Air travel: SPD deputy leader rejects more traffic rights for Emirates

Armand Zorn, deputy leader of the Social Democratic parliamentary group, is resisting any quick expansion of Emirates’ traffic rights in Germany. The debate comes just before UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s state visit to Berlin, where Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to meet him on Thursday.

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Before we create additional market access, we must carefully examine the conditions under which competition takes place and the impact this would have on our companies and employees.

“Before we create additional market access, we must carefully examine the conditions under which competition takes place and the impact this would have on our companies and employees,” Zorn told the German Press Agency.

He warned that more takeoff and landing rights must not shift traffic and economic value away from German hubs and important feeder connections. Germany’s airlines already face intense international competition, he said.

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Additional traffic rights must not lead to traffic and economic value being shifted away, putting German hubs and important feeder connections under further pressure.

The German government had signaled openness in February to granting Emirates additional takeoff and landing opportunities at Berlin’s BER airport. Lufthansa, Emirates’ German competitor, opposes another license for the airline.

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Germany needs a strong and competitive aviation hub.

“Germany needs a strong and competitive aviation hub,” Zorn said. “That is why I view an expansion of traffic rights for airlines from the Gulf states critically at this time.” He also said fair competition should include good working conditions, collective bargaining coverage and workers’ rights.

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That is why I view an expansion of traffic rights for airlines from the Gulf states critically at this time.