Budget German airline launches nonstop flights from Fort Myers to Europe

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Departures and arrivals board at RSW airport. WINK News

A German budget airline Eurowings is set to begin nonstop service to Fort Myers this month.

Eurowings will start twice weekly nonstop service from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Munich Airport (MUC) and a weekly flight to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN).

The first nonstop service to Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) on Eurowings, a new airline serving Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), will take place Thursday.

Flights will operate on an Airbus A330 with 310 seats.

Juergen Schmidt was born and raised in Germany. He celebrates his heritage in SWFL through the German American Social Club in Cape Coral.

“About 650 active members who live here all year round, and over the season we’re gaining about another 300 from people coming from Europe,” he said.

He’s now happy trips just got shorter and much easier between SWFL and his homeland.

“I’m excited to have our band coming here for the big Oktoberfest. They’re flying directly also with Eurowings,” he said.

Local realtor Steffen Vetter works with a lot of German clients. He says they visited less when Air Berlin went of of business last year.

“With Air Berlin not having direct flights anymore, we did see a change in that, in the decreasing number of Germans coming to the area,” Vetter said.

In 2016, RSW had more than 83,000 German travelers. Now, many are hopeful the restored nonstop service will bring in more than just visitors.

“We are extremely pleased with the announcement that Eurowings will begin service to Fort Myers this May, offering Southwest Florida International Airport customers’ nonstop service to Munich and Cologne/Bonn,” said Jeff Mulder, A.A.E., executive director of the Lee County Port Authority.

Mulder added, “These flights will strengthen the bridge between Germany and Southwest Florida. Travelers from Fort Myers will now be able to reach two extremely popular destinations in Germany more conveniently, as well as take advantage of connecting flights throughout Europe. We also look forward to welcoming more European visitors to experience the natural beauty of Southwest Florida.”

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