‍DALLAS – Emirates (EK) has welcomed Condor (DE) as a new codeshare partner, which will greatly increase the reach of the German leisure carrier on routes between the UAE and the rest of the world.

Both airlines decided to collaborate, taking advantage of the upcoming inauguration of the new DE flight between Berlin-Brandenburg (BER) and Dubai International (DXB) Airport, which will commence on October 26, 2024. These flights will be operated by the brand new Airbus A320neo, delivered to the airline as late as April 2024.

“To partner up with Emirates…is an important strategic milestone for Condor and our customers…Our guests will enjoy a way larger choice of flights to even more destinations with the familiar comfort and benefit from the best of both airlines on all flights,” said Peter Gerber, CEO of Condor.

Emirates Dodges Legal Obstacles to Fly to Berlin

Not only for the German carrier, this codeshare partnership is also crucial and very beneficial for EK. This is because Berlin has been a desired destination for the UAE carrier for months, but the German government has rejected all proposals to open non-stop flights to BER from DXB.

The reason behind this blockade lies in the Germany-UAE Air Services Agreement, signed in 1994, which restricts EK from serving a maximum of four routes to the country. All these four slots have been occupied, with direct services to Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Dusseldorf (DUS), and Hamburg (HAM).

With the signing of a codeshare partnership with DE, the Dubai-based carrier can now fly passengers to and from BER to its superhub in the UAE through these flights operated by the A320neo.

Some passengers may view this alternative as a handicap to EK’s premium travelers, as Condor’s narrow-body Business Class offers a significantly different service in comparison. 

Find out more about Condor’s in-flight Business Class experience on our latest story.