A plane of Emirates. [Photo/Tide News]

A new interline agreement between Emirates and Zhejiang-based Loong Air is set to enhance international connectivity from Hangzhou, marking a strategic step in the city's ambition to become a major global aviation hub.

Under the partnership, passengers can travel from 22 domestic cities via Loong Air to transit hubs in Hangzhou, Shenzhen or Hong Kong, and then connect seamlessly to Dubai and onward to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

For Emirates, the collaboration represents a network extension strategy. While the airline already operates routes to major Chinese gateways such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Hangzhou — its fifth mainland destination since the launch of the Hangzhou-Dubai route in July 2025 — offers access to a vast and growing regional market. By leveraging Loong Air's extensive domestic network, particularly to second- and third-tier cities, Emirates can tap into new passenger sources without establishing additional routes.

For Loong Air, the partnership provides an opportunity to "sail abroad". Lacking long-haul international services, the airline can now connect its passengers to Emirates' global network, significantly expanding its reach and competitiveness.

The cooperation also strengthens Hangzhou International Airport's transition from a point-to-point gateway to an international transit hub. With improved connectivity and growing interline services, Hangzhou is positioning itself as a key link between China's inland cities and the wider world.

A plane of Loong Air. [Photo/Tide News]