Lufthansa criticizes new UAE traffic rights to fifth German airport

Lufthansa has protested a German government decision to allow an airline from the United Arab Emirates to serve a fifth airport in the country. The 10 September announcement did not name the carrier or destination, but Emirates is commonly expected to be the recipient and Berlin the new point of entry.

A Lufthansa Group spokesperson said the expanded traffic rights would shift value creation and jobs to the Gulf and deepen competitive distortions. The move would give another German airport access to a Gulf hub without adding direct long-haul service, she added.

The airline contends the policy undermines Germany's aviation sector and burdens routes that connect metropolitan areas to domestic hubs. Lufthansa said the government "scores too many own goals" with such measures. The trade union Verdi has also voiced criticism.