UAE airlines accelerate expansion: Emirates and Etihad reveal major route plans
The developments highlight how both carriers are seeking to deepen their reach into strategically important markets while strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub linking Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East
10 June, 2026
TT
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Two of the UAE’s leading airlines are pressing ahead with major network expansion plans, underscoring the growing strength of international travel demand and the Gulf’s increasingly important role in global aviation connectivity.
Emirates has announced its readiness to launch daily services to Berlin and Stuttgart, subject to regulatory approval from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport, while Etihad Airways has confirmed it will double its flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul from mid-July following stronger-than-expected demand on the route.
The developments highlight how both carriers are seeking to deepen their reach into strategically important markets while strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub linking Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Emirates commits more than €100m annually to German expansion
Emirates said it is prepared to invest more than €100 million annually in operational expenses, staffing, airport charges, fuel and related costs to support daily services to Berlin and Stuttgart.
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The airline believes both cities represent significant opportunities for long-haul connectivity and economic growth, despite being among Germany’s most important commercial and population centres, a WAM report said.
Berlin, Germany’s capital and largest city, is home to approximately 3.9 million residents and serves as a major political, diplomatic and technology hub. While the city has developed a thriving start-up ecosystem and attracts millions of visitors every year, Emirates argues that its long-haul connectivity remains limited compared with its economic importance.
According to OAG schedule data cited by the airline, more than 85 per cent of Berlin Brandenburg Airport’s international connectivity is concentrated within Europe, leaving substantial room for growth in long-haul services.
Stuttgart faces a similar challenge. As the economic powerhouse of Baden-Württemberg, one of Germany’s most export-oriented states, the city plays a critical role in manufacturing, engineering and international trade. However, access to long-haul air services remains relatively limited, a factor that business leaders say could constrain future growth opportunities.
Demand for long-haul services remains strong
Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, said demand for direct long-haul connectivity to both cities has been consistently highlighted by businesses, trade groups and travellers.
“Emirates is ready to bring daily wide body 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,” he said.
“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.”
Clark added that Emirates already provides German travellers with access to dozens of destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australasia that are not currently served by German airlines.
“Emirates already connects Germany to 50 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Australasia that no German airline serves. These are destinations that matter to German exporters, tourism operators, and the millions of travellers looking for more choice and better connections,” he said.
“All we are asking for is the opportunity to serve these cities and their communities, and we remain committed to working constructively with the German authorities to make that a reality and deliver tangible benefits that would be felt across both city regions from day one of our operations.”
Economic benefits extend beyond passenger travel
Emirates said the proposed services would deliver substantial economic benefits to both regions.
A study conducted by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) estimated that daily Emirates services to Berlin and Stuttgart could create close to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. The airline said those projections remain broadly relevant today.
Cargo operations are also expected to play a significant role. A daily Boeing 777-300ER service would provide more than 280 tonnes of weekly belly-hold cargo capacity, supporting exports and imports ranging from pharmaceutical products and machinery to electrical equipment and transport technology components.
The airline noted that enhanced cargo connectivity would benefit businesses across Berlin, Brandenburg and Baden-Württemberg by providing more direct access to international markets.
Dubai’s growing importance as a global aviation hub
Emirates carried 2.36 million passengers to and from Germany in 2025, with 40 per cent travelling directly between Germany and Dubai and the remaining 60% connecting onward through the carrier’s global network.
The figures reinforce Dubai’s growing role as both a destination market and a major international transfer hub.
The airline said new Berlin and Stuttgart services would strengthen access to key markets across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa through a single-stop connection via Dubai.
Among the airline’s strongest Germany-related markets in 2025 were Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, destinations not currently served by German airlines from Frankfurt or Munich.
Emirates maintains that services to Berlin and Stuttgart would complement rather than compete with existing routes, filling a long-standing gap in Germany’s aviation network.
Passengers would also benefit from the airline’s four-class cabin offering, including First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy, providing a broader range of travel options than many existing services operating on the routes.
Tourism potential remains significant
The airline also highlighted the growing importance of Gulf visitors to Germany’s tourism industry.
Germany recorded nearly 1.2 million overnight stays from GCC visitors in 2024, generating an estimated €2.3bn in economic activity. The German National Tourist Board expects annual GCC visitor numbers to reach 3 million by the end of the decade.
Emirates believes direct widebody services would help position Berlin and Stuttgart more prominently among travellers from the Gulf region, potentially unlocking additional tourism revenue and supporting local hospitality sectors.
Business leaders in Berlin have already voiced concerns about the city’s limited long-haul connectivity. A survey published by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2023 found that 75% of respondents viewed the city’s long-haul flight offering as deficient or insufficient, with Dubai identified as a priority route requiring stronger connectivity.
Etihad responds to strong Kabul demand
While Emirates focuses on expansion opportunities in Europe, Etihad Airways is moving quickly to increase capacity on one of the newest routes in its network.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier announced that it will double flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul from 15th July 2026, introducing a second daily service in each direction less than four months after the route was launched.
Kabul joined Etihad’s network in March 2026 with an initial schedule of four weekly flights. Demand has since exceeded expectations, prompting the airline to accelerate its growth plans.
The route is currently operated using Airbus A320 aircraft configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats.
Etihad said the enhanced schedule will provide passengers with greater flexibility while supporting growing demand from both local travellers and international transit passengers connecting through Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.
Strategic growth across regional markets
Afghanistan maintains strong economic, cultural and social links with the UAE, which is home to one of the Gulf region’s largest Afghan expatriate communities.
The expanded service is expected to benefit travellers visiting family, conducting business or accessing onward international connections through Abu Dhabi.
Arik De, Etihad’s chief revenue and commercial officer, said customer demand had been the key driver behind the decision to increase frequencies.
“The response to our Kabul launch has been exceptional. Demand has remained strong from day one, and moving to double-daily is a direct reflection of what our guests have been telling us with their bookings,” he said.
“This rapid expansion is another example of the strategic approach we take to network development, allowing us to respond quickly to the wishes of our guests, and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as an important gateway connecting regional markets with our global network.”
Gulf carriers continue global growth push
The latest announcements from Emirates and Etihad reflect broader growth trends across the Gulf aviation sector as airlines continue investing in network expansion, connectivity and hub development.
For Emirates, the focus is on unlocking new long-haul opportunities in Germany’s underserved cities and strengthening trade, tourism and investment flows. For Etihad, the rapid expansion of Kabul services demonstrates the airline’s ability to respond quickly to demand while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a growing international aviation gateway.
Together, the moves highlight how the UAE’s leading carriers are positioning themselves to capture rising passenger demand and deepen their role in connecting markets across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
