LINTHICUM, MD — This Saturday, Condor Airlines will restore its seasonal summer service from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to Frankfurt, Germany.

The German leisure airline is one of four international carriers returning to BWI Airport this year. Another two airlines launched service from BWI for the first time.

The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered many routes between the U.S. and Europe. Those lines are starting to resume and expand to satisfy pent-up travel demand.

"The return of this important international service from Condor is another distinct example of the continuing recovery in the travel sector," BWI Executive Director Ricky Smith said in a press release. "We look forward to working with Condor this summer to provide our shared customers with excellent customer service and highly competitive fares."

Condor will offer three weekly flights from BWI to its hub at Frankfurt Airport. Travelers can then connect to more than 100 destinations throughout Europe with Condor or its airline and rail partners.

The nonstop flights will leave BWI on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

These trips will depart BWI at 7:25 p.m. and arrive in Frankfurt at 9:30 a.m. the next day. The return flights will take off from Frankfurt at 2:15 p.m. and land at BWI at 5:30 p.m.

All flights will be on a Boeing 767-300 aircraft. The planes will have economy, premium and business classes. Condor said its luxury fares can be half the rates of legacy airlines.

Business class will have lie-flat seats with touchscreen entertainment systems and power ports. The high-end offerings also include complimentary soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The menu features vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free meal options. At the airport, business class passengers will have priority check-in and lounge access.

Premium class offers similar amenities. These travelers can expect in-seat entertainment systems, USB ports, premium meals and free drinks. The seats also have extra legroom, leg rests and adjustable headrests.

"We are pleased to return to Baltimore/Washington to provide travelers from Maryland and the D.C. metro area with a more affordable way to get to Europe this summer," said Mathias Friess, Condor's North American vice president and area manager. "We also are thrilled to do our part in bringing more Germans to the nation's capital, one of the top tourist destinations."

Passenger traffic is continuing to improve at BWI. The airport saw 18.8 million passengers in 2021. That's a 68 percent increase from 2020.

Cargo flights are also on the upswing. BWI's cargo shipments passed 618 million pounds in 2021, setting a new annual record.

"In 2022, passenger traffic is expected to further increase as more international and domestic routes are added," BWI spokesperson Jonathan Dean said. "Several major capital projects are now underway that will support airline service and enhance the travel experience for airport customers."

With travel surging, BWI reopened its Express Parking lot last month. The 1,400-space lot closed in March 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic first struck.

The spike in passengers has enticed other carriers to resume service from BWI. Other airlines returning this year include Air Canada, British Airways and Icelandair.

The airport also welcomed budget carriers Avelo Airlines and Play last month.

Travelers can visit condor.com/us to learn more about BWI's newest carrier.

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