Published on
September 27, 2025
In 2025, Emirates and flydubai are opening new destinations in China, Vietnam, Turkey, Cambodia, Egypt, Moldova, Romania, and more, further expanding their partnership in the global reach of their network. Dubai’s importance as an international travel and aviation hub is mirrored in growing demand in the global aviation markets. Enhanced direct connectivity of all three destinations therefore helps travelers and new destinations of all three destinations. Expanded networks not only respond to the rising demand of international travelers, but strengthen Dubai’s aviation profile and vision, filling the demand in the high growth markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The global aviation landscape is witnessing a significant surge in connectivity as Emirates and flydubai, two of Dubai’s most prominent airlines, continue their ambitious expansions in 2025. In response to rising international travel demand and Dubai’s growing stature as a key global aviation hub, both carriers have introduced multiple new routes and resumed seasonal services. This expansion further solidifies Dubai’s position as an aviation leader, connecting travelers to new destinations and increasing flight frequencies to existing ones.
Emirates Expands Network with Five New Destinations
Emirates, the flagship carrier of Dubai, has unveiled five new destinations since the beginning of 2025. The airline’s expansion strategy includes launching direct services to cities across Asia and the Middle East. On June 2, 2025, Emirates introduced its inaugural flight to Da Nang, Vietnam, followed by a service to Siem Reap, Cambodia, on June 3. These new routes are part of the airline’s continued efforts to cater to the growing demand for international travel from Dubai.
On July 1, 2025, Emirates added Shenzhen, China, to its list of destinations, marking its strong push into the Chinese market. This new gateway further enhances Dubai’s connectivity with major Chinese cities, reinforcing Emirates’ commitment to expanding its footprint in Asia. Additionally, Emirates resumed flights to Damascus, Syria, which had been suspended for several years. Starting from October 26, the airline will operate daily flights to the Syrian capital, a vital move in restoring air connectivity in the region.
Emirates also began operations to Hangzhou, China, in early August, offering daily services from Dubai. The airline’s decision to deploy the Airbus A350 aircraft on this route, beginning in October, underscores its dedication to the Chinese market. The addition of Hangzhou as the fifth gateway in mainland China further expands Emirates’ stronghold in the region, catering to business and leisure travelers alike.
flydubai’s Expanding Global Network
flydubai, the UAE’s low-cost carrier, has been equally aggressive in expanding its global reach. The airline has launched services to nine new destinations since the beginning of 2025, focusing on Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. One of the most notable additions came in September 2025, when flydubai began direct flights to Iași, Romania, becoming the first UAE carrier to operate this route. flydubai’s twice-weekly services to Iași, alongside its ongoing operations to Bucharest, now give passengers more options when traveling to Romania.
In the same month, flydubai also introduced flights to Chisinau, Moldova, marking the airline’s first-ever direct connection between Dubai and the Moldovan capital. This new route highlights flydubai’s strategy to tap into underserved markets, providing travelers from both the UAE and Moldova with convenient, affordable air travel options.
flydubai also made strides in expanding its seasonal network. In 2025, the airline added summer services to Antalya, Turkey, and Al Alamein, Egypt, catering to travelers seeking sunny beach destinations in the Mediterranean and North Africa. These routes, which operate seasonally, allow flydubai to tap into high-demand leisure markets during peak travel periods.
Another significant milestone in flydubai’s 2025 expansion was the resumption of daily flights to Damascus, Syria, on June 1. This move marked the first time a UAE carrier had restored services to the Syrian capital since the onset of the conflict. The airline’s return to Damascus is part of its broader strategy to re-establish itself in key regional markets and connect travelers to destinations that are historically important to the region.
flydubai also introduced new services to Peshawar, Pakistan, starting on May 15, 2025. The airline continues to expand its network in South Asia, strengthening its position as a key player in connecting Dubai to major cities in Pakistan. Moreover, flydubai added three new destinations in Iran in March 2025, including Bushehr, Tabriz, and Qeshm Island, broadening its reach within the Middle East and expanding its offerings to Iranian travelers.
Looking Forward to Late 2025: New Routes and Continued Growth
Both Emirates and flydubai have ambitious plans for the remainder of 2025, with multiple new routes scheduled for launch in the last quarter of the year. flydubai is set to launch flights to Nairobi, Kenya, on October 15, further strengthening its network in Africa. The addition of Nairobi will provide travelers with greater access to East Africa, a rapidly growing market for tourism and business travel.
In December 2025, flydubai will launch new European routes to Riga, Latvia, and Vilnius, Lithuania. These new destinations will cater to increasing demand for travel between Dubai and the Baltic region, providing more affordable travel options for both business and leisure passengers.
Conclusion: A New Era for Dubai’s Aviation Scene
The expansion efforts by Emirates and flydubai in 2025 highlight Dubai’s growing dominance as an international travel hub. With new destinations, increased flight frequencies, and the resumption of seasonal routes, both airlines are reinforcing Dubai’s position as a vital nexus of global connectivity. Whether for business, leisure, or cultural exchange, these new routes ensure that travelers from around the world have more opportunities than ever to connect with the UAE and beyond.
By 2025, rising demand for international travel and Dubai being a growing international travel hub is reason enough for flydubai and Emirates to broaden their network to include new destinations in China, Vietnam, Turkey, Cambodia, Egypt, Moldova, Romania, and other countries, as well as still other regions. With the goal of access to developing markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, both airlines are expanding their international travel offer for the convenience of their passengers.
Both Emirates and flydubai are prepared to fulfill the demand for international travel as it continues to grow; flydubai and, in particular, Emirates are extending travel possibilities to their passengers. This, in turn, enhances Dubai’s position as a major international aviation hub.
