Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is set to launch a daily non-stop service between Dubai and Hangzhou from 30 July. The airline’s latest expansion into Hangzhou makes the city its fifth gateway into the Chinese mainland after Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.
The new service will operate with a three-class Boeing 777-300ER, providing a total capacity of 2,478 weekly seats. Emirates flight EK310 will depart Dubai at 0940hrs and arrive in Hangzhou at 2200hrs. The return flight, EK311, will depart Hangzhou at 0010hrs, landing in Dubai at 04:55hrs.
The new flights are optimally timed to connect travelers to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa, 11 in the Middle East, as well as Brazil and Argentina, offering convenient two-way connections to key cities including Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg.
“Launching a new Dubai-Hangzhou route marks a pivotal moment in our operations in the Chinese mainland and broader East Asia region. As an emerging global hub for innovation, e-commerce, and advanced manufacturing, Hangzhou will open doors to new opportunities for our passenger and cargo operations, further strengthening the vital economic and technological exchanges between the Middle East and China.”
— Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer
He added: “The addition of a fifth gateway in our Chinese mainland network will enhance connectivity for travelers and offer businesses efficient access to and from key East Asian markets. This expansion is part of our global growth strategy and positions Emirates as the preferred airline for connecting the world to China’s thriving economic corridors.”
A Rising Tech Powerhouse
The capital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, is rapidly growing into a global hub for innovation, e-commerce, and technological advancements. Home to Alibaba Group, the city plays a crucial role in China’s digital economy, with cross-border e-commerce exports projected to exceed AED 70 billion (140 billion Chinese yuan) by 2026. With its blend of historical heritage, including the UNESCO-listed West Lake and Leifeng Pagoda, alongside a thriving tech industry, the city offers unique opportunities for Emirates’ travelers to explore.
By embracing artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing, Hangzhou attracts numerous tech start-ups and innovation centers from around the world. In 2024, revenue generated by the city’s core digital economy industries is expected to exceed AED 1 trillion (2 trillion Chinese yuan), accounting for 28.8% of the city’s GDP.
Serving Passengers and Cargo
Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER will feature 8 First Class suites, 42 angle-flat Business Class seats, and 304 ergonomically designed Economy Class seats. Passengers flying with Emirates to Hangzhou will also enjoy the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, offering over 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment in more than 40 languages, including regional specialties in cuisine.
Emirates SkyCargo will leverage the new Hangzhou route to enhance its cargo footprint across East Asia and meet rising demand for reliable air freight solutions. This service aims to reduce transit times for high-value and time-sensitive goods, including electronics, e-commerce products, pharmaceuticals, and perishables.
From 30 July, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to the Chinese mainland, enhancing connectivity and reflecting the strengthening UAE-China bilateral ties. Emirates is well-positioned to seamlessly connect tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors from high-growth regions to Hangzhou—a dynamic center of technology and innovation.
