Linz-Hörsching Airport (LNZ) has set the course for the upcoming travel season by publishing and opening its 2026 summer flight schedule early. As temperatures drop, travel-loving passengers from Upper Austria and the surrounding regions can already choose from a wide range of options, including popular Mediterranean sun destinations, attractive city breaks, and specialized cultural experiences.
Linz Airport offers a balanced mix of traditional charter flights and well-established low-cost connections to ensure regional access to European holiday and business centers. The early release of the entire schedule allows travelers to secure the coveted early booking discount and plan their holidays proactively.
Greece: The heart of the charter program
Greece is the absolute focus of the charter flight schedule from Linz and boasts an exceptional diversity. In addition to the popular destinations of Rhodes, Kos, and the particularly busy Crete/Heraklion – served three times a week – the airport is also developing connections to specialized islands in cooperation with experienced tour operators.
Specialized island gems:
- Kefalonia and Lefkas/Epirus: Rhomberg Reisen offers direct flights to Kefalonia, marketed as a "green beauty in the Ionian Sea" for those seeking tranquility, hiking enthusiasts, and gourmets. The island of Lefkada and the mainland region of Epirus, accessible via Preveza Airport, are also served by Rhomberg Reisen. The proximity to the impressive Vikos Gorge and the historic Meteora monasteries expands the offerings beyond simple beach holidays to include cultural and nature-based tours.
- Skiathos and the Sporades: Springer Reisen serves Skiathos, providing access to the Sporades island group. From Skiathos, Skopelos – famous as the filming location for a renowned musical – and the pristine island of Alonissos, Europe's largest marine national park, are easily reached by ferry. This extensive geographical coverage of smaller, authentic destinations within Greece is a feature that underscores the strength of Linz's charter services.
The high frequency and wide geographical distribution within Greece show that this country continues to be the most important pillar in the airport's tourist offering.
The classics of the Mediterranean and the stability of long-term favorites
In addition to the extensive Greece program, other established Mediterranean destinations ensure the basic occupancy of the summer flight schedule:
- Türkiye (Antalya): With four weekly departures (Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat), Antalya on the Turkish Riviera remains a reliable airport with high frequencies and capacity, primarily geared towards families and all-inclusive offers.
- Egypt (Hurghada): Following a successful winter season, the diving paradise of Hurghada will continue to operate three times a week during the summer months. This caters to both diving tourism and the demand for beach holidays in spacious hotel complexes.
- Spain (Mallorca): The Balearic island of Mallorca is once again highly frequented with two weekly departures, confirming its role as a classic destination in the German-speaking world.
- Croatia (Brac): Gruber Reisen is offering the return of the popular island of Brac, known for its Golden Horn beach. Croatia remains an important, nearby destination in the charter operator's portfolio.
These destinations form the indispensable basis for the package tour business and establish the traditional link between the greater Upper Austria region and the Mediterranean sun destinations.
Low-cost strategy: Ryanair brings dynamism and city breaks
The cooperation with the Irish low-cost airline Ryanair allows Linz to expand its tourist offerings with attractive city breaks and direct connections to European secondary hubs. Ryanair will operate three flights from Linz in summer 2026:
- London (Stansted): The continuation of the twice-weekly service to London, established in autumn 2024, provides year-round access to one of Europe's most important metropolises. The British capital remains a magnet for city travelers due to its culture, history, and modern dynamism.
- Alicante: Twice a week, there are flights to the Costa Blanca and the port city of Alicante. This service caters to both classic beach holidays and city breaks, and is an ideal starting point for exploring the entire province of Valencia.
- bari: The twice-weekly service to Bari in southern Italy opens the gateway to the Apulia region. This route is particularly appealing to culture and culinary travelers who wish to explore Bari's historic old town, the famous Trulli houses in Alberobello, the baroque city of Lecce, and the historic city of Matera.
Ryanair's presence is strategically important, as it connects Linz with important European hubs beyond the traditional charter routes, thus offering individual travelers a flexible travel option.
Special program: Guided cultural and gourmet tours
A special feature of Linz's 2026 summer program is the themed sightseeing tours organized by Schöner Reisen mit Wiesinger. These tours are aimed at an audience that values organized, culturally rich experiences.
- France focus: Several trips highlight the culture and cuisine of France. These include an Easter trip to Normandy/Le Havre with its UNESCO World Heritage sites, a holiday trip to Lyon, considered the "world capital of gastronomy," and a tour to Montpellier, which offers a blend of historic old town and modern architecture.
- Spanish cultural centers: The Spanish offerings are also complemented by special tours. An Easter trip to Bilbao focuses on the modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum and the gastronomic diversity of the Basque Country. Additionally, there is a sightseeing tour to Barcelona that specifically concentrates on the world-famous works of the architect Gaudí.
These highly specialized travel offers position Linz Airport as a departure point for high-quality, themed trips that go beyond the classic package tour business and represent additional added value for the region.
In summary, the 2026 summer flight schedule from Linz offers a strategically sound mix: It satisfies the high demand for established beach destinations with stable charter frequencies (especially to Greece), increases the frequency and destination selection in the low-cost segment (Ryanair), and attracts an affluent audience with exclusive cultural and gourmet tours. The early booking availability of the entire package underscores the determination of regional aviation operators to establish an early market position and optimize connectivity for passengers in Upper Austria.