Emirates has officially launched its new daily service to Shenzhen, marking the airline’s fourth gateway in the Chinese mainland and reinforcing its East Asia growth strategy. Emirates inaugural flight, EK328, touched down at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on 1 July, receiving a warm welcome from distinguished guests and media partners on arrival. Emirates now offers 42 weekly flights to four key cities in the Chinese mainland – Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen – providing passengers and businesses with enhanced connectivity and travel options in and out of Chinese mainland.
Operated by a four-class Boeing 777-300ER, Emirates’ flight EK328 departs from Dubai at 1005hrs, arriving in Shenzhen at 2200hrs. The return flight EK329 departs Shenzhen at 2355hrs, landing in Dubai at 0340hrs the next day.
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline, said: “We are excited to launch our new daily service to Shenzhen – one of China’s most dynamic and innovative cities. This milestone reflects Emirates’ ongoing commitment to strengthening our presence in the Chinese mainland and supporting the country’s trade and tourism objectives. It is also aligned with the strengthening of China-UAE relations, and a strategic move to seamlessly connect the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s innovation corridor – an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub that aims to attract global innovation resources, through our flights. We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Shenzhen Airport Group and our local partners for their support in making this launch possible. We look forward to connecting more travellers and businesses between Shenzhen and Dubai and across our growing network.”
Vietjet adds route from Hanoi to Chengdu
Vietjet has inaugurated its direct flights connecting Hanoi, Vietnam’s cultural and historical heart, to Chengdu, a major city in Southwest China. Operating four round-trip flights per week, the new service strengthens Vietjet’s presence in one of its key markets while further enhancing connectivity across Asia. This latest addition reinforces Vietjet’s growing presence at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, which already connects passengers to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s economic powerhouse. With the Hanoi–Chengdu service, Vietjet now offers non-stop flights from both of Vietnam’s largest cities to the Chinese province of Sichuan.
The new service is part of Vietjet’s strategic expansion in China that has witnessed the launch of seven new routes since the beginning of this year. The airline currently connects both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. It also operates flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Xi’an, while a new Hanoi-Xi’an service is scheduled to commence on July 6, further boosting travel options across Asia.
Etihad Airways adds routes to Krakow, Salalah, and Kazan
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced three additional new destinations to further expand its global network. The airline will add seasonal flights to Kazan, Russia from December this year; as well as Krakow, Poland; and Salalah, Oman in the summer of 2026. These new routes offer guests more opportunities to discover unique cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Etihad continues to expand its footprint globally in order to directly link Abu Dhabi with a broader range of destinations people want to visit, and welcome more visitors to enjoy the UAE’s capital. Etihad has already celebrated inaugural flights to four new destinations this year – Prague, Warsaw, Sochi and Atlanta – and is set to add another 13 routes before the year closes.
- Krakow, Poland: launching 15 June 2026, Krakow will be Etihad’s second destination in Poland, following the airline’s successful route launch to Warsaw in June this year. Visitors to Krakow will enjoy a city of Gothic towers, Renaissance palaces and lively café culture. Travellers can wander the mediaeval Main Square, visit Wawel Castle, or use Krakow as a springboard to access the stunning Tatra Mountains.
- Salalah, Oman: launching 21 May 2026, the Arabian Peninsula’s summer oasis. During the Khareef monsoon the region turns an emerald green, with mist-shrouded mountains, waterfalls, and cool coastal air. An ideal escape for families across the Gulf and a hidden gem for travellers from Europe or Asia looking to explore somewhere new.
- Kazan, Russia: launching 4 December 2025, one of Russia’s fastest-growing tech and sports hubs in the heart of the Tatarstan region. Its Kazan Kremlin, mosques and cathedrals reflect centuries of Tatar-Russian heritage, while modern venues host global events.
- With Krakow, Salalah and Kazan on the map, Etihad will operate to more than 90 destinations worldwide, offering travellers award-winning service on board its modern fleet and seamless transfers through Zayed International Airport.
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Matt Driskill at matt.driskill@asianaviation.com
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Head of Sales Kay Rolland at kay.rolland@asianaviation.com
