Emirates Airlines is seeking regulatory approval to operate daily flights to Berlin and Stuttgart, pledging a $100 million investment to support the new routes as it looks to expand its footprint in Germany — one of its most important European markets.
According to Gulf News, the Dubai-based carrier is negotiating with German aviation authorities to secure landing slots and traffic rights for the two cities. The proposed investment would cover marketing, local employment, and infrastructure development related to the new services.
Germany is a key market for Emirates, which already operates multiple daily flights to Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf. Adding Berlin and Stuttgart would give the airline coverage of all major German economic centers, strengthening its position in Europe’s largest economy and providing additional connecting traffic through Dubai International Airport.
The push for Berlin flights comes as the German capital’s airport, Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt, has been rebuilding its long-haul network following the closure of the old Tegel airport in 2020. Stuttgart, home to Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, represents a significant business travel market that currently lacks direct connectivity to the Gulf.
Emirates has historically faced regulatory constraints in Germany under bilateral air service agreements that limit the number of destinations and frequencies Gulf carriers can serve. The airline has been lobbying for expanded access for years, arguing that additional routes would boost German tourism, trade, and employment.
The $100 million investment pledge is designed to demonstrate the economic value of the expanded service to German authorities. Emirates has previously made similar commitments in other markets, arguing that each new route generates significant downstream economic activity in the destination city.
Emirates president Tim Clark has indicated that the airline is prepared to move quickly once approvals are granted. The carrier has been operating at near-full capacity on its existing German routes, and industry data suggests there is unmet demand for additional UAE-Germany connectivity, particularly from business travelers and the large German expatriate community in the Emirates.
A decision from German aviation authorities is expected in the coming months. If approved, the new routes could launch as early as the winter 2026-27 schedule.
