DIRECT ROUTE TO GERMANY FROM BELFAST CITY AIRPORT
The announcement that Germany’s flag carrier airline, Lufthansa, will start direct flights between Belfast and Frankfurt from 23rd April 2023 is great news for Northern Ireland tourism and a major achievement by Belfast City Airport.
Germany is the third largest market for overseas tourism to the island of Ireland.
Lufthansa, one of Europe’s largest airlines, is entering the Northern Irish market for the first time. The route will be the only direct air link between Northern Ireland and Germany.
Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, commented:
“Attracting an airline such as Lufthansa to Northern Ireland that will provide the only route from the region to Germany is a major win for, not only the airport, but the wider tourism and business industry.
“With Germany being the third-largest market for overseas tourism to the island of Ireland, there is a clear demand for direct connectivity.”
Flights to Frankfurt with Lufthansa will operate up to four times a week.
Welcoming the news, Joanne Stuart, NITA’s CEO, said:
“Connectivity is a key theme for NITA and new routes such as this are essential if we are to grow our tourism sector. In 2019, 65,000 Germans visited Northern Ireland with an associated spend of c.£14m. It’s a lucrative market and one which has scope to grow.
“Congratulations to Belfast City Airport and everyone else involved in securing this important route; it’s now up to the sector and the tourism bodies to work together to make the most of the opportunity.”
Dr Frank Wagner, General Manager Sales, UK, Ireland and Iceland for Lufthansa Group, said:
“This new nonstop connection will bring Northern Ireland much closer to Frankfurt and to the heart of Western Europe. Connecting passengers will enjoy a convenient and full-service connection beyond our hub to our vast network of over 200 destinations in summer 2023.”
Flights to Frankfurt will be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays by an Embraer aircraft and will offer both Business and Economy class services.
Fares start at £155 return and are on sale now at lufthansa.com
