
Emirates has greatly expanded its presence in mainland China with the successful launch of its daily service to Dubai–Hangzhou Flights. This is the airline’s fifth gateway in China and follows the launch of its Shenzhen route less than a month ago. This shows the airline’s commitment to the important Chinese market.
A Warm Welcome in Hangzhou
Flight EK310, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, made its first landing at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on July 30th, 2025. The arrival included a ceremonial water cannon salute, welcoming speeches, and local dignitaries and airport officials.
Celebrating the Milestone
Passengers on the historic first flight from Dubai enjoyed special treats to celebrate the occasion. Emirates provided them with exclusive keepsakes, including commemorative keychains, certificates, and elegant Chinese tea sets.
The inaugural flight carried travelers from Emirates’ extensive global network, including key markets such as the UAE, Nigeria, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil. A VIP group led by Emirates’ senior management and international media also joined the celebration
. Convenient Schedule and Seamless Connections
The new daily service offers travelers the best timing for connections through Dubai’s global hub:
- EK310: Departs Dubai (DXB) at 9:40 AM, arrives in Hangzhou (HGH) at 10:00 PM.
- EK311: Departs Hangzhou (HGH) at 12:10 AM, arrives in Dubai (DXB) at 4:55 AM.
This schedule aims to provide great connectivity. Passengers from Hangzhou can easily connect to over 40 destinations in Europe, 21 in Africa, 13 in the Middle East, and Brazil and Argentina through Dubai. In turn, travelers from these areas can access Hangzhou smoothly. Key connecting cities from Hangzhou via Dubai include Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg.

Strengthening China Links
With the addition of Hangzhou, Emirates now operates a strong total of 49 weekly flights to five major Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. This expanded network gives unmatched options and flexibility for both business and leisure travelers between China, the UAE, and the rest of the world.
Visa-Free Travel Boost
For Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents, the option for travelers with regular passports from the UAE and other GCC countries to visit China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days makes spontaneous trips or extended business visits to places like Hangzhou easier than ever.
The launch of the Hangzhou route is a strategic move for Emirates, strengthening the crucial air link between the UAE and China while opening new economic, cultural, and tourism opportunities for both regions.