Austrian Airlines is starting to shift the domestic route between Graz and Vienna to rail. From December 13, 2020, there will be four daily ÖBB connections that also carry Austrian Airlines flight numbers. Transport Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) welcomes the decision of the Lufthansa subsidiary. For the time being, there should still be flights.

The AUA emphasizes in a media broadcast: "The flight connection between Graz and Vienna remains an integral part of the Austrian Airlines route network." According to the Austrian Federal Railways, the journey time with the Railjet from Graz Hauptbahnhof to Vienna Airport is just over three hours.

“An efficient train connection between the Austrian industrial centers and our Vienna hub is essential for trade and business. With the addition of Graz to our AIRail offer, we are creating a comfortable and environmentally friendly addition to our passengers' travel planning, ”explains Austrian Airlines CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech.

Austrian Airlines customers enjoy various advantages when booking an AIRail connection, such as a guaranteed connection, regardless of whether they continue their journey by plane or by train. This means that if the train or flight is unexpectedly delayed, passengers will be rebooked onto an alternative connection if they fail to make their connection. Business Class passengers travel in 1st class on the train and also have free access to the ÖBB Lounge before departure. Miles can also be earned with AIRail as part of the Miles & More program. Finally, there is also a catering voucher that can be redeemed in the ÖBB dining car. Austrian Airlines already offers AIRail on the routes from Vienna Airport to Linz and Salzburg, each with over 30 daily connections.

“With AIRail we offer our customers a continuous mobility chain in which each means of transport can clearly show its strengths. After Linz and Salzburg, Graz is another region with the attractive AIRail offer, which guarantees a safe and environmentally friendly journey to the airport including connection security ”, says Andreas Matthä, CEO of ÖBB.

“The future of mobility is climate-friendly! Through the location agreement with AUA, we have set the course for more climate protection in air traffic: connections of less than 3 hours travel time have been shifted to the train, such as on the route Salzburg-Vienna Airport. With the expansion of the southern route, there will also be a switch to rail between Graz and Vienna Airport. AUA and ÖBB are already taking a step forward on a voluntary basis and are offering the Graz-Vienna Airport route several times a day as an AIRail service. Fast and convenient for travelers and good for the climate, ”said Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler.

AIRail timetable between Graz and Vienna Airport from December 13, 2020