Emirates airline has officially launched a new daily service to Shenzhen, marking its fourth gateway in mainland China and reinforcing its growth strategy in East Asia. The inaugural flight, EK 328, landed at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on July 1, where it was welcomed with an official reception attended by dignitaries and media partners. The airline reiterates its commitment to providing smooth and comfortable international air connectivity to and from China, aligning with its expansion plans in East Asia.
Passengers aboard the inaugural flight from Dubai to Shenzhen received special gifts and commemorative certificates to celebrate the occasion.
Emirates now operates 42 weekly flights to four major cities in mainland China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, offering travelers and businesses increased travel options and flexible air connectivity to and from China.
The airline utilizes its upgraded Boeing 777 with a four-class configuration for this route. Flight EK 328 departs Dubai at 10:05 AM, arriving in Shenzhen at 10:00 PM. The return flight, EK 329, leaves Shenzhen at 11:55 PM, landing back in Dubai at 03:40 AM the following day. (All times are local to Dubai and Shenzhen).
The flight schedule to and from Shenzhen is designed to facilitate smooth connections with key European destinations such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam via Emirates’ hub in Dubai. Additionally, passengers can also connect easily to the airline’s routes in Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia.
According to Adnan Kazim, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, “We are delighted to introduce our new daily service to Shenzhen, one of the most dynamic and innovative cities in China. This achievement reflects Emirates’ ongoing commitment to enhance its presence in mainland China and support the nation’s objectives in trade and tourism. This expansion aligns with the growing ties between China and the UAE and serves as a strategic step to link the innovation corridor of the Greater Bay Area, which includes Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau—a global hub of technology and innovation aiming to attract international resources in this field, through our flights.”
Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Shenzhen Airport Group, and all local partners for their substantial support in launching this service. The airline looks forward to strengthening the connection between Shenzhen and Dubai, enabling more travelers and businesses to benefit from its expanding network.
Travelers to Shenzhen will enjoy a premium flying experience aboard Emirates’ updated Boeing 777 with four classes, featuring eight private suites in First Class, 40 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration in Business Class allowing direct aisle access for every passenger, as well as 24 seats in Premium Economy and 260 seats in Economy Class. Shenzhen becomes the first city in mainland China to welcome Emirates’ upgraded aircraft featuring enhanced cabin designs.
Emirates has been serving the Chinese market since 2004, playing a pivotal role in facilitating connections across over 50 countries under the Belt and Road Initiative, including nearly a third of the 150 nations and regions participating in the initiative. The new service is expected to enhance visitor traffic to the Greater Bay Area from the Gulf Cooperation Council and Africa, while also supporting key industrial sectors such as smart manufacturing, e-commerce, and biopharmaceuticals through a global logistics network that ensures timely delivery of shipments within 72 hours.
The airline operates its new route between Dubai and Shenzhen on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which have a cargo capacity of up to 16 tons per flight, thereby strengthening the “Air Silk Road” by linking Shenzhen’s advanced manufacturing sector with Emirates’ global freight network. Additionally, the airline’s cold chain capabilities ensure the effective and seamless transport of perishable goods and pharmaceuticals worldwide.
The UAE stands as China’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade reaching $95 billion in 2023. The aviation sector plays a crucial role in accelerating trade growth between the two nations. Emirates’ expansion in mainland China comes at an ideal time, coinciding with the deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the UAE and China, enhancing cooperation across various fields, including trade, technology, logistics, and investment.
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the UAE, can now travel to China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days, allowing Emirates customers to plan their trips for business or leisure to China with ease and flexibility.
Emirates reaffirms its commitment to providing seamless and comfortable international air connectivity to and from China, in line with its expansion strategy in East Asia.