Inverness Airport has announced a new service to Frankfurt and an increase in its Dublin service to four flights a week.
Discover Airlines, part of Lufthansa Group, will operate a direct weekly service between Inverness and Frankfurt from June, 2027.
And the Aer Lingus Regional service, operated by Emerald Airlines, will increase its Inverness to Dublin service to four flights a week.
Inverness Airport is part of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) — a public body wholly owned by Scottish Ministers.
The new Frankfurt service will be the first-ever direct connection between Inverness and Frankfurt and will mark the first time Discover Airlines has operated from Inverness Airport.
Operating every Saturday from June 19 until September 11, 2027, the flights will depart Frankfurt at 13:40, arriving at Inverness at 14:45. The return service will depart Inverness at 15:30, arriving in Frankfurt at 18:30.
The new route builds on Inverness Airport’s previous relationship with Lufthansa Group, which has included Lufthansa-operated services between Inverness and Düsseldorf.
Frankfurt is one of Europe’s major aviation hubs and a key destination for business and leisure travellers.
Discover Airlines operates from its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, serving a range of destinations across Europe and beyond.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “Germany is Scotland’s largest European inbound visitor market and the launch of services from Frankfurt to Inverness will help grow the economic benefits of tourism and provide important connectivity for business.
“This announcement is a huge show of confidence in the Scottish market, and I wish Discover every success with this route, which I’m sure will prove popular with passengers and tourists alike.”
Inverness Airport Manager Dan Mason said: “This is fantastic news for passengers across the Highlands and Islands, with the introduction of a direct service between Inverness and Frankfurt providing greater choice and improved access to Germany and the wider European network.
“We’re particularly pleased to welcome Discover Airlines to Inverness for the first time and to establish a new connection with Frankfurt. The route will provide a convenient option for both business and leisure travellers, while also making it easier for visitors from Germany and further afield to reach the Highlands.
“We look forward to working closely with Discover Airlines to support the success of this new service and to welcoming passengers on board from next summer.”
Discover Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Marco Götz said: “We’re delighted to add Inverness to our route network and, with it, the only nonstop connection between Frankfurt and Inverness.
“We’re seeing growing demand for destinations that offer space, nature and opportunities to explore the outdoors, and Scotland delivers all of this in abundance.
“Inverness is the perfect gateway to some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes, including the Scottish Highlands. We look forward to making this remarkable region more accessible to travellers from Germany throughout the summer.”
Gwen Raez, Head of Business Development and Intermediary Marketing Visit Scotland, said: “Germany remains one of Scotland’s most important international visitor markets, and this new seasonal service to Inverness directly from Frankfurt provides an exciting opportunity to strengthen links with visitors from across the country.
“Improved access to the Highlands will help more people experience the area’s world-class landscapes, attractions and hospitality, while creating valuable opportunities for travel intermediaries and tourism businesses to showcase everything the region has to offer.
“By making it easier for visitors to reach Inverness directly, we can help support sustainable growth and bring benefits to local communities across the Highlands and wider north-east region.”
Meanwhile, the Aer Lingus Regional service, operated by Emerald Airlines, will increase its Inverness to Dublin service to four flights a week.
The route will double from twice weekly to four times weekly from the September 25 to October 26, 2026, before returning to twice weekly over the winter period.
The increased four-times-weekly service will return from March 14, 2027.
The additional flights offer improved onward connectivity via Dublin, including connections to Aer Lingus transatlantic services to New York (JFK).
Inverness Airport Manager Dan Mason said: “We’re delighted to see the Inverness to Dublin service increase to four flights a week, giving passengers even more choice and flexibility when travelling between the Highlands and Ireland.
“The additional frequency will also provide more opportunities for customers to connect onwards through Dublin, including to destinations across North America. It’s great to see the route continuing to develop since its launch.”
Ian Lough, Head of Commercial at Emerald Airlines, said: “We are delighted to be adding even more fights to our Inverness to Dublin service. Since commencing, the route has been warmly welcomed by customers on both sides of the Irish Sea.
“The additional flights will provide even greater convenience for customers, along with excellent onward connectivity to North America through the wider Aer Lingus network.”