European pilots urge Germany to withhold UAE traffic rights

The European Cockpit Association has urged Germany to refrain from granting additional traffic rights to airlines from the United Arab Emirates unless fair competition and social standards are guaranteed. The statement was issued ahead of a meeting between German officials and the president of the United Arab Emirates.

The association warned that expanding market access for UAE carriers could shift more passenger traffic between Europe and Asia onto routes that connect through Gulf hubs. It did not specify which airlines or routes would be affected, or what specific conditions would satisfy its demand for fairness in competition and social standards.

The call highlights a concern among European pilots that liberalized traffic rights could place them and their employers at a competitive disadvantage. The association tied its position directly to the upcoming diplomatic discussions, suggesting that Germany should use those talks to secure commitments on competition and labor standards before any further market opening.

The statement did not provide further detail on the scope of the proposed additional traffic rights, the current level of UAE carrier access to the German market, or the volume of Europe–Asia traffic currently routed through Gulf hubs. It also did not mention which German officials were scheduled to meet with the UAE president.