Emirates is tapping into the ever-growing Asia tourism market, with new flights to China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. 

All three services will take off mid-2025 as part of the carrier’s plans to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to connecting the Middle East to Southeast and East Asia. Once the new flights are up in the air, Emirates will offer 269 flights between 24 points across Asia to Dubai. 

“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,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer.

If you’re wondering, what’s the significance of the Asian market? Allow us to explain:

Asia, particularly China, was a main topic of discussion at last year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), for its burgeoning opportunities to the Middle East’s tourism industry. These conversations stemmed from a significant increase in Chinese tourists during Q1 2024 of 54% compared to the same period in 2023. 

Sukhpreet Ghataura, Director of Ecosystem Development at MEAI Huawei told ATM that the surge in Chinese tourists was due to their drive for cultural experiences, which the Middle East has in abundance. 

Dubai was also flagged as being among the top destinations that Chinese tourists intend to visit over the next few years, especially young, affluent Chinese tourists. This prediction is already coming to fruition with the UAE city welcoming 24% more Asian tourists last year vs 2023, making it the biggest growth market followed by Africa (20%). 

“Analysts are confident that this year we could see Chinese visitor numbers double year-on-year, with major destinations in the Middle East recovering quicker than any other internationally, especially for luxury travel,” Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME said at ATM.

Now that we’ve ticked off the significance, let’s breakdown the details of Emirates’ new services: 

Dubai to Shenzhen 

Although Shenzhen will be Emirates’ fourth gateway into China, it be the first Middle Eastern carrier to operate to and from the Chinese city. 

“Our expansion into Shenzhen opens new doors for business and economic exchange between this technological powerhouse and global markets,” said Mr Kazim. 

Daily, non-stop flights will take off on 1 July this year, with EK328 departing Dubai at 1005hrs, arriving to Shenzhen at 2200hrs. The return flight EK329 will depart Shenzhen at 2355hrs and land in Dubai at 0340hrs the next day. 

According to Emirates, flight times have been scheduled to optimise connections to and from key points across Africa and the Middle East, including Kenya, Egypt, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. 

Emirates will deploy a retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER on the route, making it the first destination in China to be served by the aircraft. Travellers will have access to the carrier’s latest Business Class seats, Premium Economy, Economy as well as eight First Class private suites. 

Dubai to Da Nang

When Emirates takes off for Vietnam’s port city of Da Nang on 2 June, it will do so via Bangkok. The four times weekly service will be the carrier’s third gateway into Vietnam, following Hanoi and Ho Chih Minh City. 

“Vietnam holds a strategic place in our Southeast Asia network,” added Mr Kazim. “We are confident that our new service will elevate the existing bilateral trade and commercial collaboration between our nations.” 

Flights will be operated by Emirates’ two-class Boeing 777-300ER and take off every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. EK370 will depart Dubai at 0900hrs to arrive in Bangkok at 1825hrs. The flight will then leave Bangkok at 2010hrs to arrive in Da Nang at 2150hrs. 

The return service EK371 will depart Da Nang at 2330hrs to arrive in Bangkok at 0110hrs. The flight will then continue its journey from Bangkok at 0340hrs to arrive in Dubai at 0650hrs. All local times. 

According to Emirates, times were selected to optimise connection to major European cities including London, Paris, and Rome. 

Dubai to Siem Reap

Rounding off Emirates’ new Asia services will be a three times weekly flight to Siem Reap via Bangkok taking off on 3 June. 

“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,” said Mr Kazim. 

Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with EK370 departing Dubai at 0900hrs and arrives in Bangkok at 1825hrs. The flight will then depart from Bangkok at 2010hrs and arrives in Siem Reap at 2130hrs. The return flight EK371 will depart from Siem Reap at 2350hrs and arrives in Bangkok at 0110hrs the next day. The flight will then take off at 0340hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0650hrs. All times are local. 

In line with the new Da Nang service, Emirates’ Siem Reap flights will be operated by the two-class Boeing 777-300ER offering 35 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 386 Economy seats.