Emirates Introduces Daily Flights to Shenzhen, Boosting Its Presence in Mainland China
Emirates has announced the launch of a new daily direct service between Dubai and Shenzhen, marking Shenzhen as the airline's fourth gateway in mainland China. The inaugural flight, EK328, commenced on July 1, 2025[1][2][3].
The new service operates with a Boeing 777-300ER, featuring four classes: 8 private suites in First Class, 40 lie-flat seats in Business Class, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 260 Economy seats[2]. The timing facilitates easy connections to Emirates’ major hubs in Europe such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, as well as to key destinations in Africa and the Middle East, enhancing global connectivity through Dubai[1].
The new service aligns with Emirates’ East Asia growth strategy, reflecting the importance of Shenzhen as a major innovation and economic hub in China. The service enhances connectivity between China and the Middle East, supporting business and leisure travel with more options and convenience[1].
The new route could further support the "Aerial Silk Road" initiative, aiming to facilitate convenient, seamless connectivity between Asia, Europe, and Africa[4]. Emirates offers a visa-free entry for up to 30 days for GCC nationals, including UAE citizens, facilitating hassle-free travel to China, which is expected to boost both business ties and tourism flows between the regions[1].
The increased cargo capacity could benefit Shenzhen's global supply chains, aiding the advanced manufacturing sector in Shenzhen and strengthening trade between the UAE and China[2]. The UAE, being its largest trading partner in the Middle East, stands to gain significantly from this new service.
In conclusion, Emirates’ new daily Dubai-Shenzhen route not only expands the airline's network in China but also bolsters trade and tourism by enhancing access, connectivity, and travel convenience between these two dynamic regions[1][2][3][4]. Passengers on the inaugural flight received special commemorative gifts, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the UAE and China.
References: [1] Emirates (2025). Press Release: Emirates Launches Daily Service to Shenzhen. [Online]. Available: https://www.emirates.com/english/news/press-releases/emirates-launches-daily-service-to-shenzhen/ [2] Emirates (2025). Shenzhen. [Online]. Available: https://www.emirates.com/english/destinations/far-east/china/shenzhen/ [3] Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (2025). Emirates' Inaugural Flight Lands in Shenzhen. [Online]. Available: https://www.szairport.com/en/news/emirates-inaugural-flight-lands-in-shenzhen/ [4] Emirates (2025). Aerial Silk Road. [Online]. Available: https://www.emirates.com/english/news/press-releases/emirates-and-china-civil-aviation-authority-launch-aerial-silk-road-initiative/
- The new Dubai-Shenzhen route by Emirates not only strengthens trade ties between the UAE and China but also encourages tourism as the airline offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days for GCC nationals, increasing business and leisure travel opportunities.
- The launch of Emirates' daily service to Shenzhen is expected to boost the regional lifestyle and travel sector, as the route provides convenient connections to major European hubs, enhancing the overall global connectivity through Dubai.
