Condor Airlines will cancel its direct flights from San Antonio International Airport to Frankfurt starting in 2025 due to a German Federal Court of Justice ruling that overturned the mandate requiring German airlines to offer feeder flights from North America to Frankfurt and beyond.
This ruling has prompted Condor to revise its flight schedules for 2025, resulting in the termination of its service from several U.S. markets, including San Antonio. The airline introduced the direct flight service to Frankfurt only seven months ago, marking San Antonio’s first-ever non-stop connection to Europe.
The recent development is a setback for San Antonio’s international connectivity. The airport had seen a steady increase in passengers traveling between San Antonio and Europe since the route began. During the summer, nearly 450 passengers traveled daily in each direction, contributing to a 30% rise in passengers flying from SAT to Europe.
Condor’s decision to halt the flights was not made lightly, according to Jens Boyd, the airline’s commercial director. Boyd emphasized the strong professional and personal ties Condor has established with San Antonio and other affected communities over the years. He expressed regret over the loss of connectivity and service that the decision will cause.
Despite this announcement, San Antonio officials remain committed to expanding nonstop service from SAT. Jesus Saenz Jr., the city’s Director of Airports, stated that the goal of strengthening ties between San Antonio and Europe remains a top priority. Saenz added that the city would continue to pursue future transatlantic routes to maintain its international presence.
The discontinuation of the Frankfurt service is part of a broader adjustment to Condor’s operations. The ruling by Germany’s top court primarily favored Lufthansa, which argued against the obligation to provide feeder flights to competitors like Condor. The Federal Court’s decision has substantial implications for how German airlines manage their North American routes and potentially opens opportunities for Lufthansa to expand its influence in those markets.
Condor, known for its affordability and service in long-haul flights, had been competing directly with larger carriers by offering cost-effective options for travelers heading to Europe. The airline’s strategic focus has been on connecting passengers from smaller airports to major European hubs like Frankfurt.
