Emirates Seeks Approval for Daily Flights to Berlin and Stuttgart

Emirates Plans Daily Flights to Strengthen Berlin and Stuttgart Connectivity

Emirates has announced its readiness to launch daily services to Berlin and Stuttgart, subject to approval from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport. The airline said it is prepared to invest more than €100 million annually in operational costs, staffing, airport charges, fuel and related expenses to support the new routes.

The proposed services would provide direct long-haul connectivity between the two German cities and Emirates’ global network via Dubai, offering passengers and businesses access to destinations across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia.

Berlin, Germany’s capital and largest city, continues to attract business travellers, investors, diplomats and tourists. However, a significant portion of its international air connectivity remains focused on European destinations, leaving limited direct long-haul options for travellers and businesses.

Stuttgart faces a similar situation. As a major industrial and manufacturing centre in Baden-Württemberg, the city plays an important role in Germany’s export economy but has relatively limited long-haul air services compared with other major German airports.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said the carrier is prepared to introduce daily widebody operations to both cities, citing demand from businesses, travellers and regional stakeholders for expanded long-haul connectivity.

According to Emirates, the proposed routes would strengthen links between Germany and several destinations not currently served directly by German airlines. The airline noted that its network already connects Germany with 50 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australasia.

Economic Benefits and Cargo Capacity

The airline stated that introducing daily services could create hundreds of jobs in both regions. A study conducted by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) estimated that daily Emirates services to Berlin and Stuttgart could generate close to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The routes would also expand cargo capacity for businesses in Berlin, Brandenburg and Baden-Württemberg. A daily Boeing 777-300ER service would provide more than 280 tonnes of weekly belly-hold cargo capacity, supporting the movement of pharmaceuticals, machinery, electrical equipment and transport technology products.

Dubai’s Role as a Global Hub

Emirates reported carrying 2.36 million passengers to and from Germany in 2025. Around 40 per cent travelled directly between Germany and Dubai, while 60 per cent connected onwards through Dubai to other international destinations.

The airline believes passengers in Berlin and Stuttgart would benefit from one-stop connections to destinations including Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, among others.

Tourism Opportunities

Germany welcomed nearly 1.2 million overnight stays from visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2024. According to Emirates, these travellers contributed approximately €2.3 billion to the German economy during the year.

The airline argues that direct services from Dubai to Berlin and Stuttgart could support tourism growth by making both cities more accessible to travellers from the Gulf region.

Looking Ahead

Emirates maintains that daily services to Berlin and Stuttgart would complement Germany’s existing aviation network by providing additional connectivity, passenger choice and cargo capacity.

The airline said it remains committed to working with German authorities to secure the necessary approvals and bring the proposed services into operation.

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