Published on
August 22, 2025
Germany is expanding its aviation network by launching new flight routes in 2026, connecting major destinations like Ireland, Cyprus, Italy, Greece, and more. This strategic move strengthens Germany’s position in the global aviation market and enhances its tourism and business travel opportunities. Airlines such as Condor, Discover Airlines, Ryanair, and Eurowings are leading the way, offering direct flights from Germany to popular European cities. With these new routes, Germany is set to foster greater international connectivity, making it easier for travelers to explore exciting destinations across Europe and beyond.
Condor Airlines Expands European Network
One of the most notable changes in Germany’s aviation landscape comes from Condor Airlines. This carrier, known for its high-quality service, is adding three new daily routes from Frankfurt Airport starting May 1, 2026. These new routes will connect Frankfurt to Barcelona (BCN), Budapest (BUD), and Venice (VCE). The flights will operate in the morning, afternoon, and evening, ensuring flexibility for both business and leisure travelers. Condor plans to use Airbus A320neo aircraft for these flights, which are equipped with Wi-Fi and offer both Business and Economy classes. This expansion marks a significant step forward in Condor’s bid to strengthen its position in Europe’s competitive airline market.
Discover Airlines Joins the Expansion
Discover Airlines, a rising player in the German aviation sector, is also significantly boosting its short and medium-haul offerings. Starting in 2026, the airline will operate several exciting new routes from Frankfurt and Munich.
One of the standout additions is the introduction of direct flights from Germany to Shannon, Ireland. This route will be the only direct flight from Germany to Shannon and will commence on April 4, 2026. Discover Airlines will operate the Shannon route twice weekly, making it an attractive option for travelers heading to Ireland for both business and tourism.
Discover Airlines will also be flying to Larnaca, Cyprus, with daily flights starting on March 29, 2026. Additionally, the airline will operate flights from Frankfurt to Brindisi, Italy, twice a week during the summer months, from June to October 2026. Other exciting new destinations include Skiathos, Greece, starting May 14, 2026, and Evenes, Norway, launching May 13, 2026. Discover Airlines will also provide year-round non-stop flights from Frankfurt to Oulu, Finland, beginning March 30, 2026.
Ryanair Expands with 14 New Routes
Ryanair, one of Europe’s leading low-cost carriers, is adding 14 new routes from various regional airports in Germany. These routes will connect airports like Baden-Baden, Bremen, Lübeck, Münster, and Weeze to several popular destinations in Europe. Among the new destinations are Gran Canaria, Seville, Malaga, Paphos, and London Stansted. These new routes are expected to meet the growing demand for affordable travel options within Europe. Ryanair’s commitment to expanding its network is a key part of its strategy to maintain its position as one of Europe’s largest low-cost carriers.
Eurowings Expands with New Routes
Eurowings, another major German airline, is also expanding its offerings with several new routes set to launch in 2026. From Düsseldorf, Eurowings will introduce a new direct flight to Ponta Delgada, in the Azores. This route is set to bring more travelers to this beautiful Portuguese destination. In addition, Eurowings will begin operating new routes from Hanover to Bastia, Lisbon, and Erbil starting in January 2025. Other new Eurowings routes include Dublin to Stuttgart and Porto to Cologne/Bonn, both launching in early 2025.
Eurowings is also focusing on expanding its network to new leisure destinations, offering travelers more options for summer vacations and winter getaways.
Lufthansa City Airlines: Regional Growth
Lufthansa City Airlines, a subsidiary of Lufthansa Group, continues to strengthen its regional network. While specific routes for 2026 are yet to be confirmed, the airline is expected to focus on short-haul flights within Germany and select European destinations. Lufthansa City Airlines operates several regional routes and aims to provide travelers with efficient connections to major cities across Europe.
Marabu Airlines: New Holiday Routes
Marabu Airlines, a leisure carrier based in Germany, is expanding its holiday destinations with several new routes starting in 2026. While specific details on new routes are still being finalized, Marabu is known for serving popular Mediterranean destinations like Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal. These routes are expected to attract holidaymakers seeking affordable vacation options in Southern Europe.
Looking Ahead
Germany’s airline industry is experiencing a period of significant growth as new routes to exciting destinations are being introduced across the board. Whether you’re looking to explore new cities in Europe, enjoy a relaxing beach holiday, or embark on a cultural adventure, the new routes starting in 2026 promise to enhance connectivity and offer travelers a wide array of choices.
As the aviation industry continues to recover and evolve, these expansions reflect the increasing demand for air travel and the importance of providing diverse, accessible options for all types of travelers. With major airlines like Condor, Discover Airlines, Ryanair, Eurowings, Lufthansa City Airlines, and Marabu leading the way, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for air travel from Germany.
