Emirates expands China network with Loong Air partnership

Emirates has unveiled a new interline partnership with Chinese carrier Loong Air, further strengthening its presence in mainland China and enhancing connectivity for both leisure and corporate travellers.  

As of 13 February 2026, Emirates customers can access 22 additional destinations across China via Loong Air’s hubs in Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The agreement expands access to five key domestic gateways, including Zhengzhou, Changchun, Haikou, Xiangyang and Dazhou. 

Passengers can now book multi-airline itineraries on a single ticket, with standard fare policies and baggage allowances applied throughout their journey. 

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The partnership enables seamless onward travel from Emirates’ existing services to China, which the carrier first launched in 2004. The airline currently operates 49 weekly flights to five major mainland hubs – Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou – the latter two introduced in 2025. Recent network enhancements also include the introduction of Premium Economy on the new routes, alongside the deployment of the A380 aircraft on flights to Shanghai.  

Loong Air becomes Emirates’ fourth Chinese partner airline, joining Air China, China Southern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines. Combined, these partnerships extend Emirates’ access to more than 110 destinations beyond its own network in China. 

Elsewhere in Asia, Emirates is increasing capacity in Japan. From 1 May 2026, the airline will add a second daily service to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT), increasing its weekly frequencies to 28 flights. Business and First class passengers flying to this airport can now enjoy complimentary chauffeur service, with the rollout extending to Kansai International Airport (KIX) from 1 March.  

For more information, visit emirates.com