Premiere for charter flights from Germany

Thursday of Week 27 typically marks the season opener for incoming charter flights to Jönköping from Frankfurt. This year was no exception. The flight landed at Jönköping Airport carrying just over 100 expectant travelers, primarily from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. As always, they were welcomed with festivities organized by the airport in collaboration with Smålands Turism.

For a charter service that launched in 2007, this marked the 19th season opener; the only hiatus occurred in 2020 due to the pandemic. In keeping with tradition, a festive spread awaited the arrivals, featuring strawberry pastries, refreshments, and polkagrisar (traditional Swedish peppermint rock candy). As in recent years, the local folk music ensemble "Högt i tak" was on hand to enhance the atmosphere.

"This is a day we really look forward to all year long—almost like Christmas Eve. Seeing the travelers' surprise and receiving their appreciation makes all the effort truly worthwhile. Since this is a completely unique offering—no other Swedish airport receives incoming summer charter flights—we feel a special sense of pride on this day," says Henrik Älverdal, Commercial Manager at Jönköping Airport.

The flights are operated by Lufthansa subsidiary Discover Airlines using an Airbus A320. This summer, five additional charter flights are scheduled to land at Jönköping Airport, transporting a total of approximately 600 travelers. Smålands Turism estimates that these charter trips will generate around 5,000 overnight stays in Jönköping County during the summer season.

"We are already looking forward to next year, which will mark the 20th anniversary." "Then we’ll have to make sure to turn it into something truly special," Henrik continues.