AirBerlin to launch first Dubai - Berlin flights

Airberlin, Germany’s second-largest airline announced it will launch the first-ever nonstop flight service between Dubai and the German capital, Berlin.

The announcement of the new route, which will launch on 4 November, was made at a press conference held in the Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai.

The airline will fly from Dubai to Berlin three times a week.

Joachim Hunold, CEO, airberlin said due to high demand for the flights prior to its launch in November, the airline has already taken the decision to continue flights throughout the year.

"We have already reached over 50 percent capacity, that's one of the reasons we have made the decision to keep the flights going throughout the summer season. This shows the activity.

"It will be a full year operation, and whether we increase the flights or not depends on the demand."

Emirates Airline has wanted to service the  Dubai, Berlin route but was denied the rights to do so.

Prof. Dr. Rainer Schwarz, CEO of Berlin Airports said: "Emirates did not get the right to fly. We are more than happy that our home carrier has entered this destination. As far as I have heard there is no change in the future that the federal government will give Emirates allowance to come to Berlin."