Emirates, a prominent international airline, is once again pushing for a direct flight connection to Berlin. The airline’s long-standing ambition to serve the German capital faces ongoing hurdles, with the federal government’s approval still pending. This development follows previous unsuccessful attempts and highlights a broader debate about Germany’s air traffic agreements and regional connectivity.
Emirates’ Persistent Interest in Berlin
The desire for Emirates flights to Berlin is not new. Two years ago, the former Mayor of Berlin met with the President of Emirates to discuss the airline’s interest in establishing additional international long-haul connections at BER Airport. Despite these discussions, Emirates has been unable to convince the Federal Ministry of Transport of its plans. Now, according to reports from airliners, citing sources from BILD, Emirates has once again signaled its interest in a flight connection to the capital, and a renewed decision from the federal government is awaited.
Emirates has been active in Germany for over 35 years, currently serving Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg. The airline operates with a fleet that includes Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s, offering Business Class passengers various benefits such as chauffeur service, lounge access, complimentary seat selection, additional baggage, and in-flight catering, depending on the fare.
Challenges and Bilateral Agreements
A significant obstacle for Emirates is a bilateral agreement that, while allowing unlimited flights to Germany, restricts them to only four destinations. For Emirates to add Berlin to its network, this existing agreement would either need to be expanded, or the airline would have to discontinue one of its current destinations. This regulatory framework has complicated the airline’s efforts to enhance its presence in Germany, particularly in the eastern regions.
Since Air Berlin filed for insolvency in 2017, the capital has lost its connection to several international hubs, making the establishment of new long-haul routes a priority for regional authorities. The potential for Emirates to fill this gap is seen as crucial for Berlin’s international connectivity.
Regional Disparities in Long-Haul Connections
There is a notable imbalance in long-haul flight connections across Germany. Approximately 170 long-haul connections depart daily from western German airports, whereas eastern Germany has only five such connections. This disparity has prompted political action.
According to BILD, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, along with the Prime Ministers of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, addressed a letter directly to the Federal Chancellor, requesting assistance in this matter. They were supported by the head of government of North Rhine-Westphalia. Additionally, the Prime Ministers of Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hamburg, and Bremen issued a separate letter advocating for better international connectivity.
However, the Prime Ministers of Hesse and Bavaria have voiced opposition to additional state rights for Berlin. They fear that the inclusion of Berlin could weaken their established hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, which are critical for their regional economies. This division among the federal states underscores the complexity of the decision facing the federal government.
The outcome of Emirates’ renewed bid to fly to Berlin remains uncertain. The decision will likely involve a delicate balance of economic interests, regional development, and existing bilateral air traffic agreements. The ongoing discussions highlight the strategic importance of international air connectivity for Germany’s capital and the broader implications for the country’s aviation landscape.
Source: https://reisetopia.de/news/emirates-verbindung-berlin/amp/
