OREANDA-NEWS. German low-cost carrier Eurowings announced today that it will begin service from Miami International Airport to Cologne - Germany's fourth-largest city - beginning May 1, 2016. The airline's first-ever Miami service will operate three weekly flights using 310-seat Airbus A330 aircraft, which feature 21 premium seats and 289 in economy. The route will mark MIA's third German carrier, after Lufthansa and airberlin; its fifth German destination, along with Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich; and its 20th European destination.

"We are extremely proud to welcome Eurowings to the MIA community, and we look forward to receiving hundreds of new visitors every week from the historic city of Cologne," said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio T. Gonzalez. "Germany is already our second-busiest European market, with more than 600,000 travelers annually, and Eurowings now adds a new airline and new route option to our growing network there."

Miami-Cologne flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, with inbound flights scheduled to arrive in Miami at 4:10 p.m. and scheduled departures to Cologne at 5:55 p.m.  

The new route directly connects Miami to one of Germany's oldest major cities via Cologne Bonn Airport, which also serves the former German capital of Bonn. Cologne's Roman past can still be seen today between the City Hall and the Cathedral, the Rhine River and Rudolfplatz. With more than one million residents, the lively city on the Rhine offers a wealth of cultural activities, international trade fairs and conferences, and numerous major events.

Attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city's 12 large Romanesque churches create an unforgettable impression on visitors. Modern-day Cologne is commonly known as Germany's capital for film, radio and television, and is also home to popular museums, galleries, bars, cafes, restaurants and shopping areas.