Germany and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially announced the expansion of their air transport agreement, paving the way for Emirates to finally offer flights to Berlin. This has been a long-standing aspiration for the airline, which has been seeking this route for over twenty years. The news has stirred discontent among German airline Lufthansa, which has expressed its disapproval and concerns over the implications for the industry.
Emirates Secures New Route to Berlin
On September 10, 2026, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a significant state visit to Germany, where he engaged in discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. During this meeting, the UAE committed to invest €40 billion in Germany, an initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Notably, this investment comes with the announcement that airlines from the UAE would soon have the opportunity to operate in a fifth German city.
Previously, the air service agreement between Germany and the UAE was stringent, limiting UAE airlines to four German airports: Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. For years, the UAE has sought to broaden this agreement, but Germany has resisted until now. Emirates has been particularly eager to include Berlin in its route offerings, which Lufthansa has actively campaigned against, fearing competition for its domestic flights.
Although the specifics of the new agreement have yet to be detailed, it appears that the UAE airline can initiate service to the fifth German city under certain conditions—namely, that its capacity to other airports remains unchanged and it does not intend to operate “fifth freedom” flights from Berlin. Berlin’s Mayor Kai Wegner has already welcomed the decision, recognizing the importance of added competition in Germany’s largest city.
Backlash from Lufthansa
Naturally, Lufthansa has voiced strong opposition to the expansion of Emirates into Berlin. The airline has long maintained that the growth of Gulf carriers in the German market threatens local jobs and competes unfairly. Lufthansa’s strategy has consistently focused on preventing Emirates from obtaining rights to expand its services, specifically to this city.
Ironically, while Lufthansa has lobbied extensively on this front, it does not prioritize Berlin as a major market. Instead, it views it as a feeder hub for its main airports. As evidence, Lufthansa does provide service from its low-cost carrier, Eurowings, to Dubai, although it appears uninterested in establishing a substantive presence in Berlin itself.
In response to the announcement, a spokesperson for Lufthansa stated that the newly granted traffic rights favoring Emirates risk shifting jobs and economic benefits away from Germany. They argued that this move disrupts the competitiveness of domestic routes linking major urban centers to local hubs, thereby undermining the market.
The argument from Lufthansa seems counterintuitive; it indicates that the introduction of Emirates into the Berlin market presents a threat to its feeder flights. The question arises: how can Lufthansa expect to maintain high fares for connecting flights when Emirates offers more direct and competitively priced routes?
Conclusion
Emirates’ long-awaited entry into Berlin marks a significant shift in the dynamics of air travel between Germany and the UAE. This new development highlights a transition in bilateral cooperation, allowing for an expansion that has been delayed for over two decades. While the precise details of the new services are yet to emerge, this change brings welcome competition to Germany’s largest urban center.
What are your thoughts on Emirates finally securing the rights to operate flights to Berlin? This change could alter travel patterns for many, offering consumers more options to consider.