Emirates has been granted the right to serve a fifth destination in Germany, ending a decades-long effort by the Dubai-based carrier to expand beyond its current network of four German cities.
The agreement, announced by the German Federal Government, allows Emirates to add another German airport to its international route network following the state visit of United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Emirates currently operates flights to Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg. While Berlin Brandenburg Airport has long been regarded as the airline’s preferred expansion target, the agreement does not legally require the carrier to choose the German capital.
According to German news agency DPA, Emirates will be permitted to operate up to seven weekly flights to its fifth destination. The airline will also be prohibited from carrying passengers between that German airport and third countries, meaning the rights apply specifically to services linked with the UAE.
Berlin the frontrunner, but not guaranteed
For years, Emirates sought approval to serve Berlin without sacrificing any of its existing German routes. Previous negotiations failed because the airline refused to replace one of its four established destinations with the capital.
That obstacle has now been removed, although other cities remain eligible. Stuttgart Mayor Frank Nopper said the new agreement would also allow Emirates to launch daily Dubai–Stuttgart services, making Stuttgart another potential candidate.
Lufthansa and regional leaders raise concerns
The decision has prompted criticism from parts of Germany’s aviation and political sector.
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder argued that additional Emirates services could divert long-haul passengers away from Germany’s primary hub airports in Frankfurt and Munich, reducing both traffic and revenue. Lufthansa has also expressed scepticism over the expansion, reflecting longstanding concerns about increased competition from Gulf carriers in the German market.
