Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Austrian Airlines Unveils Dynamic Winter 2025/26 Flight Schedule with 85 Bonus Autumn Flights and Expanded Global Connectivity
As Austria’s beloved autumn holidays gain ground as the perfect moment for short getaways, Austrian Airlines is stepping up to meet growing travel demand with an expanded and strategically enhanced flight network. From 27 October to 1 November 2025, a total of eighty-five additional flights will take off, offering families and travelers an enticing menu of sun-soaked and culture-rich destinations. The airline’s winter 2025/26 schedule reflects not only seasonal trends but also strategic moves to strengthen international connectivity, support inbound tourism, and align with group-level developments within the Lufthansa Group.
Expanded Autumn Holiday Flights for Short-Haul Escapes
The autumn school break, now a staple of Austrian travel culture since 2020, has rapidly become a preferred window for mini-breaks and family vacations. Austrian Airlines is capitalizing on this opportunity by adding eighteen extra rotations to Larnaca, Cyprus, making it the star destination for sunseekers looking to escape chilly weather. With its warm Mediterranean climate and accessible travel time, Larnaca represents an ideal getaway.
Additional short-haul sun destinations are also seeing a boost. The airline will operate seven additional flights to Mallorca and seven to Varna, two perennial favorites known for their mild weather and relaxed ambiance. In response to demand for vibrant cultural cities and coastal escapes, flight frequencies will also rise to Dubrovnik, Split, Rome, Catania, and Valencia — destinations that blend short flight durations with rich leisure offerings.
Short and Medium-Haul Network Strengthens Across Europe
In its full winter 2025/26 timetable, Austrian Airlines plans to serve seventy-three destinations across Europe with up to nine hundred and eighty flights per week on its short and medium-haul network. This robust network ensures continued connectivity across major European business and leisure markets.
A strategic update in Italy marks a major improvement in passenger convenience. Starting 26 October 2025, all Austrian Airlines flights to Milan will move from Malpensa Airport to Linate Airport, thanks to a slot acquisition from ITA Airways. This shift significantly reduces travel time into Milan’s city center, making it far more accessible for business travelers and tourists alike. Both Austrian and ITA Airways operate under the Lufthansa Group umbrella, enabling synergies and operational alignment.
Flights to Rome Fiumicino are also being intensified. By the end of the summer season, Austrian Airlines will fly to Rome up to three times daily and eighteen times weekly. These connections offer smooth access to ITA Airways’ intercontinental routes, creating a seamless experience for travelers heading to North America, South America, and Asia via codeshare agreements.
Long-Haul Operations Reaffirm Global Reach
On the long-haul front, Austrian Airlines is reinforcing its commitment to key global destinations with up to forty-eight weekly intercontinental flights to ten different cities. These include some of the airline’s most sought-after routes that continue to attract significant passenger interest, especially during the winter season.
Tropical escapes like the Maldives, Mauritius, and Thailand top the list once again. Austrian Airlines will operate up to five weekly flights to the Maldives, three to Mauritius, and twice-daily flights to Bangkok during peak travel weeks. This Bangkok schedule, reinstated due to its high popularity last year, reflects robust demand for warm-weather travel and Asian tourism during the European winter.
North America also remains well represented. Austrian Airlines will maintain up to eleven weekly flights to New York (JFK and EWR), five to Montreal, and three to Boston, ensuring a strong transatlantic presence. These cities continue to serve as gateways for both leisure and business travelers, helping Austrian Airlines maintain its critical role in intercontinental air travel.
Coolcation Destinations Return for Winter Enthusiasts
For those seeking the charm of snow and icy adventures, the airline brings back its popular “Coolcation” destinations in Finnish Lapland. Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Ivalo will again feature in the winter 2025/26 schedule, offering direct access to the northern lights, arctic safaris, and authentic Nordic winter experiences. These destinations appeal to families and adventure seekers looking for a magical winter setting far from crowded alpine resorts.
Boost to Inbound and Ski Tourism in Austria
Austrian Airlines is also focusing heavily on inbound tourism, particularly during the ski season. The highly successful ‘ski flights’ to Innsbruck will continue, connecting Brussels, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Warsaw directly with Austria’s alpine heartland. These flights have proven to be a key facilitator for Austria’s winter tourism economy, making the slopes more accessible to winter sports enthusiasts across Europe.
With multiple weekly frequencies, these ski routes are not just convenient but also economically beneficial for Austria’s hospitality and tourism sectors. The airline’s commitment to supporting regional tourism through direct flights underlines its role as a vital connector for the country’s seasonal industries.
Strategic Growth Aligned with Group Vision
The changes introduced in the upcoming winter schedule demonstrate Austrian Airlines’ agility in adapting to evolving travel patterns while aligning closely with the broader Lufthansa Group strategy. By expanding connectivity, optimizing airport access in key cities like Milan, and enhancing codeshare operations with ITA Airways, the carrier strengthens its competitive edge in both European and global markets.
