Key Takeaways
• Emirates launched flights to Da Nang June 2 and Siem Reap June 3, 2025, via Bangkok.
• Da Nang flights operate four times weekly; Siem Reap three times weekly on Boeing 777-300ER.
• Special promotions include Cash+Miles and Double Skywards Miles valid until August 31, 2025.
Emirates Expands East Asian Network: New Flights to Da Nang and Siem Reap via Bangkok
Emirates has taken a major step in expanding its East Asian network by launching new flights to Da Nang, Vietnam 🇻🇳, and Siem Reap, Cambodia 🇰🇭, both routed through Bangkok, Thailand. The new services began on June 2, 2025, for Da Nang and June 3, 2025, for Siem Reap, and are now fully operational as of June 4, 2025. This move not only strengthens Emirates’ presence in Southeast Asia but also creates new opportunities for travelers, businesses, and the tourism industry across the region.
Who, What, When, Where, and Why
Who: Emirates, one of the world’s largest airlines, is behind this expansion.
What: The airline has launched new routes to Da Nang and Siem Reap, connecting them to Dubai via Bangkok.
When: The inaugural flights took place on June 2 and 3, 2025, with regular service now underway.
Where: The new routes connect Dubai, United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, with Da Nang, Vietnam 🇻🇳, and Siem Reap, Cambodia 🇰🇭, using Bangkok as a transit hub.
Why: Emirates aims to strengthen its East Asian network, support tourism and business travel, and take advantage of growing demand in these emerging markets.
This expansion is a clear sign of Emirates’ long-term commitment to Southeast Asia and its role as a global connector of people, places, and economies.
Celebrating the Launch: A Symbolic Start
The launch of these new routes was marked by traditional water cannon salutes at both Da Nang and Siem Reap airports. Government dignitaries and airport officials welcomed the inaugural flights, highlighting the importance of these new connections for the region.
A special ceremony was also held at Emirates’ newly renovated lounge at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, located in the SAT-1 terminal. This lounge is now Emirates’ largest outside of Dubai and serves as a key hub for travelers heading to and from East Asia. The event was attended by top Emirates executives, local officials, and representatives from the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 embassy in Thailand.
Key attendees included:
– Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management
– Orhan Abbas, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations – Far East
– Mohammed Alwahedi, Country Manager for Thailand
– Mr. Jaber Alshehhi, representing the UAE Ambassador to Thailand
– Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand
Route Details: Da Nang and Siem Reap Services
Da Nang Service
– Launch Date: June 2, 2025
– Frequency: Four weekly flights
– Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER with two classes (35 lie-flat Business Class seats, 386 Economy Class seats)
– Flight Schedule:
– EK370: Departs Dubai at 09:00, arrives Bangkok at 18:25, departs Bangkok at 20:10, arrives Da Nang at 21:50
– EK371: Departs Da Nang at 23:30, arrives Bangkok at 01:10 (+1 day), departs Bangkok at 03:40, arrives Dubai at 06:50
Siem Reap Service
– Launch Date: June 3, 2025
– Frequency: Three weekly flights (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays)
– Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER with two classes
– Flight Schedule:
– EK370: Departs Dubai at 09:00, arrives Bangkok at 18:25, departs Bangkok at 20:10, arrives Siem Reap at 21:30
– EK371: Departs Siem Reap at 23:50, arrives Bangkok at 01:10 (+1 day), departs Bangkok at 03:40, arrives Dubai at 06:50
These schedules are designed to offer convenient connections for travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, making it easier to reach Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Cambodia 🇰🇭.
Why These Routes Matter: Strategic Significance
1. Expanding the Emirates Network
With the addition of Da Nang and Siem Reap, Emirates now serves 23 destinations in East Asia, making it the non-Asian airline with the largest and most diverse network in the region. This expansion allows Emirates to reach more travelers and offer more choices for both leisure and business passengers.
2. Strengthening Bangkok as a Regional Hub
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport plays a central role in Emirates’ Southeast Asia strategy. The airline now operates five daily flights between Dubai and Bangkok, four of which use the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger plane. There is also a daily non-stop service to Hong Kong, plus the new connections to Da Nang and Siem Reap. This makes Bangkok a key transit point for travelers heading to and from East Asia.
3. Growing Presence in Vietnam and Cambodia
Da Nang is now Emirates’ third destination in Vietnam 🇻🇳, joining Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. With these new flights, Emirates operates 25 weekly flights to Vietnam, supporting both tourism and business travel.
In Cambodia 🇰🇭, the new Siem Reap route adds to Emirates’ daily service to Phnom Penh via Singapore, bringing the total number of weekly flights to Cambodia to 10. This helps connect Cambodia to the world and supports the country’s growing tourism industry.
4. Boosting Trade and Tourism
The new routes are timed to serve leisure travelers from Europe and other key markets. They also support business travel and trade, especially under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and both Cambodia 🇰🇭 and Vietnam 🇻🇳. These agreements make it easier for people and goods to move between the countries, helping to grow their economies.
Special Promotions: Making Travel More Rewarding
To celebrate the launch of these new routes, Emirates is offering two special promotions for travelers:
1. Cash+Miles Offer
– Booking Period: March 15–June 5, 2025
– Travel Period: June 2–August 31, 2025
– Special Rate: USD 20 = 2,000 Miles on Economy Class or Premium Economy; USD 40 = 2,000 Miles on First Class or Business Class fares
This offer allows travelers to use a mix of cash and Skywards Miles (Emirates’ frequent flyer points) to pay for their tickets, making it more affordable to fly to Da Nang or Siem Reap.
2. Double Skywards Miles Offer
– Booking Period: March 15–June 5, 2025
– Travel Period: June 2–August 31, 2025
– Benefit: Earn twice the usual number of Miles on flights to or from Da Nang or Siem Reap via Bangkok
These promotions are designed to attract more travelers to try the new routes and reward loyal Emirates customers.
Partnerships and Investments: Building Stronger Connections
Emirates’ expansion in Southeast Asia is supported by several important partnerships and investments:
1. Vietnam Partnerships
Emirates has signed agreements with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Sun Group to improve air connectivity and promote tourism to Vietnam. These partnerships help make travel smoother and more convenient for passengers.
2. Investments in Thailand
Emirates has invested heavily in Thailand, including a THB 175 million premium lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport and the opening of the Emirates World Store at Gaysorn Village. These investments show Emirates’ commitment to providing top-quality service for travelers passing through Bangkok.
3. Strategic Alliances
Emirates works closely with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thai Airways, and Bangkok Airways to improve regional connectivity and promote high-value tourism. These alliances help attract more visitors to Thailand and the wider region.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Emirates in Southeast Asia?
Emirates’ growth in Southeast Asia is set to continue, with several exciting developments on the horizon:
1. Premium Service Expansion
Starting in July 2025, Bangkok will be one of the first cities in Southeast Asia to receive Emirates’ new four-class Airbus A380, which includes a Premium Economy cabin. This will give travelers more choices and greater comfort on long-haul flights.
2. Economic Development in Da Nang and Siem Reap
Da Nang is quickly becoming a center for logistics and technology in Vietnam, attracting investment and creating jobs. Siem Reap, home to the famous Angkor Wat temples, is seeing a tourism rebound thanks to its new international airport and improved infrastructure. Emirates’ new flights will help both cities grow by bringing in more visitors and supporting local businesses.
3. Network Growth
With the addition of Da Nang and Siem Reap, Emirates now offers 269 weekly flights from Dubai to 24 destinations in East Asia. This puts Emirates ahead of other non-Asian airlines in the region and gives travelers more options for reaching their favorite destinations.
Visa and Immigration Considerations for Travelers
Travelers using the new Emirates routes to Da Nang and Siem Reap should be aware of visa and immigration requirements for Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Cambodia 🇰🇭. Both countries have their own rules for tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers.
Vietnam Visa Requirements
– Most travelers need a visa to enter Vietnam 🇻🇳, but citizens of some countries can enter visa-free for short stays.
– E-visas are available for many nationalities and can be applied for online.
– For the latest information and to apply for a Vietnamese visa, visit the official Vietnam Immigration Department.
Cambodia Visa Requirements
– Cambodia 🇰🇭 offers visas on arrival and e-visas for many travelers.
– Tourists can usually stay for up to 30 days.
– For official details and to apply for a Cambodian visa, visit the Cambodia e-Visa portal.
Transit in Bangkok
– Travelers transiting through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport do not need a Thai visa if they remain in the international transit area and have a connecting flight within 24 hours.
– For more information on Thai transit and visa rules, check the official Thai Immigration Bureau website.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these new routes are expected to increase travel between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪, Vietnam 🇻🇳, and Cambodia 🇰🇭, making it more important for travelers to check visa requirements before booking their flights.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Travelers:
The new Emirates flights make it easier and faster to reach Da Nang and Siem Reap from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With convenient schedules and special promotions, travelers can explore new destinations or visit family and friends with less hassle.
For Businesses:
Companies in Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Cambodia 🇰🇭 can benefit from better air links to Dubai and beyond. This supports trade, investment, and business travel, especially under the CEPA agreements that encourage economic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and Southeast Asian countries.
For Tourism Industry:
Tour operators, hotels, and local businesses in Da Nang and Siem Reap are likely to see more visitors thanks to the new Emirates routes. This can help create jobs and boost local economies, especially as tourism rebounds after the pandemic.
For Governments:
The launch of these flights supports government efforts to promote tourism, attract investment, and strengthen ties with the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪. Improved air connectivity can also help with cultural exchange and diplomatic relations.
Practical Guidance and Next Steps
If you’re planning to travel to Da Nang or Siem Reap on Emirates, here are some steps to follow:
- Check Visa Requirements: Visit the official government websites for Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Cambodia 🇰🇭 to confirm what documents you need.
- Book Early: Take advantage of Emirates’ special promotions by booking your flight before June 5, 2025, for travel between June 2 and August 31, 2025.
- Join Emirates Skywards: Sign up for Emirates’ frequent flyer program to earn and redeem Miles on your flights.
- Plan Your Transit: If you’re connecting through Bangkok, make sure your layover meets Thai transit rules.
- Stay Informed: Check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements, as rules can change quickly.
For more details on Emirates’ new routes and to book your flight, visit the official Emirates website.
Conclusion
Emirates’ launch of new flights to Da Nang and Siem Reap via Bangkok is a major development for travelers, businesses, and the tourism industry in Southeast Asia. With convenient schedules, special promotions, and strong partnerships, Emirates is making it easier than ever to connect Dubai with two of the region’s most exciting destinations. Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or part of the local community, these new routes offer new opportunities and a brighter future for all involved.
Learn Today
Boeing 777-300ER → A long-range, wide-body aircraft used by Emirates for international flights with two-class seating.
Cash+Miles → A payment option allowing travelers to combine cash and frequent flyer miles for ticket purchase.
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement → Trade and investment deal between countries to ease business and travel barriers, like UAE-Vietnam agreements.
Skywards Miles → Frequent flyer points earned on Emirates flights, redeemable for flights, upgrades, and rewards.
Transit Hub → An airport where passengers change planes en route to their final destination, such as Bangkok for these routes.
This Article in a Nutshell
Emirates enhances Southeast Asia connectivity with new Da Nang and Siem Reap flights via Bangkok. These routes boost tourism, business, and trade by connecting Dubai to emerging East Asian destinations with convenient schedules and attractive promotions for travelers.
— By VisaVerge.com
