San Antonio is spreading its wings with a new nonstop flight straight to Frankfurt, Germany, marking the city's first direct connection to Europe. Set to commence on May 17, the seasonal service will be operated by Condor Airlines, reportedly Germany's favored leisure flyer, according to details provided by KSAT. The direct route will serve travelers three times a week and is seen as a game-changer for the region's international accessibility.
“San Antonio International Airport has arrived on the world stage,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg declared at the announcement event, signaling confidence in the city's burgeoning air travel capabilities. With flights pegged on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, San Antonio residents will find a more straightforward path to Germany's financial hub and beyond, with the potential for plentiful onward connections. Condor’s Airbus A330-900neo aircraft will feature a mix of business, premium economy, and economy class seats for diverse travel preferences.
Prices for the international jaunt are looking competitive, with a round-trip ticket going for as little as $980, found through a search on Condor’s website. Flight durations will clock in around 10 hours and 15 minutes to Frankfurt, with the return stretch taking roughly 11 hours and 25 minutes. The flight's introduction is a strategic move to recapture travelers who may have otherwise ventured to Austin for international flights, as per insights from Jesus Saenz Jr., Director of Airports, during an interview obtained by FOX San Antonio.
This ambitious flight seems to be just the beginning for San Antonio International Airport, which is looking forward to hosting more than the 10.7 million passengers of last year. Saenz also anticipates expansion of direct flights, particularly to Mexico and Central America, playing to the area's established business and leisure connections. A testament to the city's growth and aspirations, the airport is also in the throws of a $2.5 billion infrastructure revamp.
However, city officials were less than pleased when prodded about the delay in establishing direct European flights during a media briefing. City Manager Erik Walsh admitted past oversights and vowed current diligence, "Some of this stuff -- the relationships and the establishment of those connections from a marketing standpoint with airlines outside this country -- we should have done that a long time ago,” Walsh told reporters. Nonetheless, with the forthcoming flights, San Antonio is making headway to put itself firmly on the global flight map.
