Columbus, we're going to Europe. Nonstop.
You read that right.
Beginning May 2027, Lufthansa will launch nonstop flights between John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany. This will provide passengers a brand-new way to reach Europe and destinations around the world from right here at home.
And we’re not talking about just any flight. The route will operate aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring Lufthansa’s Allegris experience.
For a region that’s grown, evolved, and continues to make its mark on the world, this is a pretty big moment. And one we’ve been working toward for a long time.
Columbus to Frankfurt: Let's talk details
The countdown to May 5, 2027 is officially on!
Lufthansa’s new nonstop service will operate three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, connecting Ohio to Frankfurt, one of Europe’s busiest international aviation hubs.
Meet your ride
Your journey across the Atlantic will be aboard Lufthansa’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, one of the newest additions to the airline’s long-haul fleet. Designed with passenger comfort in mind, the Dreamliner features larger windows, spacious overhead bins, and a modern cabin experience.
Lufthansa’s next-generation cabin design includes Business Class, with seating options designed for greater privacy and comfort, Premium Economy for travelers looking for extra space, and Economy Class for those ready to settle in for their international adventure.
The aircraft will accommodate 287 passengers, including 28 lay-flat Business Class seats, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 231 economy seats.
When will flights depart?
Flights from Columbus to Frankfurt will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with departures scheduled for 4:20 p.m. arriving in Frankfurt at 6:15 a.m. the following day.
The nonstop journey will take approximately 7 hours and 55 minutes, giving travelers a nonstop route across the Atlantic without the need to connect through another U.S. airport.
For the return trip, flights from Frankfurt to Columbus will also operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing at 11:15 a.m. and arriving back in Columbus at 2 p.m. local time.
All flight times are local and subject to change. Travelers should confirm their itinerary directly with Lufthansa.
Preparing for your international adventure
Before packing your bags, make sure your passport is ready! U.S. citizens traveling to Germany generally need a passport valid for at least three months beyond their planned departure, although six months of validity is recommended. Entry requirements vary by nationality and destination, so be sure to check the latest guidance before traveling.
And when it’s time to fly out, your international journey will begin at our existing terminal. Passengers will check in with Lufthansa, drop off checked baggage if needed, and proceed through TSA security before heading to their departure gate in Concourse C.
We recommend arriving two hours before departure for international travel to allow plenty of time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.
Travelers returning to Columbus from Frankfurt will complete U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing upon arrival at CMH.
Whether you’re traveling for business, visiting family overseas or finally booking that European vacation, your next international adventure starts here.
One flight, a world of possibilities
Frankfurt is a destination worth exploring on its own, but it’s also a gateway to so much more.
Picture yourself exploring the streets of Rome, taking in the sights of Paris, visiting family in Germany, or discovering somewhere entirely new. Through Lufthansa’s extensive global network, passengers will have access to connections across Europe and beyond.
And the best part? Your international journey can begin in Columbus without a connection through another U.S. airport.
More than a new destination
This is bigger than adding another dot to our nonstop route map.
It’s about making the world more accessible to the people who call Central Ohio home. It’s about connecting our businesses to global opportunities, welcoming new visitors to our region, and giving travelers more choices when they fly.
It’s also a reflection of just how far Columbus has come. Our region continues to grow, and the demand for international connectivity is growing with it.
We’re not just connecting Columbus to Frankfurt. We’re connecting Ohio to the world.
The journey starts here
May 5, 2027 can’t come soon enough.
Between now and the inaugural flight, we’ll be sharing more about the route, the Dreamliner, international travel tips, and plenty of inspiration for your next adventure.
For now, we’re celebrating a new chapter for air travel in Central Ohio, and we can’t wait to bring you along for the ride.
Willkommen to Columbus, Lufthansa.
