New airline to connect Bristol to European city
Created: 27th Aug 2026Bristol Airport is excited to announce Discover Airlines, part of Lufthansa Group, will be operating a twice weekly service to Frankfurt, Germany from May 2027.
The popular German leisure airline will be offering flights on Mondays and Thursdays, perfect for both business travellers and those seeking a city break. It also allows for easy onward travel from Frankfurt with Lufthansa to more than 150 destinations worldwide through the Lufthansa Group network.
Visit West welcomed the news, recognising that visitors from Germany are keen to visit Bristol, Bath and the entire South West, and this direct route will make it even easier and more appealing.
Marco Götz, Chief Commercial Officer at Discover Airlines said:
“With Bristol, we’re adding our first destination in England to our portfolio. As we’re noticing a growing demand for destinations that combine culture, nature and outdoor experiences, Bristol is a perfect fit. The new Discover Airlines route is the only nonstop connection from Frankfurt and connects the South West of England with Germany during summer 2027, making travel to this region even more convenient.”
Kathryn Davis, Chief Executive at Visit West added:
"We are delighted to welcome Discover Airlines, growing our connectivity from Germany, with the new Frankfurt route. We know that there is already strong demand from German visitors to experience the best of Bristol, Bath and the region, and this will be a boost for our visitor economy. Germany is one of the largest markets for inbound tourism, and we look forward to working with Discover Airlines and Bristol Airport, as well as our local business community and trade partners, to ensure that this is a success.”
The route is expected to attract additional business travellers plus facilitate ease of onward travel as well as offer opportunities for businesses here in the south west to connect with commerce in Germany and even further afield.
Rupert Lawrie, Commercial Director at Bristol Airport commented:
“This is fantastic news for both our business and leisure customers. The new service will compliment increased capacity next year from Germany and Switzerland, enabling even more visitors into the region, which is something the Airport is passionate about.
“We have worked closely with Visit West to secure this exciting new route and are keen to continue working with Discover Airlines, and other airlines within the Lufthansa Group, in the future.
“The service is ideal for a long weekend, a mid-week trip or a longer holiday exploring Germany and beyond as Frankfurt has great onwards connections.”
Frankfurt is renowned for being Germany’s financial capital as well as a beautiful city perfect for those seeking colourful culture with its half-timbered medieval buildings contrasting against modern sky scrapers; a thriving food scene with the city’s signature apple wine and regional green sauce; and green spaces, which are ideal for outdoor adventures. It also has easy access to nearby attractions including the world-famous Rhine Valley wine region, the Black Forest and thermal spas.
Frankfurt Airport boasts one of the biggest airports in Europe with high-speed train connections to other major European cities and five major autobahns serve the city.