This Popular Ohio Airport Is Introducing Its First Nonstop Flight To Europe

Back in August, The Wall Street Journal reported that a record-breaking 24 million Americans visited Europe in 2025. As Europe remains a popular vacation destination for Americans, it's only natural that accessibility to this diverse and alluring continent increases. Columbus, Ohio, may have sensed this shift in vacation trends, adding its first-ever nonstop flight from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany. The Columbus Regional Airport Authority, Lufthansa, JobsOhio and One Columbus announced the groundbreaking route, which will begin operating in May 2027.

"Lufthansa's new nonstop service to Frankfurt provides our passengers with a direct link to one of the world's strongest global networks, enhancing connectivity, competitiveness, and continued growth [...] At a time of extraordinary transformation for our airports and our region, this new service establishes Ohio's gateway to continental Europe," Daren Griffin, CRAA President and CEO, said in an official press release. While Cleveland already offers nonstop flights to Dublin, the new Columbus–Frankfurt route will give central Ohio its first direct connection to Europe and provide another gateway to destinations across the continent.

Lufthansa will use its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft for the route. This is one of Lufthansa's newest aircraft, which the airline considers its most comfortable and efficient, a true stopover-avoidant vessel. It caters to travelers of all budgets with its economy, premium economy, and Allegris Business Class seating. The latter is an innovative approach that offers five seating options, including ones with extra-long beds. Lufthansa will operate the route three days a week (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), all scheduled to depart Columbus at 4:20 p.m. and arrive in Frankfurt at 6:15 a.m.

The announcement has been met with excitement from Ohio travelers on the r/Columbus subreddit, already prompting some to dream about their next trip. "Awesome! Time to plan a vacation to Germany," one person said. Others are more excited about the possibilities of further European travel. "Some solid trains from Frankfurt to other great EU destinations. I would prefer a different airline, but this works," one Ohioan said. Via train or plane, travelers will have many onward options available once they land in Frankfurt. Lufthansa alone offers connections to around 130 other destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. This is ideal, as booking flights with the same airline can help you navigate layovers and not miss your connection.

While pleasure travelers are understandably excited, this nonstop route is also intended to strengthen Ohio's business connections with Germany and its overall economic growth. Columbus Regional Airport Authority's official press release highlighted how Ohio's 750-plus German-owned businesses and their 40,000-plus jobs have helped create this partnership with Lufthansa and the nonstop flights. "This new route will be transformative, giving our state access to critical markets in Germany, Europe, and the world while establishing stronger economic, research, cultural, and educational exchanges," Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in the press release. It's just unfortunate that Frankfurt Airport is one of the world's most hated by travelers.

Still, if you can handle the chaos that often pervades this transport hub, you have direct access to the "Manhattan of Europe." Frankfurt may just be the start of your European jaunt, too. From here, you can fly nonstop to numerous European cities, such as Dublin, London, Milan, Athens, Paris, Vienna, and Barcelona. It might be time to start dreaming of Europe. As of October 20, you can now book these nonstop Frankfurt flights from Columbus for 2027.