Crystal Travel | Travel News | 16 April 2026
German carrier Condor has made its long-awaited entry into the UK aviation market, introducing a three-times-daily service between London Gatwick and Frankfurt, great news for travellers across London and the South East.
German airline Condor officially touched down on British soil for the very first time in April 2026, launching a brand-new daily service between London Gatwick Airport and Frankfurt Airport. It is a landmark moment for the carrier, as London joins the Condor network for the first time in the airline's history. Condor, legally incorporated as Condor Flugdienst GmbH, is a German airline with its primary hub at Frankfurt Airport and has long been known for operating leisure and scheduled services to destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and North America.
All flights operate from Gatwick's North Terminal, running three times a day in each direction. The morning service departs London Gatwick around 10:20, arriving in Frankfurt at 12:50. The afternoon flight leaves at 15:40, landing at 18:10. The evening departure takes off at 19:50, reaching Frankfurt at 22:20. With this spread of timings across the day, same-day return travel is entirely practical — a genuinely useful option for business passengers who need to reach Frankfurt and return without an overnight stay.
The direct Gatwick–Frankfurt connection had been absent since Lufthansa discontinued its service on this corridor in June 2024. Condor's arrival now restores that link, making it the only airline currently flying directly between these two airports. For passengers based in London and across the South East, this removes the inconvenience of connecting through a third city or travelling to a different London airport just to reach Frankfurt nonstop.
Peter Gerber, CEO of Condor, spoke about what the launch means for the airline: "With London Gatwick, we are adding another exciting metropolis to our city network, offering business travellers and city tourists even more options. The launch of this route is another clear signal of our growth in the European market."
Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, welcomed the development: "We're delighted to welcome Condor to London Gatwick, providing an important gateway to Frankfurt for passengers across London and the South East."
Frankfurt is far more than a transit hub. As one of Europe's leading financial centres — home to the European Central Bank and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange — it is a natural destination for business travellers. The city also has a great deal to offer leisure visitors. The historic Römerberg old town, the museum-lined Museumsufer riverbank, a vibrant food and drink culture, and excellent rail connections across Germany and central Europe make Frankfurt a genuinely rewarding destination, whether for a long weekend or a longer stay.
Frankfurt Airport is one of the busiest and best-connected international hubs in Europe. Passengers arriving from Gatwick can access extensive onward connections to destinations across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Condor's own long-haul network from Frankfurt includes routes to destinations such as Bangkok, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Mauritius, and Dubai — making this new Gatwick service a highly practical springboard for travellers with bigger trips in mind.
Condor is the fifth new airline to begin flying from London Gatwick in less than a fortnight, joining Jet2, Air France, Eurowings, and Animawings as part of a sustained period of expansion at the airport. This summer, Gatwick is expected to serve more than 230 destinations — its broadest network since 2019 — with 62 airlines operating from the airport in total.
Jonny Macneal, Head of Aviation Development at London Gatwick, reflected on the significance of the moment: "Condor's arrival marks yet another exciting landmark in what has been a period of significant growth for the airport."
Whether you are heading to Frankfurt for a business meeting, a short city break, or using it as a connection point for a longer journey, Condor's new London Gatwick service opens up a practical and well-timed option for UK travellers.
Speak to the Crystal Travel team today to explore availability, find the best flight deals, and make the most of this exciting new route.
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