Munich Airport: Navigating The Efficient Terminals And Gates

Munich Airport, also known as Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, is one of the busiest airports in Europe. It is located 28.5km northeast of Munich, near Freising, and has two terminals and two runways. Terminal 1 is the older of the two and is used by airlines such as Air France, British Airways, Condor and Eurowings. Terminal 2, on the other hand, is newer, having opened in 2003, and is used mainly by Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners. Terminal 2 was even voted the best terminal in the world at the 2017 World Airport Awards. Overall, the airport has a capacity of 25 million passengers per year for each terminal and can handle 90 aircraft movements per hour.

Munich Airport has two terminals

Munich Airport has two passenger terminals and two runways. Terminal 1 is the older terminal and commenced operation when the airport opened in May 1992. Terminal 2, on the other hand, has been operational since 2003 and was planned and constructed in collaboration with Lufthansa. The two runways are parallel and both are 4,000 metres in length.

Terminal 1 has a total capacity of 25 million passengers per year and is subdivided into five modules: A, B, C, D and E. Modules A through D provide all facilities necessary to handle departures and arrivals, while module E is equipped to handle arrivals only. This design essentially makes each module a self-contained sub-terminal. Modules A and D are used for flights within the Schengen area, while modules B and C handle those to destinations outside it. Hall F, located near Terminal 2, handles flights with increased security requirements, such as those to Israel.

Terminal 2 has a design capacity of 25 million passengers per year and is exclusively used by Lufthansa and all other Star Alliance members serving Munich except Turkish Airlines. Luxair also uses Terminal 2. Having been designed as a hub terminal, it is not divided into modules like Terminal 1. Instead, all facilities are arranged around a central plaza.

In addition to the two passenger terminals, Munich Airport also has an additional midfield terminal.

Terminal 1 is the older terminal

The pier at Terminal 1 features 21 jet bridges, with one gate position equipped to accommodate the Airbus A380. There are also 60 aircraft stands on the apron, some with specially designed apron jet bridges that allow passengers to board while protected from the elements. Terminal 1 currently serves airlines that are not members or partners of the Star Alliance, including American Airlines, Condor, Delta Air Lines, and Emirates.

In November 2016, a major extension and refurbishment for Terminal 1 was announced, with a planned capacity increase of 6 million additional passengers. The new facilities will be able to handle 12 aircraft, including two Airbus A380s simultaneously, and were originally scheduled to open by 2022. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and cost increases, the new terminal annex is now expected to open in 2025.

Terminal 2 was voted the world's best terminal in 2017

Terminal 2 at Munich Airport was voted the best terminal in the world at the 2017 World Airport Awards, organised by the London Skytrax Institute. This is no surprise, as the terminal boasts a very modern design and offers a wide range of shops and restaurants.

Terminal 2 was completed in June 2003 and is used exclusively by Lufthansa and all other Star Alliance members serving Munich, except Turkish Airlines. Luxair also uses Terminal 2. The terminal was designed as a hub and is not divided into modules like Terminal 1. Instead, all facilities are arranged around a central plaza, making it convenient for passengers to check in, go through security, and transfer between flights. The terminal has a capacity of 25 million passengers per year and features a 980-metre-long pier equipped with 24 jet bridges. There are 75 aircraft stands on the east apron, and Terminal 2 sometimes uses parking positions on the west apron as well.

In addition to its modern design and convenient layout, Terminal 2 also offers a wide range of shopping and dining options. With around 150 shops, passengers can find international brands and traditional Munich favourites. There are also numerous practical shops, including a Deutsche Post branch, magazine shops, supermarkets, and electronics stores. When it comes to dining, passengers can choose from around 60 restaurants, cafes, and bistros offering a variety of cuisines and atmospheres.

The terminal has also received recognition for its innovation and commitment to sustainability. In 2024, Munich Airport received the "Airport Innovation Award" from the aviation magazine "International Airport Review" for its implementation of a project in the context of employee and crew control. Additionally, the airport has set goals to become climate-neutral by 2030.

Terminal 2 is used by Lufthansa and Star Alliance partners

Terminal 2 at Munich Airport is used exclusively by Lufthansa and Star Alliance partners. The terminal was inaugurated in June 2003 and has a design capacity of 25 million passengers per year. It is not divided into modules like Terminal 1 but instead has a central plaza that houses check-in, security screening, and luggage facilities. The terminal boasts a modern design and offers a wide range of shops and restaurants.

Lufthansa established a second hub at Munich Airport due to capacity limits at its home base in Frankfurt Airport. The airline offers several short- and long-haul connections through Munich in addition to Frankfurt. While Lufthansa serves more European destinations from Munich Airport, Frankfurt has many more intercontinental routes.

In 2017, Terminal 2 was voted the best terminal in the world at the World Airport Awards organised by the London Skytrax Institute. The terminal is operated by Terminal-2-Betriebsgesellschaft, which is owned by Flughafen München GmbH (60%) and Lufthansa (40%). This makes Terminal 2 the first terminal in Germany that is co-operated by an airline.

In April 2016, a new satellite building for Terminal 2 was inaugurated, adding 52 gates and 27 parking positions. The satellite terminal has separate access facilities for Schengen and non-Schengen passengers and features five new Lufthansa lounges, new restaurants, and shops. A fully automated people mover by Bombardier Transportation connects the satellite terminal to Terminal 2.

Lufthansa and Flughafen München GmbH have also signed a letter of intent to expand Terminal 2 Satellite further. The expansion will include a new terminal extending from the centre of the satellite building towards the east. Both parties have also agreed to work towards becoming carbon-neutral by 2030.

Terminal 1 is used by Air France, British Airways, Condor and Eurowings

Munich Airport, also known as Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, is located 30km outside of Munich, near the town of Freising. It is Germany's second busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, after Frankfurt Airport. The airport has two passenger terminals, with Terminal 1 being the older of the two. Terminal 1 is used by several airlines, including Air France, British Airways, Condor, and Eurowings.

Terminal 1 at Munich Airport is a bustling hub for travellers, offering a range of facilities and services. It is divided into five modules, A to E, with Modules A and D catering to flights within the Schengen area, while Modules B and C handle flights to non-Schengen destinations. The terminal has a capacity of 25 million passengers per year and features jet bridges, aircraft stands, and gates equipped to handle large aircraft like the Airbus A380.

Air France, a renowned international airline, operates from Terminal 1 at Munich Airport. As a French airline, Air France provides connections to various destinations in France and beyond. Passengers can expect a comfortable journey with this established carrier.

British Airways, one of the world's largest airlines, also utilises Terminal 1. With its base at London Heathrow, British Airways offers a comprehensive network of national and international routes, making it a convenient choice for travellers.

Condor, a German charter airline, is another prominent user of Terminal 1. Specialising in holiday destinations, Condor is a popular choice for travellers seeking sunny escapes. The airline has a strong presence in Terminal 1, providing a range of options for vacationers.

Eurowings, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, is also based out of Terminal 1. Eurowings offers both short and long-haul flights to a variety of destinations. As a low-cost carrier, Eurowings provides affordable travel options for passengers departing from Munich Airport.

Overall, Terminal 1 at Munich Airport serves as a gateway to the world for these airlines and their passengers, connecting Munich to a vast array of destinations and contributing to the airport's reputation as a major transportation hub.

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