Emirates is set to further strengthen its presence across Asia with the launch of daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Shenzhen, effective July 1, 2025.
A statement by the media consultant to the airline in Nigeria, said that the carrier would also introduce four weekly services to Da Nang on 2 June and three weekly flights to Siem Reap from 3 June with both cities connecting via Bangkok.
Emirates said the addition of Shenzhen, Da Nang and Siem Reap to its growing network, puts its ahead of the curve with the largest and most diversified route network among any non-Asian airline in East Asia, offering 269 flights per week from Dubai to 24 points.
This latest expansion also marks Emirates’ fourth gateway into the Chinese mainland, third destination in Vietnam and second point in Cambodia, the statement said.
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Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President, assured that the airline remained committed to offering business and leisure travellers unparalleled access to Southeast Asia and the broader East Asia region by delivering an extensive flight schedule.
He explained that its expansion into Shenzhen opened new doors for business and economic exchange between the technological powerhouse and global markets.
Kazim also extended his gratitude to the Chinese authorities and airport partners for their ongoing support, stressing that Emirates was committed to ensuring this route’s success while fostering cultural bonds and unlocking future economic potential.
He added: “Vietnam holds a strategic place in our Southeast Asia network. Our decision to expand operations to Da Nang as our third point in Vietnam comes at an opportune moment, following the landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Vietnam.
“We are confident that our new service will elevate the existing bilateral trade and commercial collaboration between our nations. We extend our gratitude to our local partners and Da Nang International Airport for their support.
“Emirates is also making it easier for travellers to connect to Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, one of Cambodia’s most popular destinations with its incredible ancient wonders and natural beauty.”
Kazim maintained that with the addition of these new gateways, Emirates was strengthening its links, giving customers more choice, offering an unparalleled onboard experience and ensuring seamless and convenient connections to and from China’s largest cities, Vietnam’s emerging economic and leisure hubs, and Cambodia’s touristic treasures.
Emirates’ entry into Shenzhen makes it the first Middle Eastern carrier to operate a daily flight to the Chinese mainland’s technology and innovation hub.
Emirates became the first airline to establish direct air connectivity between the Middle East and the Chinese mainland in 2002 with the start of services between Dubai and Shanghai.
This marked the beginning of a successful two-decade partnership that has been underpinned by close bilateral ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China through operations in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
EK328 would depart from Dubai at 1005hrs, arriving in Shenzhen at 2200hrs.
The return flight EK329 departs Shenzhen at 2355hrs, landing in Dubai at 0340hrs the next day.
Along with the launch of new flights, Shenzhen would become the first destination in China to be served with the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER.
The four-class B777-300ER offers travellers eight private suites in first class, 40 lie flat seats in business class, 24 premium economy seats and 260 seats in economy class.
Shenzhen’s position as a technology manufacturing powerhouse generates valuable cargo streams requiring specialized handling and expedited delivery, particularly for sophisticated electronics and tech products.
The city is also part of a Special Economic Zone and continues to enhance its cargo handling capabilities. Emirates SkyCargo is expected to uplift 10 tonnes of cargo per flight between Shenzhen and Dubai and is expected to support exports such as high-tech devices and e-commerce items.
