Flights are flown using the narrowbody Airbus A320 aircraft, each offering 180 seats in a comfortable two-class layout. This includes a dedicated Business Class section and Economy Class with the standard 3-3 seating arrangement.

Condor also works closely with partner airlines to enhance connectivity on this route.

Strategic Expansion in Europe

This new connection represents an important step in Condor’s strategy to strengthen its presence across the European market. By adding London, one of Europe’s key economic, financial, and cultural hubs, Condor now provides travellers with seamless access to the Greater London area.

Business passengers benefit from flexible options for day trips or longer stays, while leisure travellers enjoy convenient timings ideal for weekend getaways or short city breaks.

To celebrate the launch, passengers on the fully booked inaugural flight from London Gatwick received a warm welcome with a small reception and thoughtful gifts before departing on time for Frankfurt.

David Carlisle, Director Network and Partnerships at Condor, commented on the new route. “Today’s inaugural flight to London Gatwick marks another important milestone in the expansion of our European route network.”

“London is one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations, both for business travellers and short city breaks. We are delighted to offer our guests up to three daily frequencies, providing maximum flexibility as well as convenient access to our long-haul network to Africa and Asia.”

Jonny Macneal, Head of Aviation Development at London Gatwick, added further comment. “We are delighted to welcome Condor to London Gatwick and to offer our passengers even greater choice with this new, frequently operated service to Frankfurt.”

“Whether travelling for business, leisure or to visit friends and family, the route provides excellent flexibility and connectivity. Condor’s arrival marks another important milestone during a period of significant growth for the airport.”

Growing City Network

London Gatwick is a popular gateway for both business and leisure travel. The new link delivers reliable connections that support day trips, extended visits, and onward journeys via Condor’s long-haul services.

Condor continues to expand its European city network rapidly. From May 2026, the airline will add three more destinations: Barcelona, Budapest, and Venice. This will bring the total number of city destinations to 13. These additions focus on high-growth markets and further enhance options for travellers across the continent.

Conclusion

The launch of the London route underscores Condor’s commitment to offering more choice, better connectivity, and greater flexibility.

Passengers can now enjoy convenient flights between two major European hubs while benefiting from smooth connections to Condor’s wider network of long-haul destinations.

With its modern fleet, competitive schedule, and strong partnerships, Condor will make travel between Frankfurt and London simpler and more appealing.

Credits: Condor Airlines

The post Condor Launches New Frankfurt to London Gatwick Route first appeared on AircrewNews.com.

• Fleet: As of September 2025, 69 aircraft in service (average age ~11.3 years), with 42 on order. Composition: 2 Airbus A319-100s (operated by partners), 20 Airbus A320-200s (10 via ACMI, to be retired), 3 Airbus A320neos (16 more on order), 13 Airbus A321-200s (to be retired), 6 Airbus A321neos (26 more on order), and 18 Airbus A330-900neos (7 more on order, expanding to 25 by 2031). The Boeing 757-300s (7 in service) are retiring by November 2025, completing the shift to an all-Airbus fleet. The A330-900neo, with Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, achieves 20% lower emissions and 2.1 liters fuel per passenger per 100 km.
• Network: Serves 94 destinations across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, with ~300 routes (primarily leisure-focused). Key short/medium-haul: Mediterranean (e.g., Majorca, Greece, Turkey), Canary Islands, North Africa. Long-haul: North America (12 destinations like Miami, Las Vegas, Vancouver, Calgary; seasonal from late April), Caribbean (Cancún, Punta Cana), Africa (Cape Town, Mauritius, Johannesburg), Asia (Bangkok, Phuket). Summer 2025 expansions include daily Frankfurt flights to Rome, Milan, Prague, Vienna, Zurich, Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich; new Vienna routes to Rhodes, Kos, and Palma. Withdrawals: All Cuba routes and six North American cities (San Antonio, Phoenix, Baltimore, Minneapolis, Halifax, Edmonton) due to demand and legal issues. Operates ~2,500 weekly flights.
• Codes and Allowances: IATA code DE; ICAO code CFG. Baggage: Economy 1x23kg checked + 8kg carry-on (short-haul), 2x23kg checked (long-haul); Business 2x32kg checked + 10kg carry-on. Children 5+ may travel unaccompanied (escort service required 5–11); infants under 2 occupy no seat but must be booked.
• Workforce and Performance: Employs over 4,900 staff (including ~5,500 total across operations). Transported >9 million passengers annually pre-2024; 2023/24 fiscal year (ending September 30, 2024) reported €62M net loss (down 50% YoY), with on-time performance at 88%. Focus on profitability via fleet renewal and city expansions amid competitive pressures.

Condor positions itself as Europe’s leading leisure airline, blending vacation escapes with urban getaways while prioritizing eco-efficient growth.

Brief History

Condor was founded on December 21, 1955, as Deutsche Flugdienst GmbH by shipping lines Norddeutscher Lloyd and Hamburg America Line, alongside Lufthansa and Deutsche Bundesbahn, to serve the growing tourism market. It launched its first tourist flight on March 29, 1956—a pilgrimage to the Holy Land—followed by routes to Majorca and the Canary Islands. By 1959, Lufthansa acquired full ownership. In 1961, it merged with rival Condor-Luftreederei, adopting the Condor name and dominating 63% of Germany’s tourism air travel, carrying 66,000 passengers.

The 1960s–1970s saw international expansion: First long-haul to Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic (1966); pioneered Boeing 747 “Jumbo” operations as the first leisure carrier (1971). By 1973, its fleet included 14 Boeings. In 1989, it introduced direct seat sales via “Condor Flüge Individuell.” The 1990s integrated Südflug, added Boeing 757/767s with two-class cabins, and became part of C&N Touristik under Lufthansa-Karstadt-NUR.

The 2000s–2010s focused on growth within Thomas Cook Group (acquired 2002): Fleet expanded to 12 Boeing 767s; merged with Thomas Cook Airlines entities (2013); introduced A321s (2012). Challenges included the 2019 Thomas Cook collapse, prompting a €380M Polish Aviation Group loan for survival. COVID-19 brought further strain, with government aid and near-bankruptcy.

The 2020s marked renewal: Attestor Capital took majority control (2021); new livery and A330-900neo deliveries began (first flight December 27, 2022). Completed long-haul fleet renewal (18 A330neos, 2024); short/medium-haul refresh started (43 A32Xneos by 2029). Key 2025 events: Boeing 757 retirement (farewell flight November 5); four more A330-900 orders (July); summer network expansions to eight European cities and Panama City, offset by Cuba/North America cuts due to a 2024 court ruling ending Lufthansa feeder ties. By September 2025, Condor operates 69 aircraft, emphasizing sustainable leisure travel with >100,000 passengers on new routes.

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