Emirates expands China network with daily Dubai-Hangzhou flights
New route adds 2,478 weekly seats connecting Dubai with East China
DUBAI: Emirates is set to launch a daily non-stop service between Dubai and Hangzhou starting 30 July*, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion into Eastern China.
The new route positions Hangzhou as the fifth mainland Chinese city served by Emirates, alongside Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
Operated by a three-class Boeing 777-300ER, the service offers a total capacity of 2,478 weekly seats. Emirates flight EK310 will depart Dubai at 09:40 and arrive in Hangzhou at 22:00. The return leg, EK311, will leave Hangzhou at 00:10 and land in Dubai at 04:55**. The schedule is optimally designed to ensure seamless two-way connectivity to destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, said the addition of Hangzhou reflects the airline’s ongoing investment in East Asia. “Launching a new Dubai-Hangzhou route marks a pivotal moment in our operations in the Chinese mainland and broader East Asia region,” he said.
He added, “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. The addition of a fifth gateway in our Chinese mainland network will enhance connectivity for travellers and provide businesses with efficient access to and from East Asian markets.”
Kazim also expressed appreciation for the support of Chinese authorities, emphasising shared goals of enhanced global connectivity.
Strategic tech gateway
Located in eastern China, Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of the country’s most technologically advanced cities. It is home to the Alibaba Group and numerous innovation parks, making it a centre for AI, cloud computing, and big data.
The city’s cross-border e-commerce exports are forecast to exceed Dh70 billion (CNY 140 billion) by 2026, underlining its importance as a global digital trade hub. In 2024 alone, Hangzhou’s digital economy core industries generated revenue exceeding Dh1 trillion (CNY 2 trillion), accounting for nearly 29% of the city’s GDP.
The blend of tradition and tech offers a unique appeal to tourists and business travellers alike. Iconic landmarks such as the UNESCO-listed West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, and the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City attract millions of visitors each year, reinforcing Hangzhou’s status as both a cultural and commercial powerhouse.
Passenger experience
Emirates will operate its Boeing 777-300ER on the new route, offering passengers a choice between 8 First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats, and 304 Economy Class seats. The aircraft is equipped with Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, offering over 6,500 channels in more than 40 languages, including a wide range of Chinese content.
Travellers can also enjoy regional cuisine and a specially curated menu featuring popular Chinese dishes and desserts. The airline’s emphasis on comfort and personalised service is aimed at enhancing the long-haul travel experience between the UAE and China’s eastern coast.
The Hangzhou route is designed to connect travellers from the city to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa, 11 in the Middle East, and long-haul destinations in Latin America including Brazil and Argentina. This positions Emirates as a key player in facilitating global access to China’s most vibrant economic corridors.
Cargo and trade boost
Beyond passenger traffic, Emirates’ expansion into Hangzhou will have a substantial impact on cargo operations. With its extensive global freight network and advanced logistics capabilities, Emirates SkyCargo aims to strengthen trade flows between China and key markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Africa, and Latin America.
The new route is expected to improve speed and efficiency for transporting high-value and time-sensitive goods including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishable food items. As a major export city, Hangzhou’s positioning within the Belt and Road Initiative is further reinforced by Emirates’ cargo services, helping link China’s booming e-commerce and manufacturing industries with fast-growing regions.
From the end of July, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights into mainland China, including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai, daily services to Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and the new daily service to Hangzhou.
This expansion aligns with the deepening strategic partnership between the UAE and China and underscores Emirates’ role in supporting both nations’ economic ambitions through enhanced aviation links.
For further information or to book tickets, customers can visit emirates.com, use the Emirates App, contact Emirates retail outlets or agents, or use WeChat Pay on the website for bookings within China.