Da Nang’s Surging Global Connectivity Emirates Launches Direct Dubai Route, Accelerating Tourism, Trade, and Expanding International Business Horizons

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

On June 2, Da Nang, a picturesque coastal city in central Vietnam, saw its aviation connectivity rise to new heights with the arrival of Emirates Airline’s inaugural flight from Dubai. The flight, EK370, which transited through Bangkok, landed at Da Nang International Airport carrying 333 passengers, marking a significant milestone for both the city and the airline. The event was celebrated with a special ceremony organized by the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with Emirates Airline, Danang International Terminal Investment and Operation JSC (AHT), and Sun Group.

Boosting Da Nang’s Global Reach

This new route, connecting Dubai to Da Nang, represents much more than just an air link—it opens up exciting possibilities for tourism, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Emirates now operates four weekly flights on this route, making Da Nang more accessible to international visitors, particularly those from key markets in the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Africa.

The addition of Da Nang to Emirates’ network reinforces the city’s global presence and promises to amplify its cultural and economic footprint. The new flight route not only enhances tourism prospects but also strengthens the region’s role in international business and trade.

A Gateway to Global Tourism and Business

The impact of the Emirates flight goes beyond increasing the flow of international travelers. As Tran Chi Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, pointed out, this new service is a pivotal moment for the city’s integration into the global network. It offers a direct link to Dubai, a major international hub, and by extension, to Emirates’ extensive network of over 140 destinations worldwide.

The new connection drastically reduces travel time between Da Nang and several global markets, making it easier for both tourists and businesspeople to visit the city. This strategic air route is expected to stimulate the local economy, bringing in both tourists and investors from markets with immense potential.

High-End Travelers at the Forefront

Since early 2023, Da Nang had prioritized establishing a direct air connection to Dubai. City officials had long worked toward making this dream a reality, engaging in extensive discussions with representatives from Emirates. Their persistent efforts culminated in January 2025, when Emirates confirmed its plans to initiate the route to Da Nang.

Nguyen Vu Quynh Anh, Deputy CEO of Sun Group, expressed her optimism about the launch, emphasizing that this air link would pave the way for Da Nang to welcome high-end travelers, particularly from the Middle East, Europe, and North America. These travelers are likely to be drawn not only by the city’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery but also by the luxury tourism ecosystem that Sun Group has carefully developed in the region.

Sun Group has long been a leader in Da Nang’s tourism industry, with iconic developments like Sun World Ba Na Hills, which is home to the famous Golden Bridge, and the luxurious InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, which has been named the world’s best luxury resort for three consecutive years. These developments have established Da Nang as a premier destination for luxury travelers.

Customized Services for Middle Eastern Travelers

To accommodate the specific needs of Middle Eastern tourists, Sun Group has introduced several tailored services. These include halal dining options and dedicated prayer rooms at Sun World Ba Na Hills. The group’s commitment to providing a welcoming experience for Middle Eastern travelers is further exemplified by their plans to collaborate with Emirates on exclusive promotions and packages, making Da Nang even more appealing to this important market.

In addition to enhancing the visitor experience, this partnership also strengthens the relationship between Da Nang and Emirates, facilitating the development of co-marketing efforts to promote the city to travelers across the airline’s vast global network.

Sun Group’s Role in Shaping Da Nang’s Future

Looking ahead, Sun Group remains integral to the growth of Da Nang as a leading global destination. With plans already underway for major projects like the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) and a 2,000-room hotel complex in Ba Na, the city is poised to expand its appeal even further.

The growing appeal of Da Nang is also reflected in the development of high-end services, which are tailored to meet the needs of an increasingly affluent and international clientele. These efforts are designed to ensure that Da Nang can cater to the growing demand for luxury tourism while maintaining its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural authenticity.

Emirates and Da Nang: A Partnership with Potential

For Emirates, this new route represents a significant addition to their already extensive network of international destinations. Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President of Emirates’ Passenger Sales, highlighted Da Nang’s unique charm, with its blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and emerging economic potential. He also praised the collaborative efforts of the Vietnamese Government, Da Nang International Airport, and local tourism authorities in making this partnership possible.

By introducing Da Nang into its global network, Emirates further solidifies the city’s status as a leading hub for international tourism and business. The airline’s state-of-the-art services will now connect Da Nang to key international markets, further propelling the city’s growth and international recognition.

A Transformative Moment for Da Nang

The inauguration of the Dubai – Da Nang flight route is more than just the arrival of a new airline—it is a transformative moment for the city’s travel and tourism industry. With this enhanced global connectivity, Da Nang stands to become an even more attractive destination for international visitors, boosting the local economy and raising the city’s profile in the global marketplace. As Emirates continues to expand its network, Da Nang is well-positioned to benefit from this strategic air link, which promises to bring both leisure and business travelers closer to its extraordinary offerings.

This partnership is a win for Da Nang and its stakeholders, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the city on the world stage.