Germany’s federal government has granted Emirates additional traffic rights that will allow the Dubai-based carrier to add a fifth destination in the country, with Berlin emerging as the likely new route. The move is capped at seven extra weekly frequencies and appears limited to Germany-United Arab Emirates services, without fifth-freedom onward traffic rights.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from German airline interests. The BDF lobby group argues the change weakens local carriers, shifts value creation and jobs towards the Gulf, and does little to improve long-haul connectivity beyond Dubai. Lufthansa has also opposed the move, warning that it increases competitive distortion and adds pressure to domestic feeder services supporting German hubs.
Berlin has welcomed the prospect of a direct Dubai link, which it views as a boost for BER and the capital region. Emirates already serves Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg, and the latest reports indicate that the timing of any Berlin launch remains open.