve as a vital bridge between Chinese enterprises and global markets, deepening the economic partnership between the UAE and China. Shenzhen's status as a technology manufacturing hub necessitates specialized cargo handling and expedited delivery, which Emirates SkyCargo is well-equipped to provide.

The new routes to Da Nang and Siem Reap not only expand Emirates' network but also cater to the growing demand for tourism in these regions. Emirates now flies to 24 destinations in East Asia, offering 269 weekly flights from Dubai, marking it as the largest and most diversified route network among non-Asian East Asian airlines. This expansion also marks Emirates’ fourth gateway into the Chinese mainland, third destination in Vietnam and second point in Cambodia.

A History of Connectivity

Emirates has a long history of connecting the Middle East and China, being the first airline to establish direct air connectivity between the regions in 2002 with services between Dubai and Shanghai. Currently, Emirates operates twice daily flights to Shanghai and Beijing, and daily flights to Guangzhou. With both passenger and freighter operations, Emirates facilitates the transport of 2,000 metric tonnes of cargo each week from the Chinese mainland. The addition of Shenzhen further solidifies this commitment.

Looking Ahead

As Emirates prepares to launch these new operations, the airline extends its gratitude to the Chinese authorities and airport partners for their ongoing support. The airline is committed to ensuring the success of these routes, fostering cultural bonds, and unlocking future economic potential.