Discover Airlines launches Shannon–Frankfurt service as Cork–Frankfurt route hangs in the balance

Discover Airlines is set to launch a new weekly service between Shannon Airport and Frankfurt this Saturday, 25 April, as Cork Airport works to secure the resumption of its own Frankfurt link following the suspension of Lufthansa subsidiary Cityline's European operations.

According to the Irish Examiner, the inaugural Discover Airlines departure from Shannon is scheduled for noon, with the service running weekly until 24 October. Discover Airlines is itself a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group.

Shannon Airport director Niall Kearns said the route opened opportunities for both business travel and inbound tourism. "Germany is a key market for Ireland, and having a direct link from a major European hub to the Wild Atlantic Way is a real advantage, helping to bring more visitors into the region and supporting local hotels, attractions, restaurants and businesses along the west coast," he said.

The launch comes days after Cityline suspended its Cork–Frankfurt service, which had operated three times weekly. Lufthansa's decision to cease all Cityline services across Europe removed 27 aircraft from the carrier's schedule, a move accelerated by rising fuel costs and an industrial relations dispute within the airline.

Cork Airport communications manager Barry Holland said discussions with Lufthansa were ongoing. "We are acutely aware of the importance of the connection between Cork and Frankfurt," he said, describing the route as highly popular with German inbound tourists and noting strong load factors in recent years. The suspension is currently in place until the end of May, with hopes of a summer resumption.

Frankfurt Airport is Germany's largest hub and one of Europe's primary long-haul gateways, making direct connectivity from Irish regional airports a significant factor for both tourism and foreign direct investment flows.

Read the complete story, including the latest on Cork Airport's talks with Lufthansa, in the original report.