Emirates expands to Shenzhen, Da Nang and Siem Reap

Emirates is expanding its global network with the official introduction of three new destinations - Shenzhen in China, Da Nang in Vietnam, and Siem Reap in Cambodia, with flights starting from June.

Emirates is to launch daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Shenzhen from July 1, along with introducing four weekly services to Da Nang on June 2 and three weekly flights to Siem Reap from June 3 with both cities connecting via Bangkok.

The addition of Shenzhen, Da Nang and Siem Reap, puts Emirates ahead of the curve with the largest and most diversified route network among any non-Asian airline in East Asia, offering 269 flights per week from Dubai to 24 points. This latest expansion also marks Emirates’ fourth gateway into the Chinese mainland, third destination in Vietnam and second point in Cambodia.

Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: "We remain committed to offering business and leisure travellers unparalleled access to Southeast Asia and the broader East Asia region by delivering an extensive flight schedule. Our expansion into Shenzhen opens new doors for business and economic exchange between this technological powerhouse and global markets.

"As we prepare to launch operations, we extend our gratitude to the Chinese authorities and airport partners for their ongoing support and are committed to ensuring this route's success while fostering cultural bonds and unlocking future economic potential.”

He added: “Vietnam holds a strategic place in our Southeast Asia network. Our decision to expand operations to Da Nang as our third point in Vietnam comes at an opportune moment, following the landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Vietnam.

They say good things come in threes. And with our newest destinations, it couldn't be truer!

Shenzhen, Da Nang, and Siem Reap are joining the Emirates network in 2025. 🤩

Three new adventures await! Who's booking the first flight? 🙋🏻‍♀️ https://t.co/N0DyMcC5Uo pic.twitter.com/5dv3zq2oHp

— Emirates (@emirates) March 3, 2025

"We are confident that our new service will elevate the existing bilateral trade and commercial collaboration between our nations. We extend our gratitude to our local partners and Da Nang International Airport for their support. Emirates is also making it easier for travellers to connect to Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, one of Cambodia’s most popular destinations with its incredible ancient wonders and natural beauty.

"With the addition of these new gateways, we’re strengthening our links, giving customers more choice, offering an unparalleled onboard experience and ensuring seamless and convenient connections to and from China’s largest cities, Vietnam’s emerging economic and leisure hubs, and Cambodia’s touristic treasures.”

Emirates’ entry into Shenzhen makes it the first Middle Eastern carrier to operate a daily flight to the Chinese mainland’s technology and innovation hub. Emirates became the first airline to establish direct air connectivity between the Middle East and the Chinese mainland in 2002 with the start of services between Dubai and Shanghai.

This marked the beginning of a successful two-decade partnership that has been underpinned by close bilateral ties between the UAE and China through operations in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Shenzhen’s flight times have been scheduled to optimise connections to and from key points across Africa and the Middle East/GCC, including Kenya, Egypt, South Africa and Saudi Arabia; popular European business and financial centres in the UK, Italy and Spain; and from the airline’s key gateways in the United States and South America. EK328 will depart from Dubai at 10:05 a.m., arriving in Shenzhen at 10:00 p.m. The return flight EK329 departs Shenzhen at 11:55 p.m., landing in Dubai at 03 40 a.m. the next day.

Shenzhen will also become the first destination in China to be served with the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, offering customers the opportunity to experience its latest Business Class seats and highly acclaimed Premium Economy product. The four-class Boeing 777-300ER offers travellers eight private suites in First Class, 40 lie flat seats in Business Class, 24 Premium Economy seats and 260 spacious seats in Economy Class.

With its passenger and freighter operations, Emirates facilitates the transport of 2,000 tonnes of cargo each week from the Chinese mainland. The addition of Shenzhen will serve as a vital bridge between Chinese enterprises and global markets, while deepening the economic partnership between the UAE and China.

Shenzhen's position as a technology manufacturing powerhouse generates valuable cargo streams requiring specialized handling and expedited delivery, particularly for sophisticated electronics and tech products. The city is also part of a Special Economic Zone and continues to enhance its cargo handling capabilities. Emirates SkyCargo is expected to uplift 10 tonnes of cargo per flight between Shenzhen and Dubai and is expected to support exports such as high-tech devices and e-commerce items.

On Monday, Dubai carrier flydubai announced it has also added three destinations in Iran. This includes the start of flights to Bushehr and Tabriz from March 13 and Qeshm from March 14. This comes after the carrier recently announced Al Alamein in Egypt and Antalya in Türkiye as its latest seasonal summer destinations between June and September, offering its customers more options for travel around its network for the holiday season.