YEAR AFTER YEAR, GERMANY’S Munich Airport ranks among Europe’s best airports, praised for efficiency, retail and dining options, convenient location and a range of distinctive services and experiences.
Travelers passing through Munich Airport can enjoy private rest pods like Napcabs, dine in an alpine-themed Sportalm restaurant fashioned from a ski gondola, sample beer at the airport’s own brewery and beer garden, or even try the world’s largest manmade surf wave. The Observation Deck offers close-up views of takeoffs and landings, while the Visitors Park features airport tours and interactive exhibits for families and aviation enthusiasts.
As the second-busiest airport in Germany, Munich has experienced steady growth since 2010 and has accelerated in recent years. The airport handled about 42 million passengers last year and is on track to reach a record-breaking 44 million this year.
Expansion and modernization have been priorities. In November the airport announced a major extension and refurbishment of Terminal 1, scheduled to open by 2022 and increase capacity by roughly 6 million passengers. A satellite terminal opened adjacent to Terminal 2 last year, adding capacity for around 11 million passengers, 52 gates and 27 parking positions, including 11 stands capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380. The satellite houses new restaurants, shops and five Lufthansa lounges, enhancing comfort and connectivity for long-haul travelers.
Looking ahead, Munich Airport is pursuing a customer-focused plan called Strategy 2020 to simplify and enhance the travel experience through new services, products and streamlined processes. One planned feature will let arriving passengers compare real-time transport options between the airport and hotels. The service will also integrate live wait-time information for security and other checkpoints to help travelers plan their onward journeys more smoothly.
On the operational side, the airport currently operates two parallel runways. A proposed third runway would increase hourly aircraft movements from 90 to 120, but the project faces public debate and requires approval from the airport’s three shareholders: the State of Bavaria, the Federal Republic of Germany and the City of Munich.
Munich Airport connects to 248 destinations worldwide and serves as a major hub for Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners. It is also a long-haul base for Condor Airlines. Condor recently announced a significant U.S. expansion, adding new non-stop flights to Munich from Seattle (SEA) and Las Vegas (LAS) as part of a broader effort to grow its transatlantic network.
In March, Skytrax reaffirmed Munich Airport’s 5-Star Quality Rating, making it the only airport in Europe to hold this top-tier designation. The accolade reflects the airport’s focus on smooth passenger flows, clear signage, ample seating and comfort, diverse food and beverage choices, and efficient security and immigration processes.
Celebrating more than two decades of operation, Munich Airport has grown steadily since opening and continues to invest in facilities and services that support future growth, passenger comfort and operational excellence.