Condor Flies Emergency Repatriation Missions From Oman as Gulf Airspace Crisis Deepens
EU Sets 2030 Roadmap to Link Schengen Biometric Databases—Germany to Integrate Police Files
Lufthansa Cargo Jumps Back Into Global Top-Five With €3.4 Billion Turnover
Latest News
Drone Strike Shuts Dubai Airports, Diverts German Flights and Complicates Evacuations
A drone impact forced Dubai’s two airports to halt traffic on 7 March, disrupting flight schedules for German carriers and delaying ongoing tourist evacuations from the Gulf. The incident highlights rising unmanned-aircraft risks on key intercontinental corridors used by business travellers.
Lufthansa Technik Unveils €2 Billion Global MRO Expansion After Record Revenue
Lufthansa Technik reported record €8 billion turnover on 7 March and announced a multi-billion-euro investment plan to expand maintenance capacity in Germany, Portugal, Canada and the U.S. The upgrades promise more reliable flight operations for business travellers and support Germany’s demand for highly skilled aviation talent.
Brazil Ratifies 90-in-180 Schengen Stay Rule, ETIAS Registration to Follow
A decree issued in Brasília on 7 March formally caps visa-free Schengen stays for Brazilians at 90 days in any 180-day window and sets the stage for mandatory ETIAS pre-registration. The harmonisation removes legal grey areas and gives German employers clearer rules for short-term Brazilian assignees.
Merz warns Middle-East war could trigger new refugee wave toward Germany
On 6 March, Chancellor Merz said a collapse of Iran could send a new wave of refugees to Europe and vowed to press allies to avoid such an outcome. Berlin also announced €100 million in aid for Lebanon to contain displacement. Linking foreign policy to migration control underscores that Germany’s visa environment could tighten quickly if the Middle-East war escalates.
Bundestag clashes over AfD motion to tighten naturalisation rules
On 6 March the AfD forced a Bundestag debate on a motion to lengthen residence requirements and restrict dual citizenship. Government and opposition parties rejected the proposal, but the exchange reveals deep divides as the coalition prepares its own bill to speed up naturalisation for foreign talent.
Schengen Entry/Exit System trial causes queues at German airports and land borders
A nationwide stress test of the EU Entry/Exit System on 6 March led to long queues at German airports and motor-way crossings. Airlines warn that, without more staffing and kiosks, the full EES launch in April could disrupt business travel itineraries.
Berlin faces EU backlash as Dobrindt confirms six-month extension of internal border checks
Interior Minister Dobrindt sent a formal letter to the European Commission on 6 March confirming that Germany’s land-border checks will stay in force for another six months, citing migration and security risks. The extension, criticised by Greens and some EU officials, means continued ID inspections and possible journey delays until at least mid-September.
Local governments roll out one-stop Blue-Card portals as 2026 salary thresholds kick in
On 6 March, municipalities in Baden-Württemberg and elsewhere activated new online portals that reflect the 2026 salary thresholds for EU Blue Cards (€50,700 general / €45,934 shortage). The one-stop tools promise faster local processing and give employers more control over document quality before consular filing.
Women with migration backgrounds drive record employment as BA marks International Women’s Day
Federal Employment Agency briefs released on 6 March show record employment of migrant women, fuelled by relaxed work-permit rules and labour shortages in services. New regional programmes offer subsidies and childcare support to help female migrants enter skilled jobs, creating opportunities for employers facing talent gaps.