Both Austria and Germany have already relaxed their entry requirements. From a German perspective, the Alpine republic is not a risk area. As a result, a quick test result on both sides is sufficient for entry. Nevertheless, Eurowings is postponing the inclusion of the Graz-Stuttgart and Linz-Düsseldorf routes on the long bench.

The two routes mentioned were previously served by Austrian Airlines' DHC Dash 8-400. The Linz-Düsseldorf route was suspended by the AUA in March 2020 due to the corona pandemic and never reactivated. In winter 2021 it was communicated that this connection would be started by Eurowings in April 2021. But it did not come to that, because the AUA group sister has already repeatedly postponed the first flight.

The situation in Graz was comparable, but a little different. In contrast to Linz, Austrian Airlines flew a few weeks between Graz and Stuttgart in late autumn 2020. The aircraft used were DHC Dash 8-400 turboprops. Due to catastrophically weak demand, the AUA quickly abandoned the route. In winter 2021 it was announced that Eurowings would fly between Graz and Stuttgart from April 2021. In contrast, Graz-Düsseldorf stayed with Austrian Airlines and was resumed. Eurowings has put the Stuttgart route on the back burner.

Business travelers are upset

Since both Linz-Düsseldorf and Graz-Stuttgart are used almost exclusively by business travelers, the recent postponements are received with annoyance. It is extremely arduous for business to travel between cities, because without the non-stop connections it is extremely time-consuming. In particular, it cannot be understood that Eurowings is postponing to September 2021, because the entry and quarantine regulations have been greatly relaxed, so that private individuals can also use the two routes without great effort.

Specifically, the new plans from Eurowings are as follows: From Graz, the carrier does not want to reactivate the Stuttgart route until September 13, 2021. The flight will then take place on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The operational implementation is to take place with aircraft from Eurowings Germany.

The Lufthansa subsidiary does not want to fly from Linz until September 13, 2021. According to the current state of affairs, this route should also be operated with aircraft from Eurowings Germany on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

“Unfortunately, the start of the recording of the routes mentioned will be postponed somewhat with a start in mid-September. The reason for this was the previously ongoing restrictions, including between Austria and Germany. Travel is now easier again and the quarantine is no longer applicable, so that we - like other airlines - can look to the future with optimism and look forward to adding these and other routes in the near future, ”a Eurowings spokeswoman told Aviation Direct.