The aviation industry in Europe is experiencing a noticeable upturn, especially in summer, which is the travel time of the year. The Lufthansa Group, which includes the airlines Lufthansa Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines and Brussels Airlines, is expanding its route network in 2025 and strengthening connections to attractive summer destinations in southern Europe.
With new destinations in Italy, France, Croatia and Portugal, the Group aims to offer travellers varied and attractive holiday options. This development is another sign of the Lufthansa Group's ongoing strategy to expand its position as one of the world's leading airlines and to offer passengers a broad network of flight connections.
New summer destinations of the Lufthansa Group
Frankfurt becomes the gateway to Southern Europe
The German airline Lufthansa, one of the most renowned and largest airlines in the world, is relying on an expanded summer program with new direct flights from its hub in Frankfurt. From April 6, 2025, the city of Lamezia Terme in Calabria in southern Italy will be included in the flight schedule for the first time. This destination, known for its stunning coastline and mild Mediterranean climate, is expected to become particularly popular with tourists longing for a relaxing summer vacation. From May 2025, there will also be a flight on Thursdays, allowing travelers to plan more flexibly.
In addition, the Corsica destination Figari will be added from May 17, 2025. This once-weekly Saturday connection offers passengers the opportunity to explore the unique culture and fascinating landscape of the French Mediterranean island. Corsica, known for its spectacular mountains and crystal-clear waters, attracts numerous nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet every year.
Expansions at Swiss International Air Lines
Swiss International Air Lines, the national airline of Switzerland, is also launching a new summer connection. From April 17, 2025, the beautiful city of Dubrovnik in Croatia will be included in the flight network. Up to five flights per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) will offer passengers the opportunity to enjoy the historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik, popularly known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", attracts visitors with its impressive city walls and the numerous sights that captivate them.
A new market for Brussels Airlines: Madeira
Brussels Airlines is expanding its portfolio to include the destination Funchal on Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic known for its subtropical vegetation and mild climate. The first flight will depart on April 5, 2025 and will be offered on Saturdays. Madeira is in great demand among hikers, garden lovers and anyone looking for a relaxing holiday away from mass tourism.
The Lufthansa Group in a global context
The Lufthansa Group not only stands for a broad European route network, but also for its role as a global player in air transport. With over 12.000 weekly connections to more than 300 destinations in over 100 countries, the Group offers one of the most comprehensive networks of international flight connections. This growth in the summer program shows the Lufthansa Group's ability to adapt to the needs of passengers and present them with attractive travel destinations. The decision to add new summer destinations is not only a response to the increasing demand for holiday destinations in Southern Europe, but also a strategic measure to consolidate its market position.
The decision to expand to destinations such as Lamezia Terme, Figari, Dubrovnik and Funchal is particularly important in light of the ongoing recovery of international travel following pandemic-related restrictions. The pursuit of a diverse travel offering demonstrates the Lufthansa Group's ambition to remain a leading provider in European and global air travel in the coming years.
In 2025, the Lufthansa Group will offer a variety of new destinations that will enable passengers to experience summer in a variety of ways - be it on the Italian coast, the French beaches, the historic cities of Croatia or the green slopes of Madeira. For travelers, this means more flexibility and variety when choosing their summer vacation. The new flight connections strengthen the Lufthansa Group's position as a leading provider in European air transport and underline its efforts to continue to offer passengers an incomparable travel experience in the years to come.
and 