In a significant move to deepen its presence in East Asia, Emirates Airline has officially launched daily flights between Dubai and Hangzhou, marking the airline’s fifth gateway into mainland China. The inaugural flight EK310 arrived at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on July 30, 2025, greeted by dignitaries, local officials, and enthusiastic travelers. This latest addition builds on Emirates’ recent launch of services to Shenzhen, reinforcing the airline’s robust growth strategy in the Far East and its confidence in the resurgence of Chinese aviation and tourism.
With this strategic expansion, Emirates is reinforcing its role as a global connector, facilitating seamless travel between China and over 130 international destinations across six continents.
A Gateway to East China: Daily Emirates Flights from Dubai to Hangzhou
The new Dubai–Hangzhou route offers a convenient travel option for business and leisure passengers alike. Emirates Flight EK310 departs Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 09:40 and lands in Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) at 22:00 local time. The return flight, EK311, takes off from Hangzhou at 00:10 and arrives back in Dubai at 04:55, allowing smooth onward connections to cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
The Boeing 777-300ER deployed on this route features Emirates’ award-winning services, including lie-flat beds in Business Class, regionally inspired dining options—featuring popular Chinese dishes—and the acclaimed ICE inflight entertainment system, offering over 5,000 channels.
Hangzhou: A Dynamic Economic and Cultural Hub
Located in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou is an emerging powerhouse in tourism, technology, and global commerce. With its iconic West Lake (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), silk traditions, and vibrant tea culture, Hangzhou has long held a special place in China’s cultural landscape.
The city is also home to Alibaba Group and many other tech startups, making it one of China’s fastest-growing digital and financial hubs. According to the China Tourism Academy, Hangzhou welcomed more than 70 million domestic tourists and over 1.5 million international visitors in 2024—a number expected to rise significantly with improved international air access.
The launch of Emirates’ daily service will significantly boost inbound international tourism and business travel to the region, particularly from key markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Germany, Nigeria, and Brazil.
Enhanced Travel Experience and Passenger Comfort
Emirates is bringing its renowned hospitality and premium services to travelers flying to and from Hangzhou. Business and First Class passengers can enjoy complimentary chauffeur-driven transfers within an 80-kilometer radius of Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, ensuring a luxurious door-to-door travel experience.
In addition to personalized in-flight service and high-speed Wi-Fi, the route offers international travelers quick access to other top Chinese cities, with rail and domestic flight connections to Shanghai, Nanjing, and Suzhou.
Strategic Expansion: Emirates Now Flies to Five Cities in Mainland China
Emirates’ China expansion now includes Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. With the addition of Hangzhou, Emirates operates 49 weekly passenger flights into China, further solidifying its position as one of the few international carriers with deep reach into the Chinese mainland.
This expansion comes at a time when China’s outbound travel demand is rebounding. According to China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, outbound travel in 2025 is projected to surpass 130 million trips, supported by simplified visa policies and airline growth.
The new service aligns with the UAE’s broader strategic goal of boosting bilateral trade and tourism. China remains the UAE’s top trading partner, and enhanced air connectivity is seen as essential to deepening diplomatic and commercial ties.
Dubai as a Global Travel Hub: Connecting Hangzhou to the World
From Dubai, passengers flying from Hangzhou can easily connect to more than 40 cities in Europe, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Zurich; 21 destinations across Africa, such as Nairobi, Cape Town, and Accra; and 13 cities in the Middle East including Jeddah, Riyadh, Muscat, and Amman.
This route is a critical bridge for Chinese businesses seeking investment and trade links across Africa and the Middle East, while also serving as a cultural gateway for tourists exploring the historic Silk Road and beyond.
Supporting Trade and Tourism Growth
In addition to passenger travel, Emirates SkyCargo plays a vital role in air freight logistics. The new route is expected to facilitate increased cargo volumes between China and the Gulf region, supporting exports such as electronics, textiles, and e-commerce shipments.
Hangzhou, being a top logistics hub in China, benefits from this added capacity, particularly for time-sensitive goods moving through Dubai to markets in Africa and South Asia.
Cultural and Diplomatic Bridges
Emirates is actively involved in promoting cultural and diplomatic exchanges between China and the UAE. Through partnerships with cultural institutions, education programs, and trade delegations, the airline is helping strengthen bilateral ties. Hangzhou’s new flight is part of this broader mission to connect people, ideas, and opportunities.
Conclusion
With the launch of daily flights to Hangzhou, Emirates continues its ambitious expansion in Asia. As demand for travel rebounds and Chinese cities reestablish themselves as global destinations, Emirates is offering passengers unparalleled connectivity, comfort, and service.
The Dubai–Hangzhou route will not only foster tourism and trade but also enhance the cultural exchange between China and the wider world. For travelers and businesses alike, this new connection opens doors to new possibilities, reinforcing Hangzhou’s status as a rising global city—and Emirates’ role as a leader in global aviation.
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