It's expected to boost the local economy.
Flights from Cologne in Germany to Ireland West Airport Knock start later today, with the potential of bringing up to 10,000 German tourists directly to the west of Ireland.
Operated by Ryanair, the flight will run every Tuesday and Saturday until the end of September.
The first flight from Germany's fourth largest city arrives at approximately 2.15 pm, and will be greeted by a reception at the County Mayo airport.
Ireland West Airport is expecting its busiest year on record, with 800,000 passengers passing through.
Donal Healy, the head of marketing at Ireland West Airport, says the new flights will be a boost to the local economy;
"Germany is the third biggest source-market of visitors to Ireland.
They estimate that on average German visitor spends between €500-600."
