Berlin, December 24 – Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, is renewing its efforts to establish a direct flight connection to Berlin. The airline’s long-standing ambition to serve the German capital with international long-haul routes is currently awaiting a decision from the German federal government. This development follows previous discussions and ongoing lobbying efforts by Emirates to expand its German network beyond its current four destinations.
Emirates’ Persistent Interest in Berlin
Emirates has been actively pursuing a Berlin route since Air Berlin’s insolvency in 2017, which left the capital with limited international long-haul connections. The airline’s plans are complicated by a bilateral air traffic agreement that permits unlimited flights to Germany but restricts them to only four cities. Currently, Emirates operates flights to Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg, utilizing Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s, offering premium services such as chauffeur-service, lounge access, and enhanced in-flight amenities for Business Class passengers.
Despite past meetings between Emirates President and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and discussions with former Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffey, the German Federal Ministry of Transport has not yet approved the airline’s proposals. According to reports from airliners, citing BILD sources, Emirates has once again signaled its interest, prompting a renewed review by the federal government. For the connection to materialize, the existing agreement would either need to be expanded or Emirates would have to relinquish one of its current German destinations.
Regional Disparities and Political Debates
The push for a Berlin connection highlights a significant disparity in Germany’s long-haul flight network. Western German airports collectively handle approximately 170 long-haul connections daily, whereas eastern Germany has only five. This imbalance has prompted political action, with Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner, and the Minister Presidents of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, supported by North Rhine-Westphalia’s head of government, writing to the Federal Chancellor to address the issue.
Separately, the Minister Presidents of Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hamburg, and Bremen have also called for improved international connectivity for their regions. However, these proposals face opposition from the Minister Presidents of Hesse and Bavaria, who fear that adding Berlin as an Emirates destination could weaken the competitive position of their major hubs in Frankfurt and Munich.
The debate underscores the complex interplay between regional economic interests and national aviation policy. The outcome of the federal government’s decision remains uncertain, leaving the question of whether Emirates will eventually fly to Berlin open.
Impact on Berlin’s Connectivity
A direct long-haul connection from Emirates would significantly enhance Berlin’s international connectivity, potentially boosting tourism and business ties for the capital region. Proponents argue that it would position Berlin more competitively on the global stage, offering residents and visitors more direct travel options and fostering economic growth.
The airline’s consistent interest in Berlin suggests a strong market demand for such a route. Should the German government approve Emirates’ plans, it would not only mark a significant victory for the airline but also a pivotal moment for Berlin’s aviation landscape, potentially opening doors for other international carriers to consider direct services to the capital.
The ongoing discussions emphasize the strategic importance of air travel for regional development and the challenges involved in balancing the interests of various stakeholders within a federal system. The final decision from the federal government is eagerly awaited by both Emirates and the city of Berlin, as it will determine the future of direct long-haul air travel to the German capital.
Source: reisetopia.de
