Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Condor to Focus on Winter Demand, Suspends Summer Flights to Dubai from Berlin
Published on
February 8, 2026
Starting in 2026, Condor will be stopping summer services from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to Dubai International Airport (DXB). This will be the first time an airline has done this. Condor also announced they will stop summer services from Dubai to Berlin Brandenburg. They started this route in 2024. Now, winter service will be the only service provided. This has changed the airline’s seasonal flight planning, surprising many in the travel industry.
Shifting Focus on Seasonal Demand
The Berlin–Dubai route, launched in October 2024, had been positioned as a year-round connection, with Condor planning to operate flights throughout both the winter and summer months. However, after assessing the demand and evaluating economic efficiency, the airline has opted to only serve this popular long-haul route during the winter season.
Condor’s spokesperson confirmed that the primary reason behind this change is the stronger demand observed during winter, as compared to the summer months. In summer, the number of passengers traveling between Berlin and Dubai does not meet the level needed to justify year-round operations. Consequently, Condor has decided to redeploy its aircraft capacity to other markets where there is stronger seasonal demand, particularly during the summer period.
Economic Efficiency Drives Decisions
Economic considerations play a significant role in Condor’s decision-making process. The airline continues to adjust its network to align with the seasonal performance of routes. While the Berlin–Dubai route performed well during the winter months, especially following the route’s expansion with a second daily frequency in the winter 2025/2026 season, it is evident that the demand during the summer season does not justify continued operations.
This move allows Condor to optimize aircraft usage on routes that show higher demand during the peak summer months, ensuring that the airline remains competitive in a dynamic market. It also reflects a broader trend within the airline industry, where airlines reassess their route networks to match changing travel patterns and economic conditions.
Impact of the Summer Suspension on Travelers
For travelers planning to visit Dubai from Berlin in the summer of 2026, this suspension could affect their travel options. However, there are still other carriers offering flights on this route, and travelers can explore alternative connections. In addition to the winter service from Condor, Emirates, a long-time partner of the German airline, continues to operate flights between Berlin and Dubai throughout the year.
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The collaboration between Condor and Emirates remains intact, and this partnership provides flexibility for passengers. Under their Special Prorate Agreement, both airlines continue to offer ticket sales for each other’s services, making it easier for travelers to secure flights to Dubai, even if Condor no longer operates the route in summer. Additionally, travelers who are members of the Emirates Skywards loyalty program can continue to earn miles when flying with Condor, allowing frequent flyers to maintain their benefits.
Future Outlook for the Berlin-Dubai Route
Despite this setback, Condor has not abandoned the Berlin–Dubai connection entirely. The airline remains confident in the winter demand for the route and will continue offering flights from Berlin to Dubai during the colder months. The suspension of summer flights is merely a reflection of shifting seasonal travel patterns rather than a complete discontinuation of the route. The airline’s decision highlights the importance of dynamic route planning in the face of fluctuating travel demand.
The suspension of the summer flights does raise questions about the broader outlook for leisure travel between Europe and the Middle East. The strategic decision by Condor to scale back its operations for this particular route could serve as a precursor for other airlines to reconsider the sustainability of similar routes during the summer season, especially if demand levels fluctuate in the coming years.
What Travelers Need to KnowSummer Service Suspension: Condor will no longer operate flights from Berlin to Dubai during the summer season starting in 2026.Winter Service Continues: The Berlin–Dubai flights will continue to operate during the winter months, catering to the higher demand during this period.Partnership with Emirates: Travelers can still benefit from the partnership between Condor and Emirates, which allows for reciprocal ticket sales and miles earning for Emirates Skywards members on Condor flights.Alternative Options: Other airlines, including Emirates, continue to operate flights on this route year-round, providing alternatives for travelers.Conclusion
Flights have been suspended because of summer demand. Still, there are flights available. People also have other options available to them to reach their destination. Dubai is still available to customers and will continue to be. The change also shows that balancing and combining are market conditions that airlines have to be responsive to.
