Emirates launches daily flights to Shenzhen, expands China network

Dubai: Emirates has officially inaugurated its daily service to Shenzhen, strengthening its presence in the Chinese mainland and underscoring its growth ambitions in East Asia. The launch marks Shenzhen as the airline’s fourth gateway in the region, alongside Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

The inaugural flight, EK328, landed at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on July 1 to a warm reception by senior officials, media representatives, and airport executives. Passengers on board the maiden flight from Dubai were treated to commemorative gifts and certificates to mark the occasion.

The new service increases Emirates’ weekly flights to China to 42, enhancing connectivity for both passengers and businesses. The flight is operated by a state-of-the-art, four-class Boeing 777-300ER, featuring Emirates’ retrofitted cabins and award-winning Premium Economy class.

EK328 departs Dubai daily at 10:05am and arrives in Shenzhen at 10:00pm local time. The return leg, EK329, departs Shenzhen at 11:55pm and lands in Dubai at 3:40am the following day. These timings are strategically aligned to offer seamless connections through Emirates' hub in Dubai to major European cities including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, as well as destinations across Africa such as Nairobi, Cairo, Johannesburg, and Riyadh.

“We are excited to launch our new daily service to Shenzhen – one of China’s most dynamic and innovative cities,” said Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates. “This launch reflects our long-term commitment to supporting China’s trade, tourism, and innovation goals while deepening the UAE-China relationship. It also connects the Greater Bay Area’s innovation corridor to our global network, unlocking new opportunities.”

Notably, Shenzhen is the first mainland Chinese city to receive Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft, which features enhanced interiors across all cabins. The aircraft offers 8 private suites in First Class, 40 fully lie-flat seats in Business Class with direct aisle access in a new 1-2-1 layout, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 260 spacious seats in Economy.

Beyond passenger services, the route also enhances cargo capabilities. Each flight offers 16 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity, enabling more efficient transportation of high-value goods.

Emirates SkyCargo will support Shenzhen’s manufacturing and e-commerce industries with its advanced cold chain and logistics infrastructure. This positions Emirates as a key enabler of the so-called “Aerial Silk Road,” integrating Shenzhen’s export-driven economy into global supply chains.

Since launching its China operations in 2004, Emirates has remained a vital link between China and more than 50 countries along the Belt and Road Initiative. The new Shenzhen route is expected to further drive trade, tourism, and innovation across the Greater Bay Area and beyond.