Lufthansa Introduces Direct Flights from Raleigh-Durham to Frankfurt

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 8, 2024 14:36 PMNews
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Lufthansa airplane wing against a clear blue sky
Lufthansa launches first direct RDU to Germany flight. Source: unsplash

Today marks a significant milestone for Lufthansa as the airline launches its first non-stop service between Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and Frankfurt, Germany. This inaugural flight establishes Raleigh-Durham International Airport's (RDU) first direct connection to Germany, enhancing travel options for Carolinians.

The new route solidifies Lufthansa’s presence in North Carolina, joining the existing Charlotte to Munich service. This expansion offers North Carolina residents more choices for direct travel to Europe and beyond, facilitating seamless connections to major business and leisure destinations. The airline now serves North Carolina with 12 weekly frequencies to Frankfurt and Munich.

"Lufthansa is thrilled to bring Raleigh-Durham International Airport its first-ever nonstop connection to Frankfurt, and Germany as a whole," stated Dirk Janzen, Vice President Passenger Airlines Sales, The Americas, Lufthansa Group. "This new route will provide travelers throughout North Carolina with seamless access to Lufthansa Group’s worldwide network, opening up a world of possibilities for business and leisure travel."

Flight LH408 departs Frankfurt at 10:20 am and arrives at RDU at 1:50 pm. The return flight, LH409, departs RDU at 3:40 pm, reaching Frankfurt at 6:05 am the following day. Operating five times weekly with an Airbus A330-300, the service offers 42 Business Class, 28 Premium Economy, and 185 Economy Class seats.

"The launch of service to Frankfurt was 10 years in the making," said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. "We are thrilled to welcome Lufthansa as RDU’s newest international airline partner and provide convenient service to another European gateway."

Frankfurt, known for its rich culture and history, is Germany’s financial hub and a key gateway to Europe’s economic centers. The city is home to the German Central Bank and the European Central Bank, making it a crucial destination for business travelers.

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