Emirates airline is set to launch new routes in China over the coming year, reflecting the growing trade and investment relations between the UAE and China, the world’s second-largest economy. The move aligns with both nations’ efforts to deepen collaboration across various sectors including renewables, health care, and advanced manufacturing.
At the UAE-China Business Forum on Thursday, company executives and government officials highlighted the expanding opportunities in green energy, digital economy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and more traditional sectors like energy and infrastructure.
Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ executive vice president of passenger sales and country management, discussed the airline’s plans to increase flight frequencies and introduce new destinations in China. The specifics of these additions will depend on bilateral negotiations between the two countries. Currently, Emirates is operating at full capacity based on its air traffic rights.
“We anticipate introducing new routes and increased frequencies as early as the first quarter of next year,” Sultan told The National. Emirates currently services three destinations in China—Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou—with a total of 35 weekly flights.
The expansion comes as the Chinese market undergoes significant changes, including the recent easing of visa restrictions, which is expected to boost inbound tourism. The number of countries eligible for Chinese visas has doubled this year, further opening up the market.
“We’re witnessing a major shift in the dynamics of the Chinese market,” Sultan noted. “Younger, tech-savvy travelers with purchasing power are increasingly exploring international destinations.”
In 2023, Emirates transported over one million passengers between Dubai and China. As demand grows, the airline is considering upgrading its fleet to accommodate increased capacity.
