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Emirates fights for direct Berlin flights after years of political roadblocks

A decade of delays may soon end. Emirates eyes Berlin’s untapped potential, while passengers and partners like Condor push for better global connections.

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
This image is taken in an airport. In the center there is a table and some people are sitting...
This image is taken in an airport. In the center there is a table and some people are sitting around the table. The chairs are in red in color. The person towards the left he is wearing a blue sweater, white t shirt and he is having curly hair. The person towards the right he is wearing a black jacket and jeans, behind him there is a black bag. There are some other people sitting around the table and having their food and talking. In the background there is a glass, hill, aeroplane and a television.

Emirates fights for direct Berlin flights after years of political roadblocks

Emirates is pushing to launch direct flights from Berlin after years of political resistance. The airline currently serves only four German airports under existing agreements. Now, fresh talks with the German government could change that situation.

The move comes as demand for travel between Berlin and Dubai remains high, with Condor’s flights on the route often fully booked. Emirates also plans to strengthen its partnership with the German carrier, expanding capacity and cooperation in areas like cargo and loyalty programmes.

For years, Emirates has been limited to flying into Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg. The current air transport deal between Germany and the UAE restricts further expansion. Despite repeated efforts, the airline has faced political barriers when trying to add Berlin to its network.

The new German federal government has signalled openness to renegotiating the agreement. Emirates sees this as an opportunity to finally secure direct flights to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). The airline argues that the city’s global connections remain weak, despite its modern airport infrastructure.

Emirates already works closely with Condor, having formed a codeshare partnership in 2023. The two airlines collaborate on transatlantic routes and beyond. Now, they plan to deepen this relationship, exploring joint ventures in frequent flyer programmes and cargo services.

Strong passenger numbers on Condor’s Berlin-Dubai route highlight the unmet demand. Emirates believes a direct service would bring 'tremendous added value' to the Berlin region, improving links to key global hubs.

Beyond Berlin, the airline is looking to increase its overall capacity in Germany. This includes expanding its existing codeshare with Condor and exploring new commercial opportunities with Spirit Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.

If negotiations succeed, Berlin could soon join Emirates’ German network. The airline’s plans also involve closer ties with Condor, covering passenger and cargo operations. A deal would mark the end of a long-standing restriction on direct flights from the German capital.

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