New Budget Airline Route Shakes Up London Travel Market
British travellers seeking a European city break have a new, wallet-friendly option as German carrier Condor announces its inaugural flights from the UK. For the first time, the airline will operate from a London airport, launching a new route from London Gatwick to Frankfurt starting in April 2026.
Flight Schedule and Competitive Fares
The new service is set to commence on 1st April 2026, with Condor operating three flights per day between the two hubs. This move directly challenges established players on the route, offering consumers more choice and potentially driving down prices.
Return fares will start from an attractive €99.99 (approximately £88.07), positioning Condor competitively in the market. For comparison, a direct British Airways flight from Heathrow on the same date was listed at £124 return, while Ryanair offers a £78.48 return service from Stansted. Notably, EasyJet does not currently provide a direct service to the German metropolis from London.
Strategic Growth and Global Connections
Peter Gerber, CEO of Condor, emphasised the strategic importance of the new route, stating: "With London Gatwick, we are adding another exciting metropolis to our city network, offering business travellers and city tourists even more options. The launch of this route is another clear signal of our growth in the European market."
Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, expressed his delight in welcoming Condor, highlighting that the new routes provide "an important gateway to Frankfurt for passengers across London and the South East."
Beyond offering a direct city break destination, the new Gatwick-Frankfurt route serves as a feeder for Condor's extensive long-haul network. Passengers will be able to connect through Frankfurt's hub to destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Thailand, and South Africa.
Exploring the 'Main-hattan' of Germany
Frankfurt, often dubbed 'Main-hattan' due to the River Main and its striking skyline blending traditional architecture with modern skyscrapers, welcomes around 56 million visitors annually. While sometimes overshadowed by Berlin and Munich, it offers a unique and compelling destination.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the historic old town, enjoy picnics in the Palmengarten, or take a ride on the charming Ebbelwei Express tram. The city's cobbled streets are perfect for exploring on foot.
No trip would be complete without sampling authentic German cuisine. The Margarete restaurant is renowned for its Bratwursts, best enjoyed with apple wine and a side of Grüne Soße—a local herb speciality. For a sweet treat, the city's deep-fried elderflower clusters, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, are a must-try.
Shoppers and architecture enthusiasts should not miss the MyZeil centre, home to Germany's largest escalator, measuring an impressive 46 metres.
This expansion is part of a broader growth strategy for Condor, which also includes resuming connections to Tbilisi in Georgia and Sulaymaniyah in Iraq from Düsseldorf and Frankfurt, respectively, in 2026.
