Emirates Expands New Air Routes from UAE to Nigeria, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia, And Brazil

Published on August 1, 2025

Image Credit: Emirates Airlines

Emirates has strengthened their commitment to China with the introduction of new routes from UAE to Nigeria, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Hangzhou, fifth gateway in mainland China. Less than a month after launching its services to Shenzhen the introduction of Hohhot represents expanding connectivity in China.

The airline’s flight EK310 landed in Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on July 30 and was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute to mark the start of flights. Gracing this momentous occasion were local government officials, alongside airport management personnel as well an Emirates VIP delegation which included Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Senior Vice President for International Affairs and Adnan Kazim the airline’s Deputy President & Chief Commercial Officer.

Strategic Expansion to Meet Growing Demand

China’s aviation market is one of the fastest-growing globally, and Emirates is capitalizing on this surge by expanding its presence. The new service to Hangzhou is part of Emirates’ broader strategy to enhance its connectivity across East and Southeast Asia. The airline now operates 49 weekly flights to major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou.

Adnan Kazim emphasized the importance of this growth, highlighting the airline’s role in fostering stronger trade, tourism, and digital connections between China, the Middle East, and beyond. He also praised the strong collaboration with local partners, including the Civil Aviation Administration of China and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, which has been key in facilitating the route launch.

A Convenient and High-Quality Travel Experience

Emirates’ Hangzhou route is operated using the Boeing 777-300ER, which offers ample capacity with 8 First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats, and 304 Economy Class seats. This aircraft also features the airline’s award-winning ice entertainment system, with over 6,500 channels in multiple languages, including Chinese. The airline’s signature high-class service continues onboard with regionally inspired meals that reflect popular Chinese culinary traditions, ensuring an exceptional flying experience.

The daily flight departs Dubai at 09:40 AM and arrives in Hangzhou at 10:00 PM. The return flight, EK311, leaves Hangzhou at 12:10 AM, landing back in Dubai at 4:55 AM. This well-timed service ensures seamless connectivity for passengers traveling to and from various regions, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, all via Dubai.

Boosting Cargo Capacity and E-Commerce Links

In addition to passenger service, Emirates is significantly enhancing its cargo operations through this new route. The Boeing 777-300ER offers up to 16 tonnes of bellyhold cargo space, making it an ideal option for transporting time-sensitive shipments like e-commerce goods, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. As one of the world’s largest e-commerce hubs, Hangzhou plays a key role in facilitating international trade. This new flight connection will allow goods from the region to reach emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Latin America more quickly, boosting efficiency and performance within global supply chains.

Improved Connectivity and Luxury Travel Services

Emirates is also enhancing travel options for passengers flying from Hangzhou. The airline has extended its complimentary chauffeur-drive service for First and Business Class passengers, which is now available in Hangzhou. Travelers can enjoy premium transfers within an 80-kilometer radius of Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, arriving in style in Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles. This service is part of Emirates’ effort to offer luxury travel experiences across over 70 global cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Paris, and Milan.

Through partnerships with leading Chinese carriers such as China Southern Airlines, Air China, and Sichuan Airlines, Emirates also provides enhanced connectivity to other destinations across China. These interline and codeshare agreements further expand the travel options for Emirates passengers.

Supporting Tourism and Economic Development

Emirates remains committed to supporting China’s tourism sector and enhancing its global outreach. Last year, the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE China Cultural Centre to jointly promote China as a key destination within its global network.

In addition to this, the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens can travel to China visa-free for up to 30 days, which makes both business and leisure visits easier than ever. With the opening of the Hangzhou route, Emirates is strengthening its role in facilitating both tourism and economic exchanges between the UAE, China, and the wider Middle East.

A Major Milestone for Emirates and China’s Aviation Market

The launch of flights to Hangzhou comes in the same year as Emirates marks its 25th anniversary of flying to Beijing, and also underlines the airline’s continued commitment for operations on Chinese mainland. The announcement is a significant one for Emirates, but also marks an important milestone in the development of air transport in China which continues to be on course for rapid expansion. As Emirates continues to develop a Chinese-Middle Eastern air bridge, travel and trade will be facilitated for passengers and businesses alike (further reinforcing the airline’s international presence in world aviation).

By boosting this dynamic link between two key regions, Emirates will continue to facilitate economic and tourism growth with the launch of new markets for travelers in China/Middle East/Africa by linking through Dubai while enabling more seamless business trade across these continents.