Dubai: Emirates today confirmed it stands ready to launch daily services to Berlin and Stuttgart, committing more than 100 million EUR each year in operational expenses, staff, airport charges, fuel, and other expenditures, subject to the approval of the German Federal Ministry of Transport.
According to Emirates News Agency, Berlin is the political heart of Europe's largest economy, home to a thriving start-up ecosystem, a well-established diplomatic community, and a cultural scene that attracts millions of visitors annually. However, the city's long-haul connectivity has not matched its global credentials, with over 85% of Berlin Brandenburg Airport's international connectivity concentrated within Europe. Similarly, Stuttgart, the economic engine of Baden-Wrttemberg, lacks sufficient long-haul services crucial for manufacturers, suppliers, and trading partners.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, stated, "Emirates is ready to bring daily widebody connectivity to Berlin and Stuttgart and connect them with our extensive network, backed by substantial investment. These are two of Germany's most important economic centres, yet both remain underserved when it comes to long-haul connectivity. German businesses have told us they need it, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce has called for it, our own data confirms the demand is there, and flights are forecast to be full."
New Emirates routes to both cities are expected to generate hundreds of jobs. A 2012 study by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) estimated that daily Emirates services to Berlin and Stuttgart would create close to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. This figure remains broadly consistent today.
In addition to enhanced passenger choice, local cargo connectivity in Baden-Wrttemberg, Berlin, and Brandenburg would also benefit. A daily Emirates widebody service with a Boeing 777-300ER would provide over 280 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity per week, facilitating imports and exports such as pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, machinery, and transport technology components.
In 2025, of the 2.36 million passengers carried on Emirates' flights to and from Germany, 40% flew between Dubai and Germany, while 60% were connecting passengers, highlighting Dubai's role as both a premium destination and a global transfer hub. If daily Berlin and Stuttgart flights were introduced, Emirates would offer convenient, one-stop connections for German travellers and businesses.
Emirates' top markets to and from Germany in 2025 included Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, none of which are served by German airlines from Frankfurt or Munich. Extending connectivity to Berlin and Stuttgart would fill a longstanding gap without impacting existing routes.
A one-stop connection on Emirates via Dubai would provide a seamless journey with a consistent onboard product in a four-cabin configuration, improving over the multi-transfer narrow-body alternatives currently available by German airlines. For Berlin, the Emirates experience offers options for every traveller, including award-winning Premium Economy and unmatched First Class services.
Berlin's business community has expressed the need for improved services. In a 2023 survey by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 75% of respondents identified the long-haul offering at Berlin as deficient. Dubai was highlighted as a priority for strengthened connections, both as a destination and transfer hub.
Currently, Berlin and Stuttgart are linked directly to Dubai by narrow-body aircraft with limited amenities, on a seasonal basis. A daily Emirates Boeing 777 service would enhance passenger experience, comfort, and cargo capacity.
Germany recorded nearly 1.2 million overnight stays from GCC visitors in 2024, a valuable tourism segment with significant economic impact. The German National Tourist Board projects GCC visitor numbers to reach 3 million annually by the decade's end. Direct Emirates services would position Berlin and Stuttgart as key destinations for GCC visitors, fostering tourism growth.
The economic benefits are evident. Daily Emirates services to Berlin and Stuttgart would create jobs, strengthen trade links, open new destinations, and attract high-value tourism. Emirates believes these services would complement Germany's existing aviation ecosystem, providing greater choice and competition where needed most.
The airline remains committed to constructive engagement with the German Federal Government, aiming to bring the benefits of long-haul connectivity to Berlin and Stuttgart.