San Antonio Announces First-Ever Nonstop Flights to Europe

The seventh largest city in the nation and among the fastest growing metros, San Antonio, made history last week with a major announcement -- its first trans-Atlantic direct flight to Europe.

Beginning May 17, 2024, Condor Airlines will begin seasonal, nonstop flights from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to Frankfurt (FRA), a major access point with almost 300 nonstop destinations to more than 90 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. The news today fuels the greater San Antonio region's expanding footprint and its position as a global brand.

San Antonio International Airport announces first-ever nonstop flights to Europe. Beginning May 17, 2024, Condor Airlines will begin seasonal, nonstop flights from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). Condor will service the flight with its new fuel-efficient Airbus A330-900neo aircraft and the photo features Condor’s business class seats.

"This a spectacular win for San Antonio," said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. "This is the first time people in San Antonio will be able to fly from SAT to Europe nonstop and vice-versa. Germany is where San Antonio has the most demand for travel in Europe because of the cultural, historic, tourism, military, and business ties."

SAT's first-ever nonstop trans-Atlantic service on Condor will have an annual $34 million estimated economic impact to the region.

"This nonstop route to Frankfurt is a big win for the City of San Antonio and our regional businesses," said Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, President & CEO of greater:SATX, the economic development partnership for the region. "I'm bullish on our air service progress and even more excited about what this means for supporting new corporate growth in our San Antonio region. With each added nonstop flight, San Antonio is better positioned to continue growing our base of manufacturing, technology, financial services, life sciences, and clean energy industries."

San Antonio-based corporations will benefit from the global flight through increased tourism and business opportunities the direct flight will deliver, including financial services and fintech leader, USAA and grocery and private brand guru, H-E-B.

"San Antonio, or Military City USA as we like to call it, is a hub for growth, talent, and tourism, and the connectivity this brings will help accelerate our city's progress," said Wayne Peacock, President & CEO of USAA. This new flight route represents a collaborative effort across business, tourism and government organizations, all of which care deeply about the San Antonio community. It opens the door to the rest of Europe and beyond but, more importantly, shows the power of San Antonians when they unite around a shared mission."

"San Antonio has been the largest and fastest-growing U.S. city without nonstop transatlantic service, and we're proud to announce our first nonstop flight to Europe," said Craig Boyan, President of H-E-B. We've also added nonstop service to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Kansas City with plans for many more destinations as we continue to invest in our airport and air service."

Tickets are on sale now and Condor will service the flight with its new fuel-efficient Airbus A330-900neo aircraft that features 310 total seats with 30 in Business Class, 64 in Premium Economy, and 216 in Economy. The new seasonal service will operate from May 17-September 6, 2024.

Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, San Antonio Airport System, said Condor is a welcome addition for SAT, which will help attract other airlines and more destinations.

"This is just the beginning of so much more to come at SAT," Saenz said. "We fully believe San Antonio will utilize this service to Europe and take advantage of Condor's extremely competitive airfares. Once that happens, we anticipate Condor will expand their services even further."

Visit San Antonio, the region's tourism and convention destination marketing organization, and greater:SATX will work in partnership with the City of San Antonio to market the new service globally.