Austrian Airlines: Operational Status And Future Plans

Austrian Airlines is Austria's biggest airline and has been operating for over 60 years. It is a subsidiary of Lufthansa, the flag carrier of Germany, and is headquartered at Vienna International Airport. The airline has a dense route network, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, flying to more than 120 destinations across the world. In 2024, Austrian Airlines and the Lufthansa Group adjusted their flight schedules due to severe weather in Austria, suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv and Tehran until 31 January 2025.

Austrian Airlines' history and ownership

Austrian Airlines, or Austrian Airlines AG, is the flag carrier of Austria. The airline is headquartered at Vienna International Airport in Schwechat, where it also maintains its hub. It is a subsidiary of Lufthansa, the flag carrier of Germany, and is part of the Lufthansa Group, Europe's biggest airline group. Austrian Airlines is also a member of the Star Alliance, the first global alliance of international airlines.

The history of Austrian Airlines dates back to the founding of Austrian Airways in 1923. On 3 May 1923, Walter Barda-Bardenau received approval from the Austrian government to establish an airline. The first flight performed by the airline was conducted between Vienna and Munich on 14 May 1923. The company's initial fleet consisted of Junkers F 13s.

In 1938, following the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany, the airline had to stop its operations. After World War II, Austria regained its independence with the Austrian State Treaty of 1955, but initially lacked a national airline. Two state-owned airlines, Air Austria and Austrian Airways, emerged in 1955 to fill this void. On 4 April 1957, Austrian Airlines was formed through the merger of these two airlines. The new entity commenced operations on 30 September 1957, performing its maiden flight on 31 March 1958 from Vienna to Zurich and London.

Throughout its history, Austrian Airlines has expanded its fleet and network, introducing various models of aircraft from Airbus, Boeing, Fokker, and other manufacturers. It has also sought strategic alliances and expanded its presence in the long-haul market. In 2000, Austrian Airlines became a member of Star Alliance and joined the Qualiflyer Group. The airline expanded through acquisitions and, in 2003, adopted the shortened name, Austrian.

During the late 2000s, Austrian Airlines faced financial difficulties and sustained several years of losses. In 2008, the Austrian government was advised to privatise the airline by selling it to a foreign company. In 2009, after an investigation into the tendering process, the Lufthansa Group purchased Austrian Airlines. Following its privatisation, the airline underwent restructuring, including fleet expansion and cost-saving initiatives.

In 2015, Austrian Airlines merged with its subsidiary, Tyrolean Airways, which had been operating its flights since 2012 due to labour disputes. The merged entity was named "myAustrian", but the name was later changed back to Austrian Airlines in 2016.

Today, Austrian Airlines continues to operate as Austria's leading airline, connecting the country to Europe and the world with a global network of more than 120 destinations. The airline has committed to halving its net CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieving CO2-neutral flying by 2050.

Current destinations

Austrian Airlines is Austria's leading airline, with a global network of more than 120 destinations. The airline has six domestic destinations and flies to around 50 countries across Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America.

Austrian Airlines' hub is at Vienna International Airport, with focus cities including Graz Airport, Innsbruck Airport, and Salzburg Airport. The airline offers a range of configurations, including wide-body jets with business and economy class cabins, as well as all-economy class narrow-body jets.

Some of the popular destinations offered by Austrian Airlines include:

• Vienna
• Tirana
• Skopje
• Sarajevo
• Budapest
• Split
• Pristina
• Venice
• Dubrovnik
• Podgorica
• Paris
• Athens
• Berlin
• Bucharest
• Sofia
• Prague
• Krakow
• Florence
• Zagreb
• Amsterdam
• Cairo
• Yerevan
• Bangkok
• Tel Aviv
• Amman
• Erbil
• Shanghai
• Tokyo
• Male-Maldives
• Marrakech
• Mahébourg-Mauritius
• Singapore
• Beijing
• Bogota
• Phuket
• Windhoek
• Beirut
• Phnom Penh
• Punta Cana
• San José, Costa Rica

The airline also offers flights to multiple destinations in the United States, including New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, and Miami.

In-flight services

Yes, Austrian Airlines is currently operating. In fact, it is Austria's leading airline with a global network of more than 120 destinations.

Austrian Airlines offers a range of in-flight services to enhance the travel experience of its passengers. The airline's special service concept won the Skytrax World Airline Award in 2023 in the category "Best Airline Staff in Europe". Here are some of the in-flight services offered by Austrian Airlines:

Hospitality and Ambiance

The airline prioritises warmth and hospitality, creating a relaxed ambiance for its guests to ensure an unforgettable travel experience.

Delicious Meals

Austrian Airlines offers carefully curated in-flight meals. Passengers can explore the menu on their flight and discover the delicious dishes compiled for their culinary enjoyment.

Special Meal Requests

The airline accommodates special meal requests, ensuring that passengers with specific dietary needs or preferences are catered to.

Travelling with Animals

Austrian Airlines provides guidance and assistance for passengers travelling with animals, helping them navigate the necessary requirements and procedures.

Unaccompanied Minors

The airline offers services for unaccompanied minors, providing additional support and supervision for children travelling without an adult.

Medical Requests and Accessible Travel

Austrian Airlines caters to passengers with medical needs and offers accessible travel options, ensuring that all passengers can travel safely and comfortably.

Ticket Reimbursement and Additional Services

The airline provides options for ticket reimbursement and reimbursement for additional services purchased, such as seat reservations.

Feedback and Support

Austrian Airlines values customer feedback and is committed to continuous improvement. Passengers can provide feedback on their past flights, including their experience at the airport or on board, using the contact forms available on the Austrian Airlines website. The airline also offers support for various inquiries, including flight bookings, online check-in, and Travel ID-related matters.

Customer service

Austrian Airlines endeavours to make every flight a safe and pleasant experience, enhancing customer comfort both on the ground and in the air. The airline's Customer Service Plan reflects its commitment to treating customers in a fair, friendly and timely manner, and to giving them clear information about what they can expect.

Austrian Airlines offers customers the lowest price for their flight, depending on the desired date, flight and service class. The airline also offers a cost-saving alternative itinerary if a customer's travel plans are flexible. Customers are always informed about the valid airfare as well as other applicable fees and taxes. The amount of a ticket depends on factors such as the travel class, the flexibility of travel plans, and the availability of special fares.

The airline guarantees to offer the cheapest available fare, based on travel class, date of travel and destination. This applies to its call centre, website and sales offices. The airline also guarantees refunds for all applicable tickets within seven working days for credit card payments and within 20 working days for cash or cheque payments.

Austrian Airlines has a special support service for passengers with limited mobility, allowing them to check in, board and disembark comfortably. The airline also provides services for unaccompanied minors, which must be booked in advance.

The airline has an extensive system for finding lost bags and informing affected customers. Customers can check the status of missing bags at www.austrian.com/Baggage or at the baggage counter at the airport. Austrian Airlines also has a Tarmac Delay Contingency Plan to ensure customers' comfort during lengthy waiting times on the tarmac.

Austrian Airlines' responsiveness rating is 3/5, according to the Elliott Report. The company responds to most customer complaints in a satisfactory manner. The best phone number to call Austrian Airlines on is 8008430002.

Environmental commitments

Austrian Airlines, Austria's leading airline, is committed to a responsible approach to the environment. The company is aware of the civil aviation industry's responsibility for climate change and has embarked on a journey towards a more sustainable future.

CO2 Emissions

Austrian Airlines has committed to halving its net CO2 emissions by 2030 and aims for CO2-neutral flying by 2050. To achieve these targets, the airline focuses on fleet modernisation, continuous optimisation of flight operations, and the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

Fleet Modernisation

Austrian Airlines is investing in modern, more fuel-efficient aircraft and engine technologies. The latest generation of aircraft can consume up to 30% less fuel and emit up to 20% less CO2 than their predecessors. For example, an Airbus A320neo emits around 50% less noise during take-off than comparable aircraft from the previous generation.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)

Austrian Airlines, in partnership with the Lufthansa Group, is one of the largest users of SAF. SAFs are produced without the use of fossil fuels, mainly from biogenic waste such as used cooking oil or fats. SAFs reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil fuels and enable near CO2-neutral aviation.

Climate Protection Projects

To offset CO2 emissions that cannot be reduced, Austrian Airlines has been cooperating with Climate Austria, a joint initiative with the Ministry of Environment and Vienna Airport. Passengers can voluntarily offset their CO2 emissions by contributing to high-quality, certified climate protection projects worldwide.

Environmental Management System

Austrian Airlines has established an environmental management system with annual validation in accordance with the EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) standard. This system helps the company to improve its environmental performance and make its environmental efforts traceable and measurable.

Noise Reduction

Austrian Airlines' ongoing fleet renewal programme, replacing older aircraft with more efficient and quieter aircraft, significantly contributes to noise reduction. An Airbus A320neo, for example, is 50% quieter on take-off than an aircraft of the previous generation.

Energy and Resource Management

Austrian Airlines prioritises the economically and ecologically efficient use of energy and resources in all business areas. The company identifies sustainable ways to reduce electricity and water consumption and implements measures to reduce and recycle waste.

AIRail Initiative

In partnership with ÖBB, Austrian Airlines launched the AIRail initiative in 2014, offering train connections between Vienna Airport and Linz, Salzburg, and Graz. This provides passengers with an alternative to air travel and contributes to reducing CO2 emissions.

Frequently asked questions