Lufthansa’s new flight from Belfast City Airport to Frankfurt has taken off, marking the first time the German flag airline has operated in Northern Ireland.

The service, which will operate up to four times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, is the only direct air route between Northern Ireland and Germany.

Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, commented on the inaugural flight:

The commencement of Lufthansa’s service to Frankfurt represents a significant milestone for Belfast City Airport, providing Northern Ireland with essential connectivity to Europe and further afield.

This exciting new partnership opens up opportunities for business and leisure travellers alike and there is no doubt that it will be an extremely popular route for many.

At Belfast City Airport, we pride ourselves on delivering convenience and choice to our passengers and securing this new connection with Germany only strengthens that offering further.

Frankfurt, Lufthansa’s home base and a significant European hub, is one of the airline’s most popular destinations. This summer, it will connect its Frankfurt centre to a network of over 200 destinations.

Dr. Frank Wagner, General Manager of Sales for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Iceland at Lufthansa Group, added:

We are excited to announce the addition of Belfast City Airport to Lufthansa’s global network with the official inaugural flight to Frankfurt on 24th April 2023.

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 one-stop connection beyond our hub to our vast network of 200 destinations in most parts of the world.

In addition to supporting tourism development in the region, the new route will facilitate vital business connections, with exports from Northern Ireland to Germany expected to exceed £333 million between July 2021 and July 2022.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Belfast Chamber, Simon Hamilton, stated:

Belfast Chamber is delighted to welcome the arrival of the first Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to George Best Belfast City Airport. Frankfurt is a fantastic hub airport and a new four times a week service will provide Belfast businesses with access to new markets in Germany and across the world, as well as opportunities for the city to attract new inbound tourists.

Connectivity is key to the economic success of any city and Belfast will undoubtedly benefit from this brilliant new route.

The Embraer E-190 aircraft that will operate flights to Frankfurt will offer both Economy and Business class service.

Lufthansa.com is accepting bookings for fares beginning at just £176 return.