San Diego County Regional Airport Authority announces direct flight to Switzerland

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority said Tuesday that seasonal nonstop service will begin next year to Zurich, Switzerland.

Edelweiss, a Swiss leisure carrier owned by the German airline Lufthansa, will operate flights between the two cities on Mondays and Fridays with a 314-seat Airbus A340-300, beginning June 9, 2017.

"California is very popular among Swiss tourists,” said Bernd Bauer, CEO of Edelweiss.

"Swiss travelers like to stay longer and spend more money during their time on vacation than visitors from other countries,” Bauer said. "Our flights will bring approximately 15,000 visitors to San Diego per year, creating an economic impact of around $50 million per year.”

Airport Authority CEO Thella Bowens said that with the addition of the flight, San Diego will have direct service to six countries and add to the list of foreign airlines operating out of Lindbergh Field.

The Germany flight will be operated by Condor, and will operate seasonally three times a week beginning May 1 next year between San Diego and Frankfurt.