Once completed, the new facility will significantly increase the airport’s capacity, accommodating as many passengers annually as the entire airport in Hannover.
New Terminal to Support Growing International Demand
The newly constructed extension will serve the growing needs of international air travel and add capacity for an additional six million passengers per year. It will feature gates for twelve smaller aircraft or six wide-body jets. Bavarian Finance Minister Albert Füracker emphasized the scale of the project, noting that its capacity is comparable to the total annual traffic of Hannover Airport. “Effectively, we are integrating the entirety of Hannover Airport into Munich,” he said.
Advanced Infrastructure Already in Place
According to Munich Airport’s management company FMG, all passenger boarding bridge components have been delivered, with most already installed. Inside the terminal, work is progressing rapidly. CT scanners for security checks are being installed under the supervision of the Upper Bavarian government, and many of the boarding gates, along with automated boarding systems and baggage claim facilities, are already operational. Over the coming weeks, construction crews will begin outfitting areas for dining, retail, and passenger lounges.
Dedicated Facilities for A380 and New International Routes
The new terminal wing, stretching 360 meters, will be tailored to support international routes. Starting June 26, Cathay Pacific will begin nonstop flights from Munich to Hong Kong. The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, will benefit from specially designed infrastructure, including three passenger bridges across two levels to streamline boarding and deplaning.
Pandemic Delays Lead to Adjusted Timeline and Budget
Initially slated for completion in 2023 or 2024, the project was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The final opening is now scheduled for the first half of 2026. Despite the setbacks, the project remains within its revised time and cost framework. The budget has grown from under €500 million to €665 million. Project manager Katrin Hennig confirmed that construction remains on track and within the updated financial plan.
Passenger Numbers Rebound as Airport Nears Pre-Pandemic Peak
Munich Airport served approximately 41.6 million passengers in 2024, closing in on its all-time high of 48 million set in 2019. As the second-busiest airport in Germany after Frankfurt, Munich continues to recover steadily and is preparing for further growth with the new terminal capacity soon coming online.
Latest Posts
