After more than 60 years, an era in Austrian aviation is coming to an end: Austrian Airlines (AUA) is discontinuing its flight connection between Graz and Vienna. On Friday, October 23, 2026, flight OS118 is scheduled to take off from Graz to the federal capital for the last time at 4:15 PM. This marks the end of a traditional domestic flight route earlier than originally planned.

The end of the connection was originally planned for 2030. Now, the airline, which is part of the Lufthansa Group, is drawing a line four years earlier.

The route between the Styrian capital and Vienna has been served for over six decades. According to the report, in its most successful times, there were up to four flights daily.

Around 130,000 passengers used the connection annually back then. However, bookings have declined in recent years.

The short-haul route has long been considered highly unprofitable. With its discontinuation, not only does a long-standing flight connection end, but also a piece of Austrian aviation history.

For Graz Airport, the decision mainly impacts international connecting travel. According to ORF Styria, around 98 percent of previous passengers did not use the route to Vienna as their final destination but to transfer to international flights.

These travelers will have to switch to other connections in the future. The hubs in Munich, Frankfurt, and Zurich are particularly mentioned as alternatives.

According to the report, the airline Swiss is increasing its connections between Graz and Zurich from five to seven flights per week. Larger aircraft are also to be used on the German routes.

The Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Austrian Industries in Styria view the discontinuation critically. They fear disadvantages for the business location and are relying on a corresponding expansion of the remaining international connections.

While the flight connection is being discontinued, the railway on the southern route is gaining further importance. Since the opening of the Koralm Railway in December 2025, the long-distance service has been expanded.

According to the report, two long-distance trains per hour generally run between Vienna and Graz. In addition to the regular Railjets, additional Railjet Express connections are offered. However, there are still some gaps in the half-hourly schedule in the morning and at noon.

The new connection between Graz and Klagenfurt also plays an important role. Thanks to the approximately 33-kilometer-long Koralm Tunnel, the travel time between the two state capitals is now only about 41 minutes.

A further improvement on the route between Vienna and Graz is planned with the Semmering Base Tunnel. The 27.3-kilometer-long tunnel between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag is scheduled to go into operation at the end of 2029, according to the planning mentioned in the report.

Then, the train travel time between Vienna and Graz could be reduced to around one hour and 50 minutes. Compared to the previous travel time, this would mean a saving of about 50 minutes.

For travelers, the train could become even more attractive, especially when considering the journey to the airport, security checks, and waiting times associated with a flight.

Those who have previously flown from Graz via Vienna to international destinations will need to consider other connecting flights in the future. Munich, Frankfurt, and Zurich are expected to play an important role.

For trips between Graz and Vienna itself, the train remains an alternative. With the planned Semmering Base Tunnel, travel time is expected to decrease further by the end of 2029.

Based on the available information, it remains unclear what specific rebooking options Austrian Airlines will offer for flights already booked after October 23.

Affected passengers should therefore check their booking documents and contact the airline directly for possible alternatives.

(Red)

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