The German airline Condor is entering a new phase of development, further strengthening its network of European destinations from its Frankfurt hub. As the company announced, new direct flights to three major European metropolises will be launched from May 1, 2026: Barcelona, ??Budapest, and Venice.
The flights will operate three times a day – morning, noon, and evening – with the aim of serving both leisure and business travelers. Tickets are expected to go on sale at the end of next week.
Expansion based on success
Condor’s decision to expand its network is based on the successful course of the new city routes it launched in 2024, including flights to Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Paris, Rome, and Vienna.
“We have successfully established the new city routes from Frankfurt in the market,” said Condor CEO Peter Gerber. “We offer passengers an attractive product with optimal flight times for business and city trips. Demand shows us that this is the right strategy,” he added.
So far, the company has operated around 2,500 flights on the new city routes, serving more than 100,000 passengers, many of them in combination with long-haul flights. Condor’s total capacity from Frankfurt has increased by 35% compared to the previous summer season.
New fleet and enhanced experience
The new flights will be operated primarily with the newest Airbus A320neo aircraft, as part of the fleet modernization for short and medium hauls. These aircraft offer greater comfort, with spacious storage spaces, internet connectivity, and an upgraded interior designed specifically for passengers.
Counterbalance to Lufthansa dependence
The acceleration of European expansion is no coincidence. Condor is seeking to reduce its dependence on Lufthansa’s feeder flights after the Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) expires at the end of 2024. This agreement allowed Condor to use Lufthansa flights on favorable terms to carry passengers in combination with long-haul flights.
Today, according to Peter Gerber, Condor is using just 20% of its former capacity through a limited interline agreement with Lufthansa. To fill the gap, the company has moved to alternative solutions, such as working with Deutsche Bahn to integrate rail connections and new agreements with other European airlines.
Strategic alliances in long-haul
In addition to strengthening its intra-European routes, Condor is also investing in international partnerships to support long-haul flights. Recently, information came to light about an upcoming partnership with American Airlines, while talks are underway with Japan Airlines and Korean Air.
“We are receiving increasing interest from airlines that are not part of the Star Alliance,” said Gerber, hinting at Condor’s strategy to remain independent from the major airline cartels.
