Dubai, May 11 - Emirates, the Dubai-based flag carrier renowned for its luxurious service and expansive global network, is set to broaden its reach in 2025 by introducing flights to four new destinations: Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Da Nang, and Siem Reap. This strategic expansion underscores the airline’s commitment to connecting emerging markets with its hub at Dubai International Airport, leveraging its fleet of widebody aircraft to cater to growing travel demand across Asia. As of May 2025, Emirates operates to 143 destinations worldwide, and these additions reflect its focus on tapping into high-potential regions, particularly in China and Southeast Asia, where economic growth and tourism are driving increased connectivity.
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The first of the new routes will serve Shenzhen, China, a bustling metropolis known as the country’s Silicon Valley. With a population exceeding 17 million and a thriving technology and manufacturing sector, Shenzhen is a critical addition to Emirates’ network. The airline plans to operate daily flights to Shenzhen using its Boeing 777-300ER, an aircraft capable of seating between 364 and 442 passengers, depending on configuration. This route aims to capture both business and leisure travelers, facilitated by Dubai’s strategic position as a global transit hub. Shenzhen’s proximity to Guangzhou, another city Emirates serves, highlights the carrier’s confidence in the region’s demand, with minimal risk of market cannibalization due to the sheer scale of these urban centers.
Hangzhou, another Chinese city joining Emirates’ map, is equally significant. Located on China’s east coast, Hangzhou is a hub for technology and e-commerce, home to around 13 million people and a growing number of affluent residents. Emirates will also deploy the Boeing 777-300ER on this daily service, targeting summer 2025 for its launch. The route is expected to attract passengers traveling to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with Dubai serving as a seamless connection point. Despite earlier delays due to aircraft delivery schedules, Emirates’ recent acquisition of Airbus A350 aircraft has alleviated these constraints, paving the way for timely route launches. In Southeast Asia, Emirates is introducing flights to Da Nang, Vietnam’s third city, in its network after Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Da Nang, a coastal city with a burgeoning tourism industry, will be served four times weekly with the Boeing 777-300ER. This route caters to the increasing demand for beach and cultural tourism, with Da Nang’s proximity to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Hoi An and Hue making it a draw for international visitors. The airline’s decision to operate these flights reflects its strategy to diversify its Southeast Asian portfolio, capitalizing on Vietnam’s growing appeal as a leisure destination.
Siem Reap, Cambodia, marks Emirates’ second destination in the country after Phnom Penh. Known for the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap is a cornerstone of Cambodia’s tourism industry. Emirates will operate three weekly flights to this city, making it the least-served destination in its passenger network. The Boeing 777-300ER will again be utilized, offering a premium travel experience for tourists and connecting them to global destinations via Dubai. This route, potentially operating as a fifth-freedom flight through a Southeast Asian hub like Singapore, underscores Emirates’ innovative approach to network planning. These new routes align with Emirates’ broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Asia, where it already has a robust network. The airline’s ability to attract transit passengers through Dubai, combined with the economic and cultural significance of Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Da Nang, and Siem Reap, positions these additions as key drivers of growth. By deploying the Boeing 777-300ER, Emirates ensures consistency in its premium offerings, including its renowned in-flight entertainment system, ICE, which features over 4,000 channels. As Emirates continues to expand, these routes will enhance global connectivity, offering travelers new opportunities to explore some of Asia’s most dynamic and culturally rich cities.