Emirates has announced its intention to launch daily flights to Berlin and Stuttgart, aiming to enhance global connectivity for these key German cities. The airline is prepared to invest over $106 million (€100 million) annually in operational expenses, contingent on approval from the German Federal Ministry of Transport. This move is expected to create nearly 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to a study by the German Aerospace Centre.

Berlin, a city of 3.9 million people, is a significant economic and cultural hub but lacks sufficient long-haul connectivity. Similarly, Stuttgart, the economic powerhouse of Baden-Württemberg, is underserved in terms of international flights. Emirates President Tim Clark stated, "These are two of Germany’s most important economic centres yet both remain underserved when it comes to long-haul connectivity."

The proposed routes would not only improve passenger options but also enhance cargo capacity, providing over 280 tonnes of weekly bellyhold cargo space. This is crucial for time-sensitive exports like pharmaceuticals and machinery. Additionally, the flights would facilitate one-stop connections to 50 destinations, including Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, which are not currently served by German airlines from Frankfurt or Munich.

Emirates' expansion is also poised to attract high-value tourism from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, a segment that contributed $2.44 billion (€2.3 billion) to the German economy in 2024. The airline remains committed to working with German authorities to realise these plans, promising significant economic benefits for both Berlin and Stuttgart

This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.