DUBAI/BERLIN – Emirates has confirmed it is ready to launch daily services to Berlin and Stuttgart, committing more than €100 million annually in operational expenses, staffing, airport charges, fuel and other expenditures, subject to approval from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport.

The proposed services would significantly expand long-haul connectivity for two of Germany’s key economic centres while creating hundreds of jobs, strengthening trade links and opening new tourism opportunities. Emirates said the routes would connect Berlin and Stuttgart to its extensive global network, providing one-stop access to 50 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australasia that are not currently served by German airlines.

Berlin, home to around 3.9 million people, is the political centre of Europe’s largest economy and a major hub for diplomacy, culture and innovation. Despite its international standing, the city remains heavily dependent on short-haul European routes. According to OAG schedule data, more than 85 per cent of Berlin Brandenburg Airport’s international connectivity is concentrated within Europe.

Stuttgart faces a similar challenge. As the economic powerhouse of Baden-Württemberg, one of Germany’s most export-oriented states, the city remains underserved in terms of long-haul air services despite the demands of manufacturers, suppliers and international trading partners.

Strong demand

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said the carrier is ready to bring daily widebody connectivity to both cities and back the move with substantial investment.

“These are two of Germany’s most important economic centres, yet both remain underserved when it comes to long-haul connectivity,” he said.

Clark added that German businesses have repeatedly highlighted the need for greater international access, while the Berlin Chamber of Commerce has also called for improved connectivity. Emirates’ own data, he said, points to strong demand, with flights expected to operate at high load factors.

The airline already links Germany with 50 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australasia that are not served by German carriers. According to Emirates, these routes are increasingly important for exporters, tourism operators and travellers seeking wider travel options and more efficient connections.

The airline said it remains committed to working closely with German authorities to secure approval for the services and deliver benefits to both city regions from the start of operations.

Jobs boost

Emirates argues that the economic benefits would extend well beyond passenger travel.

A study conducted by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in 2012 estimated that daily Emirates services to Berlin and Stuttgart would generate close to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. The airline said that estimate remains broadly consistent today.

The introduction of daily widebody services would also strengthen cargo connectivity across Berlin, Brandenburg and Baden-Württemberg. Operating a Boeing 777-300ER on each route would provide more than 280 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity every week.

This additional capacity would support the movement of time-sensitive imports and exports, including pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, machinery and transport technology components. For export-focused industries, improved air freight access could provide a valuable link to global markets.

Dubai gateway

Traffic data from Emirates highlights Dubai’s dual role as both a destination and a major global transit hub.

Of the 2.36 million passengers carried on Emirates flights to and from Germany in 2025, around 40 per cent travelled directly between Germany and Dubai. The remaining 60 per cent connected onwards to destinations across the airline’s international network.

Emirates said this demonstrates the potential value of extending its services to Berlin and Stuttgart, allowing travellers and businesses in both regions to access a broad range of destinations through a single connection.

Among the airline’s leading markets to and from Germany in 2025 were Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. None of these destinations are served by German airlines from Frankfurt or Munich.

According to Emirates, adding Berlin and Stuttgart would fill a long-standing connectivity gap rather than compete directly with existing services.

The carrier also argues that passengers would benefit from a more seamless travel experience through Dubai, with access to its four-cabin Boeing 777 product, including Premium Economy and First Class offerings. This would provide an alternative to multi-transfer journeys often involving narrow-body aircraft.

Demand for improved connectivity has already been highlighted by Berlin’s business community. In 2023, a survey published by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry found that 75 per cent of respondents considered the city’s long-haul flight offering deficient or insufficient.

Dubai emerged as the top priority destination where stronger connections were needed, both as a standalone destination and as a transfer hub linking travellers to international markets.

Currently, Berlin and Stuttgart are connected directly to Dubai only through seasonal narrow-body operations with limited onboard amenities. Emirates said a daily Boeing 777 service would represent a significant upgrade in both passenger comfort and cargo capability.

Tourism potential

The airline also points to the potential tourism gains for Germany.

Germany recorded nearly 1.2 million overnight stays from GCC visitors in 2024, a segment regarded as particularly valuable because travellers typically stay longer and spend more than average tourists.

According to Emirates, GCC visitors contributed an estimated €2.3 billion to the German economy during 2024 alone.

The German National Tourist Board projects that annual GCC visitor numbers could reach 3 million by the end of the decade, highlighting the long-term growth potential of the market.

Emirates believes direct services to Berlin and Stuttgart would help both cities capture a greater share of this demand by placing them more prominently on travel itineraries for visitors from the Gulf region.

By linking both destinations directly into its global network, the airline argues that Berlin and Stuttgart would become more accessible to travellers who currently favour destinations served by regular widebody operations.

The carrier maintains that daily services would complement Germany’s existing aviation landscape by increasing choice, strengthening competition and improving access to markets that remain underserved. Emirates said it remains engaged with the German Federal Government as it seeks approval to bring long-haul connectivity to both cities.