Emirates has expanded its footprint in China with the launch of a new daily service from Dubai to Hangzhou, a move designed to enhance both leisure and business travel between the UAE and one of China’s most dynamic cities. Hangzhou now becomes the airline’s fifth destination in China, joining Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen on the network.
A Strategic Step in UAE–China Connectivity
The inaugural flight EK310 touched down at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on July 30, 2025, greeted with a water cannon salute and a formal welcome by local officials. This new service follows closely on the heels of Emirates’ recently launched route to Shenzhen, signaling the airline’s determination to deepen ties with China’s key commercial and cultural hubs.
With its rich cultural heritage and reputation as a modern economic powerhouse, Hangzhou is both a top tourist destination and a vital business center in eastern China. Emirates’ expansion here opens more opportunities for travelers from across its global network to experience one of China’s most scenic and economically vibrant regions.
Flight Schedule and Aircraft
The new daily service is operated by Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER, offering eight private First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats, and 304 spacious Economy seats.
- EK310 departs Dubai at 09:40, arriving in Hangzhou at 22:00 local time.
- EK311 leaves Hangzhou at 00:10, landing in Dubai at 04:55 local time.
The schedule is carefully designed to allow smooth onward connections for passengers flying between Hangzhou and destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
Premium Comfort and Service
Emirates is known for its attention to passenger comfort, and this route is no exception. First and Business Class travelers can enjoy the complimentary chauffeur-drive service, available within an 80-kilometre radius of Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. This premium perk is also available in over 70 cities worldwide, including Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai, Paris, Milan, and London.
Onboard, passengers benefit from Emirates’ award-winning hospitality, gourmet dining options, and the ICE inflight entertainment system, offering thousands of movies, TV shows, and music channels in multiple languages. For long-haul journeys such as Dubai–Hangzhou, these amenities transform travel into a seamless, relaxing experience.
A Boost for Tourism and Business Travel
Hangzhou is home to iconic attractions such as the UNESCO-listed West Lake, the Grand Canal, and lush tea plantations producing the renowned Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. The city also plays host to major technology companies, making it a magnet for business travelers.
For UAE tourists, this direct connection opens up an easily accessible gateway to explore Hangzhou’s blend of ancient charm and modern innovation. Meanwhile, for Chinese travelers, Dubai’s position as a global hub offers access to more than 140 destinations worldwide via Emirates’ extensive network.
Emirates’ Growing Presence in China
With the addition of Hangzhou, Emirates now operates 49 weekly flights to China, covering five major cities:
- Beijing (PEK)
- Shanghai (PVG)
- Guangzhou (CAN)
- Shenzhen (SZX)
- Hangzhou (HGH)
This expansion reflects Emirates’ commitment to serving the growing demand for premium, reliable air travel between China and the UAE, as well as onward connections to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Partnerships for Wider Reach
Beyond its own network, Emirates has strengthened its China coverage through codeshare and interline agreements with major Chinese carriers, including China Southern Airlines, Air China, and Sichuan Airlines. These partnerships enable passengers to connect seamlessly to secondary cities across China, from Chengdu to Xi’an, extending the reach far beyond the direct destinations served by Emirates.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The UAE and China enjoy strong bilateral relations, with trade, tourism, and cultural exchange growing year on year. The new Hangzhou route supports these ties by facilitating easier travel for investors, entrepreneurs, students, and tourists.
Local tourism boards in Hangzhou anticipate an uptick in Gulf-region visitors, while the UAE’s hospitality and retail sectors stand to benefit from increased Chinese arrivals, especially during seasonal travel peaks like Chinese New Year and Golden Week.
Symbolic and Practical Benefits
The inaugural Dubai–Hangzhou flight was more than a schedule addition — it was a symbolic gesture of partnership. Passengers onboard received commemorative gifts such as keychains, certificates, and traditional Chinese tea sets, marking the occasion as a celebration of both cultural connection and commercial opportunity.
For Emirates, the Hangzhou launch reinforces its image as a connector of continents, linking cultural capitals and economic centers with the efficiency of its modern fleet and high service standards.
Looking Ahead
As Emirates continues to expand in Asia, Hangzhou is expected to play a key role in its China strategy. The city’s rapidly growing economy, rich tourism appeal, and strategic location make it a valuable addition to the airline’s network. The daily service will not only cater to immediate travel demand but also help shape long-term connections between two dynamic regions.
In summary, the launch of daily flights between Dubai and Hangzhou represents a major step in UAE–China connectivity. It offers travelers a luxurious, efficient, and direct link between two cities that serve as gateways to their respective regions — Dubai to the world, and Hangzhou to eastern China.
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