Lufthansa’s first flight from Belfast City Airport to Frankfurt has lifted off, marking the first time the German flag airline has operated in Northern Ireland.
The service, which will operate up to four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, will be the only direct air link between Northern Ireland and Germany.
Katy Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, welcomed the inaugural flight, saying:
“The launch of Lufthansa’s service to Frankfurt marks an important milestone for Belfast City Airport, providing Northern Ireland with vital connectivity to Europe and beyond.”
“This exciting new partnership creates opportunities for both business and leisure travelers, and there is no doubt that it will be a very popular route for many.”
“At Belfast City Airport, we take pride in providing our passengers with convenience and choice, and securing this new connection with Germany only adds to that offering.”
Frankfurt is an important destination in Lufthansa’s vast array of destinations as its base and a major European hub. From its Frankfurt hub, it will connect to a network of nearly 200 destinations this summer.
Dr. Frank Wagner, Lufthansa Group’s General Manager Sales, UK, Ireland, and Iceland, added:
“We are delighted to announce the addition of Belfast City Airport to Lufthansa’s global network, with the official first flight to Frankfurt on April 24, 2023.”
“With this new nonstop service, Northern Ireland will be much closer to Frankfurt and the heart of Western Europe.” Beyond our hub, connecting travelers will have a simple and full-service one-stop link to our broad network of 200 destinations in most regions of the world.”
In addition to helping regional tourism growth, the new route will provide critical economic ties, with Northern Ireland exports to Germany already topping £333 million between July 2021 and July 2022.
The Belfast Chamber’s Chief Executive, Simon Hamilton, stated:
“The Belfast Chamber of Commerce is delighted to welcome the first Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to George Best Belfast City Airport.” Frankfurt is an excellent hub airport, and the new four-times-week service will give Belfast businesses access to new markets in Germany and around the world, as well as chances for the city to attract additional inbound tourists.
“Connectivity is critical to any city’s economic success, and Belfast will undoubtedly benefit from this brilliant new route.”
Flights to Frankfurt will be flown by an Embraer E-190 aircraft, which will provide services in both Economy and Business class.
Return fares start at £176 and may be booked now at lufthansa.com.
