The first machine of the BA EuroflyerA flight from London to Graz Airport, operated by British Airways subsidiary, landed at Graz Airport. The new flight connection, which directly links Graz and London Gatwick, was officially welcomed by around 70 guests from politics, business, and tourism. The route will operate three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, is served and is considered the only direct flight between the two cities.
The launch of the service is considered a significant gain for all passenger segments by regional representatives. BA Euroflyer CEO Karen Hilton emphasized that the flight offers more choice, whether for business trips, private travel, or the "visit friends & relatives" segment. The British Ambassador to Austria, Lindsay Skoll, highlighted that direct flight connections strengthen the already excellent bilateral relations between Austria and the United Kingdom in the areas of business, science, and culture.
For Styria as a business location, the regular connection to the financial metropolis of London is seen as a major advantage. Regional Councillor Stefan Hermann and Deputy Governor Manuela Khom emphasized the importance of international accessibility for Styria's export-oriented economy. City Councillor for Economic Affairs and Tourism Kurt Hohensinner sees the connection as positioning Graz as a dynamic hub between Southeast Europe and one of the world's most important metropolises. Tourism associations are already planning targeted campaigns to tap into the British market.
Wolfgang Malik, owner representative of Graz Airport, emphasized that the direct connection was a long-pursued goal and represents an important step in the anniversary year of the airport's acquisition by Holding Graz. The new route is intended to strengthen the airport's attractiveness as a business location for Styrian businesses. BA Euroflyer is part of the oneworld alliance, which serves nearly 1.000 destinations worldwide, thus providing passengers from Graz with additional global connections.