Emirates to expand Q1 operations to mainland China as entry restrictions ease

Airlines Emirates A380 on approach
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Emirates has announced plans to ramp up its operations to mainland China ahead of the New Lunar Year and in response to strong travel demand.  

As China reopens its borders and eases its COVID entry restrictions, Emirates will resume services to Shanghai and Beijing while increasing it services to Guangzhou, the Gulf carrier confirmed in a recent statement.  

“Emirates has been serving China for nearly two decades and has established its presence in the Chinese market through strategic partnerships and a continued commitment to the local community throughout the pandemic,” the airline added.  

Resumed service to Shanghai and Beijing

From January 20, 2023, Emirates will resume passenger services from Dubai to Shanghai with two weekly flights operated by an Airbus A380 aircraft. From February 2, 2023, the carrier will up its frequency on this route to four weekly flights operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.  

Emirates will further boost its Dubai-Shanghai route from March 1, 2023, with a daily non-stop service.  

The airline will also return to China’s capital city, Beijing starting March 15, 2023, with a daily non-stop service from Dubai operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.  

“This will bring the airline’s operations in the market up to 21 weekly flights,” Emirates said.   

Daily non-stop services to Guangzhou

Emirates currently operates a non-stop flight from Dubai to Guangzhou with a return service via Bangkok four times a week.  

Starting February 1, 2023, the Gulf carrier will increase its Dubai-Guangzhou service to daily non-stop flights with its flagship Emirates A380.  

The gulf carrier said that it currently offers travelers increased connectivity to eight domestic points via Guangzhou, through its codeshare agreement with China Southern Airline, while simultaneously providing its partner-airline’s customers access to additional destinations.  

The first of 120 retrofitted Emirates A380 superjumbo jets re-entered passenger service on January 6, 2023, on a flight between Dubai (DXB) and London (LHR). By 2024, all 67 Emirates A380s assigned for refurbishment will have returned to service.