Overview
- The federal government approved additional landing rights for Emirates to add a fifth German airport, a move linked to the UAE president’s visit and a new air‑transport agreement.
- Officials confined the new service to a maximum of seven flights per week and banned flights between the new German point and third countries to stop so‑called beyond‑freedom operations.
- Berlin and Brandenburg welcomed the decision as a boost to the capital region’s international links and business ties through Dubai’s hub.
- Lufthansa criticized the expansion as unfair competition, while Condor and Eurowings already plan direct BER–Dubai services in the coming winter schedule.
- The change opens BER to more long‑haul connections and passenger choice but the strict limits are meant to contain competitive disruption and preserve existing market balance.