Bundestag opens debate on ambitious Skilled Immigration Reform
Protests at Leipzig/Halle Airport as Germany deports Afghan nationals on night charter
Controversial deportation flight to Afghanistan departs Leipzig amid late-night protests
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Ryanair trims Berlin and Hamburg schedules, cites ‘punitive’ German aviation taxes
Budget airline Ryanair will move three aircraft out of Berlin and Hamburg for the winter 2026/27 season, blaming Germany’s passenger tax and rising airport fees. Eighteen weekly flights are cancelled, affecting corporate itineraries and regional connectivity. The decision renews industry pressure on Berlin to rethink fiscal and regulatory costs ahead of the EU’s new border IT systems.
ADAC warns of record congestion as all German states enter school holidays
ADAC’s 28 July forecast signals severe motorway congestion from 31 July–2 August, coinciding with nationwide school holidays and 1,000 roadworks. Businesses should expect longer journey times, delivery delays and possible holdups at German borders; rerouting and off-peak travel are strongly advised.
EU issues last-minute clarifications on who is exempt from the new Schengen Entry/Exit System
The European Commission published fresh guidance on 27 July clarifying which travellers are exempt from biometric enrollment under the new Schengen Entry/Exit System. Family members of EU citizens who hold a residence card, diplomatic passport holders and air-crew are among those spared. The clarification should shorten queues at German airports and allows mobility managers to fine-tune travel policies.
Berlin Pride attack pushes Germany to tighten surveillance and border checks
After a deadly vehicle attack at Berlin’s Pride parade, Interior Minister Dobrindt signalled a review of Germany’s entry controls and domestic mobility safeguards. Police presence at airports and stations has already been reinforced, and lawmakers are debating biometric exit checks on highways. Business travellers should plan for sporadic ID checks and curbside delays.
Berlin BER launches live EES wait-time dashboard to ease summer queues
Berlin Brandenburg Airport has partnered with FlightQueue to publish live security and EES wait times, a first for a German hub. The 27 July launch gives travellers and mobility teams real-time data to plan arrival times and avoid queues as summer traffic peaks.