Emirates plans daily flights to Berlin and Stuttgart
Airline commits €100 million annually to boost connectivity, trade and tourism in Germany
Berlin: Emirates has announced plans to launch daily services to Berlin and Stuttgart, subject to approval from the German Federal Ministry of Transport.
The airline said the proposed routes would involve an annual commitment exceeding €100 million, covering operational expenses, staffing, airport charges, fuel and other costs.
Addressing connectivity gaps
Berlin, home to 3.9 million people, is a major political, economic and cultural centre. However, long-haul connectivity remains limited, with more than 85 percent of Berlin Brandenburg Airport’s international routes focused within Europe.
Stuttgart faces a similar situation, despite being the economic hub of Baden-Württemberg, one of Germany’s most export-driven regions. The city’s long-haul connectivity remains limited, affecting links for manufacturers, suppliers and trading partners.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said: “Emirates is ready to bring daily widebody connectivity to Berlin and Stuttgart and connect them with our extensive network. These are two of Germany’s most important economic centres, yet both remain underserved in terms of long-haul connectivity.”
He added that demand for such services has been confirmed by business communities, including the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, and by the airline’s own data.
Economic impact and cargo capacity
Emirates said the introduction of new routes would generate significant economic benefits, including job creation. A study by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) estimated that daily services to both cities could create close to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The airline also highlighted the importance of cargo connectivity. A daily Boeing 777 service would provide more than 280 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity, supporting the transport of pharmaceuticals, machinery, and other high-value goods.
Dubai as a global hub
The proposed services would strengthen Dubai’s role as a global hub, offering passengers access to onward connections across Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australasia.
In 2025, Emirates carried 2.36 million passengers to and from Germany, with 40 percent travelling directly between Germany and Dubai, and 60 percent using Dubai as a transfer hub.
Key markets included Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam — destinations not currently served by German airlines from Frankfurt or Munich.
Passenger experience and connectivity
Currently, Berlin and Stuttgart are connected to Dubai primarily by seasonal narrow-body services with limited onboard amenities.
Emirates said introducing daily widebody aircraft would significantly enhance the passenger experience, offering a consistent four-cabin configuration, including Premium Economy and First Class.
Tourism potential
The airline also highlighted the potential to boost tourism from the Gulf region. Germany recorded nearly 1.2 million overnight stays by GCC visitors in 2024, contributing an estimated €2.3 billion to the economy.
With projections indicating that GCC visitor numbers could reach three million annually by the end of the decade, Emirates said direct services would strengthen Berlin and Stuttgart’s appeal to this high-value segment.
Looking ahead
Emirates stated that the proposed routes would complement Germany’s existing aviation network by improving connectivity and providing greater choice for travellers and businesses.
The airline said it remains committed to working with German authorities to secure approval and deliver the economic and connectivity benefits of long-haul services to both cities.