Emirates has marked 35 years of operations in Hong Kong, highlighting the growth of its services that link the city with Dubai and destinations across its global network.

The Dubai-based airline began serving Hong Kong in July 1991 with flight EK068, operating three times a week on a Dubai-Hong Kong-Manila route via the former Kai Tak Airport. Hong Kong became Emirates’ 22nd destination from Dubai and its fourth in the Far East, according to a company press release issued on October 21.

Sultan Alriyami, Emirates’ Hong Kong area manager, said the anniversary reflected the airline’s longstanding presence in the city and its development over more than three decades.

“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,” he said.

Alriyami added that the airline remained committed to connecting Hong Kong with the wider world and improving the passenger experience.

Emirates has expanded its operations in Hong Kong over the years. It introduced Airbus A380 services to the city in October 2010 and added a fourth daily Hong Kong-Dubai flight in October 2013. In July 2024, it opened the Emirates Hong Kong Travel Store, its first in East Asia.

The airline also introduced refurbished Boeing 777 and A380 cabins on Hong Kong services in 2025, followed by its Premium Economy product on the route in July of that year.

Emirates currently operates three daily flights serving Hong Kong, including two direct services to Dubai and a third service via Bangkok. From Dubai, passengers can connect to more than 138 destinations worldwide, including London, Paris, and Milan.

The airline said it would operate selected Hong Kong services, including flights EK380/381 and EK382/383, with its Airbus A380 aircraft from October.

Emirates has also continued to develop its ground services in the city. Its dedicated Hong Kong lounge, which first opened in 2012, reopened in March 2024 following refurbishment.

The airline said its operations in Hong Kong remain part of its broader network strategy, connecting passengers in the city with destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and other regions through its Dubai hub.

Source: PR