U.S, Feb. 13 -- Dubai-based Emirates has signed a new interline agreement with China's Zhejiang Loong Airlines, strengthening its domestic reach across one of the world's most competitive aviation markets and signaling a renewed push by Gulf carriers to deepen their presence in mainland China.

The partnership, effective immediately, gives Emirates passengers access to 22 additional Chinese cities via Loong Air's hubs in Hangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Travelers will be able to book single-ticket itineraries with coordinated baggage policies and unified fare conditions, simplifying connections beyond Emirates' existing gateways.

Expanding a Strategic China Footprint China has long been a high-priority market for Emirates, which first ...