DALLAS – In Mid-2025, Emirates (EK) will reinforce its presence in Asia with three new routes to Shenzhen(SZX), Da Nang (DAD), and Siem Reap (REP).
These additions increase EK’s footprint in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, bolstering its status as East Asia’s largest non–Asia carrier. The airline now offers 269 weekly flights to 24 destinations in the region.
Daily Nonstop Flights to Shenzhen
EK will begin operating its fourth destination in Mainland China with daily nonstop flights between Dubai (DXB) and SZX on July 1, 2025. The route will be operated using a four-class Boeing 777-300ER, with three suites in First Class and lie-flat seats in Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.
Recognized as China’s Silicon Valley, SZX is home to many leading tech firms and a dynamic innovation ecosystem. Launching this route is a further step in improving connectivity for business and trade between China, the UAE, and the global markets, offering passengers and cargo operators a direct gateway to one of the world’s most powerful economic centers.
“Our expansion into Shenzhen presents new opportunities for business and economic exchange between this technological hub and global markets,” said EK’s Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim.
EK SkyCargo will carry 10 tonnes of cargo each way in cargo holds in addition to passenger flights, facilitating high-tech exports and e-commerce shipments from China. This addition consolidates EK’s feasibility in the air freight industry in China, which already moves 2,000 tonnes of cargo a week from the mainland.
New Gateway to Vietnam: Da Nang
Starting June 2, 2025, service to DAD will be four times weekly via Bangkok (BKK). DAD is EK’s third destination in Vietnam and an important tourism and business hub, providing increasing economic links between the UAE and Vietnam. The launch coincides with both countries' Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to enhance bilateral trade and investment further.
Flights will run Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and will bring passengers to Vietnam’s central coast, which is known for its beaches, Unesco heritage sites, and growing manufacturing industry. The two-class Boeing 777-300ER will be used, which can hold up to 12 premium classes and about 300 business classes, catering to passenger comfort and cargo efficiency.
“Vietnam is a strategic country in our Southeast Asia network. Expanding to Da Nang is consistent with our commitment to developing trade and tourism points in this quickly developing economy,” Kazim added.
Siem Reap: Connecting to Cambodia’s Cultural Heart
EK will launch three weekly flights to REP via BKK from June 3, 2025. Nicknamed the gateway to Angkor Wat, REP is one of the most-frequented cities in Cambodia, attracting millions of international visitors each year.
This new route, which adds to Cambodia’s growing list of long-haul markets, offers seamless travel options for visitors from Europe, the Middle East, and North America. It operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The B777-300ER will operate the route, offering passenger comfort and increasing cargo capacity on Cambodian exports.
“With these new routes, we are further strengthening our connections to growing economic centers as well as globally recognized sites of culture. Kazim added: “We aim to offer customers more choice and the absolute best onboard service.”
Expanding Southeast Asia Connectivity
With this expansion, EK further consolidates its positions in East Asia, bolstering its operations in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phnom Penh. This expansion adds to the diversity of the airline network and, therefore, augments access to growing markets and new tourism hotspots.
EK Holidays currently offers multi-destination packages for adventurous holidaymakers, with Dubai, Thailand, Vietnam , and Cambodia comprising one notable getaway: a comprehensive Southeast Asia excursion.
Strategic Market Positioning
With these new services, EK offers the most extensive network in East Asia of any non-Asian carrier. The expansion is part of its pledge to bolster economic development, promote trade facilitation, and grow regional tourism.
These additions represent a long-term network commitment to connecting global markets with Asia’s emerging economic hubs and cultural destinations as EK expands on its network growth initiative.
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Featured image: Francesco Cecchetti/Airways
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