Emirates Launches New Flights to Hangzhou and Shenzhen with 777

Key Takeaways

• Emirates launched daily non-stop Dubai flights to Hangzhou and Shenzhen with Boeing 777-300ER in July 2025.
• Hangzhou flights started July 30; Shenzhen flights started July 1, boosting China-Middle East business and tourism.
• New routes increase cargo capacity and Emirates’ China flights to 49 weekly, strengthening trade links.

Emirates Launches New Direct Flights to Hangzhou and Shenzhen with Boeing 777-300ER

Emirates has taken a major step in expanding its presence in China 🇨🇳 by launching two new daily non-stop flights from Dubai to Hangzhou and Shenzhen. Both routes use the Boeing 777-300ER, a large and modern aircraft known for its comfort and cargo capacity. The Hangzhou service starts on July 30, 2025, while the Shenzhen flights began on July 1, 2025. With these additions, Emirates now flies to five major cities in mainland China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou.

This move is not just about adding more flights. It reflects deeper ties between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and China 🇨🇳, and it brings new opportunities for travelers, businesses, and the wider community. Here’s what you need to know about these new routes, why they matter, and how they could affect people traveling between the Middle East and China 🇨🇳.

Key Details: What’s New and Why It Matters

Who: Emirates, one of the world’s largest airlines, is behind these new routes.
What: Two new daily non-stop flights from Dubai to Hangzhou and Shenzhen, both operated with the Boeing 777-300ER.
When: Shenzhen flights started July 1, 2025; Hangzhou flights begin July 30, 2025.
Where: From Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) and Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX).
Why: To strengthen business, tourism, and cargo links between the Middle East and two of China’s most important cities.
How: By using the Boeing 777-300ER, Emirates can offer more seats and carry more cargo, meeting the growing demand for travel and trade.

Flight Schedules and Aircraft Details

• Hangzhou (EK310/EK311):
  • Departs Dubai at 09:40, arrives Hangzhou at 22:00
  • Departs Hangzhou at 00:10, arrives Dubai at 04:55
  • Operated daily with a three-class Boeing 777-300ER
  • Offers 2,478 seats per week
• Shenzhen (EK328/EK329):
  • Departs Dubai at 10:05, arrives Shenzhen at 22:00
  • Departs Shenzhen at 23:55, arrives Dubai at 03:40
  • Operated daily with a four-class, retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER (includes Premium Economy)

With these new flights, Emirates now operates 49 weekly flights to China 🇨🇳, fully using its current bilateral allowance.

Background: Why Hangzhou and Shenzhen?

Both Hangzhou and Shenzhen are not just big cities—they are economic powerhouses. Hangzhou is famous as the home of Alibaba, one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies. It’s a leader in digital innovation and technology. Shenzhen, often called “China’s Silicon Valley,” has a population of 17 million and is home to more than 100 billionaires. It’s a global center for technology, manufacturing, and finance.

The decision to add these cities follows a new air services agreement signed in late 2024 between the UAE 🇦🇪 and China 🇨🇳. This agreement gave Emirates 14 more weekly flights, making it possible to launch the Hangzhou and Shenzhen routes.

Economic and Trade Impact

These new routes are expected to boost trade and business between the two countries. Emirates already carries about 2,000 tonnes of cargo from China 🇨🇳 each week. The Boeing 777-300ER is well-suited for this, as it can carry a lot of freight in addition to passengers. With more flights, exporters and importers can move high-value goods, especially technology and e-commerce products, more quickly and efficiently.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Launching a new Dubai-Hangzhou route marks a pivotal moment in our operations in the Chinese mainland and broader East Asia region. As an emerging global hub for innovation, e-commerce and advanced manufacturing, Hangzhou will open doors to new opportunities for our passenger and cargo operations, further strengthening the vital economic and technological exchanges between the Middle East and China.”

For businesses, these flights mean easier access to new markets, faster shipping times, and more choices for travel. For travelers, it means more options and better connections to other parts of the world.

Tourism and Cultural Exchange

The new flights are also expected to help tourism. Hangzhou is known for its beautiful West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its rich cultural history. Shenzhen is close to Hong Kong 🇭🇰, making it a popular stop for tourists exploring southern China 🇨🇳. With direct flights from Dubai, it’s now easier for people from the Middle East, Africa, and Europe to visit these cities.

Emirates has designed the flight schedules to connect smoothly with 38 European, 22 African, 11 Middle Eastern, and several South American destinations. This makes it easier for tourists and business travelers to reach Hangzhou and Shenzhen from all over the world.

Booking and Travel Procedures

Tickets for the new routes are available on the Emirates website, through travel agents, and at Emirates sales offices. The airline has also signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air China, which could soon allow travelers to book flights across both airlines’ networks with a single ticket. This would make travel even more convenient, with benefits like lounge access and coordinated flight times.

For travelers who need a visa to visit China 🇨🇳, it’s important to check the latest requirements. The official Chinese embassy website provides up-to-date information on visa applications and entry rules. You can find more details and apply for a Chinese visa through the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Arab Emirates.

Market Demand and Aircraft Choice

Both Hangzhou and Shenzhen already had strong demand for flights to Dubai. Last year, 81,000 passengers traveled between Hangzhou and Dubai, while 70,000 flew between Shenzhen and Dubai. These numbers show that there is enough demand to support daily widebody flights.

Some experts have wondered if starting with daily Boeing 777-300ER service is too much, especially since the airline could have used smaller planes like the Airbus A350-900. However, Emirates has a limited number of A350s right now, so the 777-300ER was the best choice. The Shenzhen route uses a special four-class version of the 777-300ER, which includes Premium Economy—a new option for travelers who want more comfort without paying for Business Class.

Competitive Advantage

By expanding its network in China 🇨🇳, Emirates is strengthening its position against other Gulf airlines. The airline can now offer more connections and better service for both local travelers and those connecting through Dubai to other parts of the world. This is especially important as business and tourism between China 🇨🇳 and the Middle East continue to grow.

Yan Fei, Senior Vice President of Air China, said, “By collaborating with Emirates, we will further expand our route network in China-UAE and global market and jointly promote global connectivity.”

Cargo Operations: Supporting Trade and E-Commerce

The Boeing 777-300ER is not just a passenger plane—it’s also a workhorse for cargo. The increased belly-hold capacity on these new flights will help exporters and importers move goods faster. This is especially important for high-value items like electronics, e-commerce packages, and technology products.

Emirates already moves 2,000 tonnes of cargo from China 🇨🇳 each week, and the new flights will increase this number. This helps businesses in both countries grow and supports jobs in logistics, shipping, and related industries.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Emirates in China?

Looking ahead, Emirates may adjust the number of flights or the types of planes it uses for Hangzhou and Shenzhen, depending on how much demand there is, especially during the winter season. The airline is also investing $5 billion to upgrade its fleet, with plans to use new and improved Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s on more routes by the end of 2025. This will make the travel experience even better for passengers.

Emirates’ partnership with Air China and its ongoing investments in the Chinese market suggest that more new routes or extra flights could be added in the future. This will depend on getting the necessary approvals and seeing enough demand from travelers and businesses.

Implications for Stakeholders

For Travelers:
– More choices for direct flights between Dubai and two of China’s most important cities
– Easier connections to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America
– New Premium Economy option on the Shenzhen route for added comfort

For Businesses:
– Faster and more reliable shipping for high-value goods
– Better access to new markets in China 🇨🇳 and beyond
– Opportunities for partnerships and growth in technology, e-commerce, and logistics

For the Tourism Sector:
– Easier access to Hangzhou’s cultural sites and Shenzhen’s modern attractions
– Potential for more visitors from the Middle East, Africa, and Europe

For Cargo and Trade:
– Increased capacity for exports and imports
– Support for the fast-growing e-commerce sector
– More options for moving goods quickly and efficiently

Summary Table: Emirates’ Chinese Mainland Network (as of July 2025)

How to Book and Where to Get More Information

Travelers can book tickets for the new Hangzhou and Shenzhen flights on the official Emirates website, through travel agents, or at Emirates sales offices. For the latest updates, schedules, and travel requirements, it’s best to check the Emirates website or contact their customer service.

If you need to apply for a visa to visit China 🇨🇳, always use the official government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Arab Emirates provides details on visa types, application forms, and processing times.

For travelers who need to apply for a visa to the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, information is available on the UAE government’s official portal.

Expert Analysis: What This Means for Global Travel

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Emirates’ expansion in China 🇨🇳 is a sign of growing demand for travel and trade between Asia and the Middle East. The use of the Boeing 777-300ER on these routes shows confidence in the market and a commitment to offering high-quality service. The partnership with Air China could make travel even easier in the future, with more seamless connections and shared benefits for passengers.

The new flights also show how airlines are adapting to changing travel patterns. As more people travel for business, tourism, and to visit family, airlines like Emirates are adding routes and upgrading their fleets to meet these needs.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book Early: New routes often fill up quickly, especially during holidays and peak travel seasons.
• Check Visa Requirements: Always check the latest visa rules for China 🇨🇳 and the UAE 🇦🇪 before you travel.
• Consider Premium Economy: If you want extra comfort without the high cost of Business Class, try the Premium Economy option on the Shenzhen route.
• Stay Updated: Flight schedules can change, especially with new routes. Always check your flight status before you travel.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Emirates and China

The launch of daily flights to Hangzhou and Shenzhen with the Boeing 777-300ER marks a new chapter for Emirates and its passengers. It’s about more than just travel—it’s about connecting people, supporting businesses, and building stronger ties between the Middle East and China 🇨🇳. Whether you’re a tourist, a business traveler, or someone shipping goods, these new routes offer more options and greater convenience.

For the most current information on flights, visas, and travel requirements, always use official sources like the Emirates website and government portals. This ensures you have the latest details and can plan your trip with confidence.

Learn Today

Boeing 777-300ER → A long-range wide-body aircraft with high passenger and cargo capacity used on Emirates’ new China routes.
Non-stop flights → Flights that travel directly between two airports without any layovers or stops in between.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport → The main international airport serving Hangzhou, a key commerce and technology center in China.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) → An agreement between airlines Emirates and Air China enabling coordinated flight bookings and services.
Premium Economy → A travel class offering extra comfort and amenities between Economy and Business Class on Emirates’ Shenzhen route.

This Article in a Nutshell

Emirates expanded its China network in 2025 with daily Boeing 777-300ER flights to Hangzhou and Shenzhen. These routes connect major economic hubs, promoting business, tourism, and cargo trade between the Middle East and China while offering passengers more travel options and comfort.
— By VisaVerge.com