By expanding its route network, Discover Airlines, a leisure airline within the Lufthansa Group, is responding to the growing demand for flexible travel options. In both summer and winter 2025, vacationers can expect a significantly wider selection of destinations – from Scandinavian cities with fresh air and tranquil nature to sunny destinations in North Africa and Southern Europe. For the first time, the Finnish city of Oulu will be served regularly, and destinations such as Marrakesh, Hurghada, and Dubrovnik will also be served in winter, which was previously limited to the summer months.
Of particular note is the first-time inclusion of the Finnish city of Oulu in the summer flight schedule. From June to the end of September 2025, Discover Airlines will connect Frankfurt with the northern Finnish metropolis twice a week – Mondays and Fridays. This route complements the existing connection to Kittilä, a city in Finnish Lapland. Oulu, located on the Gulf of Bothnia, is one of Finland's largest cities and boasts a stunning location in the heart of a region rich in forests, lakes, and coastal landscapes.
Average summer temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius offer ideal conditions for travelers who prefer mild climates. In addition to its natural surroundings, Oulu offers a diverse range of cultural activities and, thanks to its excellent infrastructure, is a convenient starting point for excursions into the surrounding regions of Lapland.
Nordics on trend: Scandinavia as a year-round destination
With Oulu, Discover Airlines is not only introducing a new destination, but is also expanding its commitment to Scandinavia. The so-called "Nordics" flight schedule includes Kittilä, Reykjavík (Iceland), Evenes, and Bodø (both Norway). Starting in winter 2025, Alta, a place known for its proximity to the Northern Lights, will be added to the offering. These destinations will be served either seasonally or year-round from Frankfurt or Munich.
Scandinavia is enjoying increasing popularity among travelers seeking relaxation off the beaten track. Whether fjords, volcanoes, or winter snowscapes – the diversity of the North is immense and represents a welcome alternative to traditional summer or winter travel.
Winter offers for sun seekers
Not only cooler climes are being expanded – warmer destinations also remain in focus. Starting in winter 2025/26, Discover Airlines will increase its frequency to popular holiday destinations in North Africa and Southern Europe. Daily flights will be offered from Frankfurt to Hurghada, Egypt, and Marrakesh, Morocco. Three weekly flights to Hurghada and up to six to Marrakesh will depart from Munich.
In addition, Ibiza will be better connected in winter with two weekly flights from Munich. Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of classic summer destinations such as Varna (Bulgaria), Dubrovnik (Croatia), and Heraklion (Greece) in the winter flight schedule for the first time. This is the airline's response to the growing demand for year-round destinations and greater seasonal flexibility.
Discover Airlines will now fly from Frankfurt to Varna twice a week and to Dubrovnik three times a week. Flights to Heraklion will also operate twice a week from Munich. These connections offer travelers the opportunity to explore destinations that would otherwise be barely available during the winter, even during the off-season.
Long-haul flights from Munich
Starting in March 2025, Discover Airlines will relocate parts of its long-haul operations to Munich for the first time. Two long-haul Airbus A330 aircraft will be stationed there, operating new direct connections to Orlando (USA), Windhoek (Namibia), and Calgary (Canada). Orlando and Windhoek will be served three times a week, and Calgary will be served up to five times a week. This makes Discover Airlines the leading leisure airline at Munich Airport.
The decision to offer long-haul flights from Munich significantly expands the range of departure options for southern Germany. The development of these destinations contributes to further establishing Munich as a major international hub.
Fleet expansion and strategic orientation
By summer 2025, Discover Airlines' fleet will comprise a total of 30 aircraft. Of these, 16 will be Airbus A320s for short- and medium-haul flights, and 14 will be Airbus A330s for long-haul flights. The airline's presence will be particularly strengthened at its Munich base: Seven aircraft will be stationed there, and approximately 400 crew members will operate from there in the future.
With this move, Discover Airlines is pursuing a clear growth strategy. Expanding its offerings in various directions—both geographically and seasonally—contributes to strengthening its market position, especially against competitors that limit themselves to a narrower route network.