Emirates Celebrates 35 Years of Flying High in Hong Kong
Connecting Hong Kong to the World
The historic connection began in July 1991, when inaugural flight EK068 landed at the old Kai Tak Airport. This marked the official debut of the Dubai-based carrier in the bustling port city. At the time, the route operated three times a week, linking Dubai, Hong Kong, and Manila. Hong Kong thus became the 22nd destination served directly from Dubai and the fourth point in the Far East.
Sultan Alriyami, regional manager for Hong Kong at Emirates, noted that these 35 years represent an essential component of the company's heritage. From the early landings at Kai Tak to the progressive introduction of new aircraft, products, and onboard experiences, the journey has been truly remarkable. This milestone offers a chance to reflect on a shared history and look toward the future, maintaining a steadfast commitment to linking Hong Kong to the rest of the world. The airline continues to enhance every stage of the travel experience under its Fly Betterpromise.
Milestones and Fleet Upgrades
Over the decades, Emirates has established itself as the preferred choice for travellers in Hong Kong. A pivotal moment arrived in October 2010, when the carrier introduced its flagship Airbus A380 service on the route. Following steady growth, a fourth daily flight between Hong Kong and Dubai was added in October 2013. Local presence received another significant boost in July 2024 with the opening of the Emirates Hong Kong Travel Store, the very first dedicated retail location in East Asia. The momentum continued into 2025 with the arrival of newly retrofitted Boeing 777 and A380 cabins, delivering a refined onboard experience for passengers departing from Hong Kong.
Elevating the Passenger Experience
Today, operations on this key segment feature three daily flights. This includes two direct links to Dubai and a third flight via a stopover in Bangkok. The seamless network via the Dubai hub grants access to over 138 global destinations, including hotspots popular with travellers such as London, Paris, and Milan. Starting in October, specific services—namely flights EK380/381 and EK382/383—will be operated exclusively by the iconic A380 aircraft.
While expanding its global network remains a priority, Emirates pays close attention to the details that define travel quality. These range from cabin design, gourmet dining, and award-winning entertainment to exceptional ground services. The dedicated airport lounge, which originally opened its doors in 2012, welcomed guests back in March 2024 following an extensive and modernizing renovation. Another major step in product evolution occurred in July 2025, when the airline introduced its globally acclaimed Premium Economy class to the Hong Kong route, rounding out a comprehensive spectrum of choices for passengers.