New weekly service will connect the Highlands with Germany from June 2027.
Inverness Airport is set to welcome a new airline and a brand-new international route next summer, as with Discover Airlines will operate a direct weekly service between Inverness and Frankfurt from 19 June 2027.
The new service will be the first-ever direct connection between Inverness and Frankfurt and will mark the first time Discover Airlines has operated from Inverness Airport.
Operating every Saturday from 19 June until 11 September 2027, the service will give passengers across the Highlands and Islands a new direct link to Germany. It will also provide opportunities for onward travel through Frankfurt to destinations across Europe and beyond.
Flights will depart Frankfurt at 13:40, arriving at Inverness at 14:45. The return service will depart Inverness at 15:30, arriving in Frankfurt at 18:30.
The new route builds on Inverness Airport’s previous relationship with the Lufthansa Group, which has included Lufthansa-operated services between Inverness and Düsseldorf. The arrival of Discover Airlines represents a new chapter in that relationship and introduces a new airline to the airport.
Frankfurt is one of Europe’s major aviation hubs and a key destination for business and leisure travellers. The new service will also make it easier for visitors from Germany and further afield to reach Inverness and explore the Highlands.
Discover Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group and operates from its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, serving a range of destinations across Europe and beyond.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn, said, “I welcome the announcement that Discover Airlines will serve Scotland for the first time next year – significantly strengthening Scotland’s connectivity with Germany.
“Germany is Scotland’s largest European inbound visitor market and the launch of services from Frankfurt to Inverness will help grow the economic benefits of tourism and provide important connectivity for business.
“This announcement is a huge show of confidence in the Scottish market, and I wish Discover every success with this route, which I’m sure will prove popular with passengers and tourists alike.”
Dan Mason, Inverness Airport Manager, said, “This is fantastic news for passengers across the Highlands and Islands, with the introduction of a direct service between Inverness and Frankfurt providing greater choice and improved access to Germany and the wider European network.
“We’re particularly pleased to welcome Discover Airlines to Inverness for the first time and to establish a new connection with Frankfurt. The route will provide a convenient option for both business and leisure travellers, while also making it easier for visitors from Germany and further afield to reach the Highlands.
“We look forward to working closely with Discover Airlines to support the success of this new service and to welcoming passengers on board from next summer.”
Marco Götz, Chief Commercial Officer at Discover Airlines, said, “We’re delighted to add Inverness to our route network and, with it, the only non-stop connection between Frankfurt and Inverness. We’re seeing growing demand for destinations that offer space, nature and opportunities to explore the outdoors, and Scotland delivers all of this in abundance. Inverness is the perfect gateway to some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes, including the Scottish Highlands. We look forward to making this remarkable region more accessible to travellers from Germany throughout the summer.”
Gwen Raez, Head of Business Development and Intermediary Marketing at Visit Scotland, said, “Germany remains one of Scotland’s most important international visitor markets, and this new seasonal service to Inverness directly from Frankfurt provides an exciting opportunity to strengthen links with visitors from across the country. Improved access to the Highlands will help more people experience the area’s world-class landscapes, attractions and hospitality, while creating valuable opportunities for travel intermediaries and tourism businesses to showcase everything the region has to offer. By making it easier for visitors to reach Inverness directly, we can help support sustainable growth and bring benefits to local communities across the Highlands and wider north-east region.”