Emirates has officially inaugurated a new daily flight service to Hangzhou, expanding its footprint in mainland China to five cities. The new route, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, marks the second Chinese destination added by the airline within a month, following the launch of services to Shenzhen.
Flight EK310 touched down at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on 30 July to a warm welcome, including a water cannon salute and a reception by local dignitaries and airport officials. Passengers on the inaugural flight from Dubai received commemorative gifts such as Chinese tea tasting sets, certificates, and keychains.
The new service represents a strategic move in Emirates’ growth across East and Southeast Asia. Speaking on the occasion, Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the airline’s long-standing role in China’s aviation sector. “Adding two new gateways within just one month is a major milestone that underscores our deepening commitment to the Chinese mainland,” he said.
Emirates now operates 49 weekly flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. The Hangzhou route will enhance connectivity for travellers from over 40 European cities, 21 African cities, 13 in the Middle East, as well as Brazil and Argentina. Additionally, passengers flying from Hangzhou can connect via Dubai to global cities such as Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo and Johannesburg.
The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft deployed on the route offers 8 First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats, and 304 Economy Class seats. Passengers will also enjoy the airline’s award-winning ice entertainment system with over 6,500 channels, including a broad selection in Chinese. Meals on board feature Chinese dishes and desserts, tailored to the local palate.
For premium travellers, Emirates has extended its chauffeur-drive service to Hangzhou, offering First and Business Class passengers complimentary transfers within an 80-kilometre radius of the airport, using Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles. Hangzhou becomes the latest among over 70 cities globally to offer this luxury service.
The new route also strengthens Emirates SkyCargo’s operations in the region. With the aircraft offering 16 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity per flight, it will support the transport of time-sensitive and high-value goods such as e-commerce products, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Hangzhou, known for its strong digital trade ecosystem and advanced logistics, serves as a major e-commerce hub for Chinese exports.
Through partnerships with Chinese carriers including China Southern Airlines, Air China, and Sichuan Airlines, Emirates offers broader domestic connectivity within China. The airline is also collaborating with the UAE China Cultural Centre to promote China as a destination across its network.
With visa-free entry for GCC nationals for up to 30 days, the new service makes both business and leisure travel to Hangzhou and the broader Chinese mainland more accessible than ever.
