Emirates celebrates 35 years of flying high in Hong Kong, connecting the city with Dubai and beyond
Hong Kong, 21 October 2026: Emirates is commemorating 35 years of serving Hong Kong, building on a remarkable journey that took flight in July 1991. What began with Emirates’ first landing in Hong Kong has evolved into a longstanding relationship with the city, connecting generations of travellers with Dubai and destinations around the world, with its Fly Better promise at the heart of every journey.
The journey began with the arrival of flight EK068 at the former Kai Tak Airport, marking Emirates’ debut in Hong Kong and a new chapter in the city’s aviation story. Operated as a thrice-weekly Dubai-Hong Kong-Manila service, the route made Hong Kong Emirates’ 22nd destination from Dubai and its fourth in the Far East.
“For 35 years, Hong Kong has been an important part of Emirates’ history from our first arrival at Kai Tak Airport to the introduction of new aircraft, products and experiences for our passengers. This anniversary allows us to reflect on our shared journey and look ahead towards the future. We remain committed to connecting Hong Kong with the wider world and enhancing the experience at every stage of travel. The sky is the limit,” said Sultan Alriyami, Emirates’ Hong Kong Area Manager.
Over the years, Emirates has become a preferred choice for Hong Kong travellers. The airline introduced its flagship A380 service to the city in October 2010, followed by a fourth daily Hong Kong-Dubai flight in October 2013. It opened the Emirates Hong Kong Travel Store in July 2024, its first in East Asia, creating a dedicated local presence for customers. The momentum continued in 2025 with the arrival of Emirates’ latest retrofitted Boeing 777 and A380 cabins, bringing an enhanced onboard experience to travellers departing from Hong Kong.
Today, Emirates serves Hong Kong with three daily flights, including two direct services to Dubai and a third daily service via Bangkok. Through Dubai, passengers can connect onwards to more than 138 destinations worldwide, including popular destinations among Hong Kong travellers such as London, Paris and Milan. From October, selected Hong Kong services, including flights EK380/381 and EK382/383, will be operated by the airline's flagship A380 aircraft.
Beyond expanding its global network, Emirates continues to focus on details that define each travel experience, from cabin products, dining and entertainment to service on the ground. Emirates’ dedicated lounge, which first opened its doors in 2012, welcomed customers back in March 2024 following an extensive refurbishment. In July 2025, the airline added another significant development when it introduced its world-class Premium Economy products on the Hong Kong route.