Flixbus Boss Reacts to Border Controls
- Increased scrutiny at Germany's borders is affecting travel coach services, with Flixbus reporting efforts to mitigate potential disruptions.
- As May 7, Germany has implemented stricter border checks. These measures, initiated by Interior minister Alexander Dobrindt, are intended to support CDU Chancellor Friedrich Merz's policy shift on...
- Dobrindt announced on May 15 that federal police had turned away 739 individuals at the border in the preceding week, including 32 asylum seekers.
Border Controls Impacting Travel Coaches, Says flixbus CEO
Table of Contents
- Border Controls Impacting Travel Coaches, Says flixbus CEO
- Border Controls and Flixbus: Your Questions answered
- What’s Happening at the german Border?
- How Are These Border Controls Affecting Travel Coaches?
- Why Are Coaches Being Targeted?
- What Measures Has the German Government Taken?
- What is flixbus Doing to Address These Issues?
- Does Flixbus Think the Border Controls Are Their Obligation?
- What Role Does Passenger Identification Play?
- Is Flixbus Complaining About the Border Controls?
- Key Takeaways: Summary of Changes
May 17, 2025, 4:49 a.m.
Increased scrutiny at Germany’s borders is affecting travel coach services, with Flixbus reporting efforts to mitigate potential disruptions.
As May 7, Germany has implemented stricter border checks. These measures, initiated by Interior minister Alexander Dobrindt, are intended to support CDU Chancellor Friedrich Merz‘s policy shift on immigration. The new policy includes the potential rejection of asylum seekers at the border. Critics, particularly from the Green Party, have cited concerns about the lack of coordination with neighboring countries.
Dobrindt announced on May 15 that federal police had turned away 739 individuals at the border in the preceding week, including 32 asylum seekers. As an example, police at the Trier main station on May 11 stopped a coach and denied entry to four asylum seekers attempting to enter from Luxembourg.
Authorities report that coaches, along with smaller vans, are frequently subject to these controls due to their use by individuals entering Germany without authorization. During a television appearance on May 11,Dobrindt stated that the responsibility for border security rests with the authorities,not bus companies. However, these increased coach checks by federal police can lead to traffic congestion and delays.
Flixbus Responds to Border Control Measures
André Schwämmlein,CEO of Flixbus,told news outlets that the company is working to minimize the negative impacts of the intensified border controls. “We strive to minimize the negative effects of police controls, such as by planning enough time in the timetables to avoid possible delays as far as possible,” Schwämmlein said. He added that Flixbus schedules are generally planned with buffer time to accommodate potential delays.
To enhance security and streamline border checks, Flixbus drivers on international routes are required to verify passenger identification. ”If passengers do not present these documents, than they cannot ride,” Schwämmlein stated. “This way we can achieve more efficient and smooth processes for police controls in long-distance buses.”
A Flixbus spokeswoman noted that EU law stipulates that thorough document checks are the responsibility of government authorities. The company welcomes closer collaboration with these authorities, suggesting a greater presence at international line stops, similar to security measures at airports and train stations.
Border Controls and Flixbus: Your Questions answered
What’s Happening at the german Border?
Germany has implemented stricter border checks, as of May 7th, 2025. These measures, initiated by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, are part of a policy shift on immigration led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The policy includes the potential for rejecting asylum seekers at the border.
How Are These Border Controls Affecting Travel Coaches?
Increased scrutiny at Germany’s borders is impacting travel coach services. Flixbus has reported efforts to mitigate potential disruptions caused by these stricter checks. This means that longer journey times and potential delays are a growing issue, especially on international routes.
Why Are Coaches Being Targeted?
Coaches,along with smaller vans,are subject to increased controls because they are frequently used by individuals entering Germany without authorization.
What Measures Has the German Government Taken?
The German government, specifically the federal police, has increased border checks. Interior Minister Dobrindt announced on May 15th that 739 individuals had been turned away at the border in the preceding week. Of these, 32 where asylum seekers. For example, on May 11th, police stopped a coach at the Trier main station and denied entry to four asylum seekers attempting to enter from Luxembourg.
What is flixbus Doing to Address These Issues?
Flixbus is actively working to minimize the negative impacts of the intensified border controls. According to Flixbus CEO André Schwämmlein, the company is doing the following:
Planning for Delays: building extra time into travel schedules to accommodate potential delays caused by increased border checks.
Passenger Identification verification: requiring Flixbus drivers on international routes to verify passenger identification.Passengers without proper documentation will not be allowed to travel.
Does Flixbus Think the Border Controls Are Their Obligation?
No. During a television appearance on May 11th, Minister Dobrindt stated that responsibility for border security rests with authorities and not bus companies. A Flixbus spokeswoman also noted that EU law stipulates that thorough document checks are the responsibility of government authorities.
What Role Does Passenger Identification Play?
To enhance the security and streamline border checks, Flixbus requires its drivers to verify passenger identification on international routes. This allows for more efficient controls by federal police. Passengers who cannot present the necessary documents cannot travel.
Is Flixbus Complaining About the Border Controls?
No, but the company is trying to address the increased wait times due to these measures. Flixbus welcomes closer collaboration with government authorities and has suggested a greater presence at international line stops, similar to the security measures at airports and train stations.
Key Takeaways: Summary of Changes
| Aspect | Detail |
| :——————– | :————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Border Checks | Stricter checks implemented on May 7th, 2025. |
| Policy Shift | Driven by CDU Chancellor friedrich Merz. |
| Impact on Coaches | Coaches, including Flixbus, are experiencing delays and increased scrutiny. |
| Flixbus Response | Building buffer time into schedules and verifying passenger identification on international routes. |
| Government Stance | Border security is the authorities’ responsibility not bus companies. |
| EU law | Document checks are the responsibility of government authorities. |