Condor, the German leisure airline, is reducing its service in the U.S. for the year 2025.
This week, the airline informed four U.S. airports about its decision to discontinue seasonal nonstop flights from Frankfurt.
In the coming year, Condor will cease operations from Frankfurt to San Antonio International Airport (SAT), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Additionally, as part of its network adjustments, Condor will also eliminate two routes to Canada, specifically to Edmonton and Halifax.
Changes Driven by Court Ruling
Condor attributed its reduced flight plans for 2025 to a recent decision by a German high court, which is expected to impact its passenger numbers next year.
Under antitrust regulations, Germany’s flag carrier, Lufthansa, was obliged to offer seamless connections for Condor passengers traveling to Frankfurt, which provided U.S. customers with access to almost all of Germany through Condor bookings.
However, a new ruling from the German Federal Court of Justice has revoked these requirements, leading to the route reductions, according to Condor.
“This is not an easy decision for us,” stated Jens Boyd, Condor’s commercial director, in a recent announcement. “We sincerely regret the impact on connectivity and service that this decision brings.”
Impact on San Antonio’s Connectivity
The discontinuation of Condor’s services particularly affects San Antonio, which had just introduced nonstop flights to Frankfurt this year – the city’s first and only direct connection to Europe.
As a result, residents of San Antonio will find themselves without nonstop transatlantic flight options in 2025 unless another airline steps in.
Currently, SAT’s international service is limited to a few short routes to Mexico.
“We are committed to working on expanding nonstop services from SAT,” stated Jesus Saenz, Jr., the airport director. “Our community has expressed a strong desire for European service, and our data from last summer have confirmed that there is sufficient demand for it.”
Read more: Condor premium economy A330neo review: Is it worth the extra cost?
Condor’s Interrupted Growth in the U.S.
Condor’s reduction in North American routes comes after a period of rapid transatlantic expansion.
Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that Condor increased its seating capacity between the U.S. and Germany by 50% in 2024 compared to the previous year, following a 30% increase in 2023.
The airline is known for its vibrant striped aircraft and offers flights accessible to travelers paying cash or using points and miles. Notably, Condor partners with Alaska Airlines, allowing Mileage Plan members to use their miles to book Condor flights.
Looking ahead to summer 2025, travelers will still have the option to fly Condor to Frankfurt from nine U.S. cities, including eight in the continental U.S. and one from Anchorage, Alaska.
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