On March 29, 2026, the Danish airline DAT (Danish Air Transport) will commence regular flight operations at Linz Airport (LNZ). Commissioned by the State of Upper Austria, this will restore the strategically important connection to the international hub of Frankfurt am Main.
The route had remained vacant after the Lufthansa Group withdrew, prompting the state to initiate a tender process to ensure the economic hub's connection to the global air network. To mark the launch of the service, Linz Airport is offering all DAT passengers free parking on the airport grounds between March 29 and April 30, 2026. Travelers must use a reservation form on the airport's website in advance and can exchange their entry ticket for an exit ticket at the information desk upon their return.
Danish airline DAT is expected to deploy ATR 72-600 aircraft on the route, whose capacity of approximately 70 seats makes them ideally suited to regional demand. Further industry research indicates that the airline is currently working intensively on codeshare agreements with major network carriers. The aim of these negotiations is to enable passengers from Upper Austria to book international connecting flights via Frankfurt on a single through ticket. This includes the technical integration of baggage handling systems, allowing luggage to be checked through directly from Linz to the final destination worldwide, significantly increasing the attractiveness of the connection for business travelers.
From an economic policy perspective, the resumption of flights to Frankfurt is considered a crucial step for Upper Austrian industry. With numerous export-oriented companies located in the region, rapid access to the Frankfurt hub is seen as a significant locational advantage. Financing for the route is supported by start-up funding from the state, which complies with EU state aid regulations for regional airports. DAT has already gained experience with similar public service obligation (PSO) routes in Scandinavia and Italy and is considered a reliable partner for niche markets that major airlines can no longer serve economically.
The flight schedule includes daily rotations timed to connect with key international air traffic waves in Frankfurt. In parallel with the launch of the new route, Linz Airport is investing in modernizing its check-in areas to expedite the check-in process for DAT passengers. Experts are closely monitoring the development, as the success of this connection is seen as a signal for other regional airports in Europe seeking new ways to connect to the network following the withdrawal of established airlines. The introductory parking offer is also intended to provide an additional incentive to choose the local airport over traveling by train or car to other hubs.