Great news for those residing in Columbus, OH and the surrounding region! Starting May 5, 2027, Lufthansa is poised to be the very first airline offering The Arch City direct, transatlantic flights to the heart of Europe.

The German airline is expanding its U.S. network with a new nonstop connection between Columbus, Ohio, and Frankfurt, Germany. The service will provide travelers from Central Ohio with direct access to Lufthansa’s Frankfurt hub, as well as onward connections across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

“We are very pleased to connect Columbus and the state of Ohio directly with our Frankfurt hub, the first intercontinental flight from this great city,” said Dirk Janzen, Lufthansa Group Vice President of Passenger Sales, the Americas.

“The new service will provide both business and leisure travelers with a convenient nonstop connection to Germany, as well as onward destinations across our Lufthansa Group network. The launch of this route is an important step in our continued expansion in the United States, our most important market outside the Lufthansa Group’s home markets. We look forward to strengthening the connections between Ohio and Europe, and to welcoming travelers from Columbus and the surrounding region,” Janzen added.

The inaugural flight, LH406, will depart Frankfurt Airport at 11:15 AM and arrive at John Glenn Columbus International Airport at 2 PM. The return flight, LH407, will depart Columbus at 4:20 PM and arrive in Frankfurt at 6:15 AM the following day. The new service will operate 3 times weekly, using a Boeing 787-9 with 287 seats across Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class. All times are local.

“This is a historic milestone for the Columbus Region and an exciting new chapter in our continued growth,” said Daren Griffin, President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority.

“Columbus has become one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing regions in the country, and our air service needs to reflect that momentum. Lufthansa’s new nonstop service to Frankfurt connects our region to one of the world’s leading international networks, opening new opportunities for businesses to compete globally while making it easier for travelers to explore Europe and for international visitors to discover all that Columbus and Ohio have to offer. This achievement reflects the confidence Lufthansa has in our region and the tremendous collaboration of Jobs Ohio, One Columbus, our business community and many other partners who helped make it possible. As we continue to invest in the future of our airports, this new service represents an important step forward in connecting Columbus to the world and supporting the opportunities ahead for our region and state.”

Lufthansa Allegris

The new Columbus–Frankfurt service will be operated with a Boeing 787-9 featuring Lufthansa’s new Allegris cabin. Allegris brings a redesigned long-haul travel experience across all classes of travel.

In Business Class, passengers can choose from different seat configurations, including the spacious Business Class Suite with its own personal space and enhanced privacy.

Premium Economy features a wider seat with more personal space, while Economy Class offers an improved seat design and additional comfort.

Together, these elements give passengers greater choice and a more personalized travel experience throughout the journey.

Lufthansa’s Future Onboard Experience (FOX)

FOX is the airline’s long-haul service concept, introduced across its intercontinental flights earlier this year. The new North American route will operate with FOX as part of Lufthansa’s standard long-haul service offering.

FOX focuses on a more personalized and consistent experience across all cabins, with greater choice, more flexibility and new Lufthansa Signature Moments throughout the journey. From an updated service approach and new dining concepts to redesigned details such as tableware and amenities, FOX brings together a range of elements designed to make the onboard experience more comfortable and distinctive.

Lufthansa Group in the United States

The Lufthansa Group has long demonstrated its strong commitment to the United States, which remains its most important market outside its home markets. In 2027, the Group carriers will serve 27 gateways across the U.S., underscoring the strategic importance of North America as the backbone of its intercontinental operations.

Strong connections through Frankfurt

Customers traveling from Columbus, OH, will benefit from direct access to Frankfurt, as well as seamless connections throughout the Lufthansa Group network, including services operated by Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines and Edelweiss, as well as connecting services through the Atlantic Joint Venture with United Airlines and Air Canada.

Frankfurt Airport serves as Lufthansa’s largest hub and one of Europe’s most important international gateways. Its location in the heart of Germany provides convenient access to destinations throughout Europe and beyond.

Lufthansa at Frankfurt Airport

For many passengers, Frankfurt serves as a convenient gateway to their onward destination. Through Lufthansa Group airlines, travelers can connect to more than 300 destinations worldwide. Passengers with a longer connection can also choose from a range of lounge options at Frankfurt Airport. Lufthansa’s lounge portfolio includes the Welcome Lounge, offering private showers, a warm breakfast selection and dedicated spaces to relax or work, as well as a variety of First and Business Class lounges providing a comfortable and tranquil environment between flights.

Featured image credited to Lufthansa