Emirates Airlines has announced an ambitious expansion of its network in Asia, connecting 22 major cities ahead of the Year of the Horse. This strategic move is designed to strengthen the airline’s footprint across the continent, offering travelers more convenient routes, shorter travel times, and enhanced connectivity. By adding these new destinations, Emirates aims to meet the growing demand for air travel in Asia, catering to both business and leisure passengers while providing seamless flight options during one of the busiest festive periods of the year.
The expansion also underscores Emirates’ commitment to delivering world-class services and supporting cultural and commercial exchange across Asia. Passengers can now enjoy a wider range of direct flights, improved schedules, and easier access to Emirates’ premium offerings, making travel across the region more efficient and comfortable. With these additional routes, Emirates not only enhances its competitive position in the Asian aviation market but also provides travelers with new opportunities to explore key cities, connect with international business hubs, and celebrate the Lunar New Year in style.
Strategic Partnership Unlocks Seamless Travel Across China
Emirates Airlines, the world’s largest international airline, has significantly expanded its presence in Asia by unlocking 22 new destinations through a strategic interline agreement with Loong Air, a leading Chinese carrier. This partnership enables travelers to explore more cities across China while enjoying seamless travel experiences, enhanced connectivity, and simplified booking options beyond Emirates’ existing network.
Loong Air Provides Access to Key Cities Across China
Based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, Loong Air connects Emirates customers to a wide range of destinations across East, Northeast, South, Central, and Southwest China. The interline agreement allows travelers to book multi-airline itineraries under a single fare, benefit from a single baggage policy, and enjoy consistent fares throughout their journey. Key destinations now accessible include Zhengzhou, Changchun, Haikou, Xiangyang, and Dazhou, offering exciting options for both business and leisure travelers.
Convenient Gateways for Emirates Passengers
Passengers flying with Emirates can connect to Loong Air flights via convenient gateways in Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, making travel across China more straightforward and eliminating the hassle of separate bookings or transfers. The new destinations are available for online booking now, perfectly timed ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations, with the Year of the Horse beginning on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Emirates’ Longstanding Presence in China
Emirates has maintained a strong presence in the Chinese mainland since 2004, currently serving five major cities—Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou—with 49 weekly flights operated using a modern fleet of Airbus A380s, A350s, and Boeing 777s. Beyond Loong Air, Emirates partners with Air China, China Southern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines, providing customers access to over 110 destinations in China via its five gateways.
New Direct Routes Across Asia in 2026
In addition to this partnership, Emirates continues to expand direct flight options across Asia in 2026. The airline will launch a new daily service to Tokyo Narita starting May 1, a daily route to Phuket, Thailand, and a retrofitted aircraft service to Beijing later this year. These expansions reflect Emirates’ ongoing commitment to offering travelers world-class service, comfort, and convenience across Asia and globally.
Explore Dubai with Emirates
Passengers traveling to Dubai can also enjoy a variety of experiences, including the 112 best things to do in Dubai, 50 free activities, and budget-friendly dining options at Dubai’s top restaurants, making Emirates a perfect gateway to both Asia and the Middle East.
FAQs About Emirates Expanding Flights Across Asia
A1: Emirates is connecting 22 new cities across Asia ahead of the Year of the Horse.
A2: Key destinations include Zhengzhou, Changchun, Haikou, Xiangyang, and Dazhou, along with other cities across China.
A3: Travelers can book multi-airline itineraries with a single fare and one baggage policy through the Emirates website or online travel agencies.
A4: The new destinations are available for booking now, perfectly timed for the Lunar New Year/Year of the Horse celebrations.
A5: Emirates will add daily flights to Tokyo Narita, Phuket in Thailand, and a retrofitted aircraft service to Beijing later this year.
A10: The expansion provides more flight options, enhanced connectivity, and convenient travel schedules, helping both business and leisure travelers reach more destinations efficiently during the Lunar New Year and throughout the year.
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