Munich Airport's Terminal 1 Expansion: A Glance at the Future
The concluding phase of Munich airport's expansion project
Munich, Germany is about to witness a significant transformation as Terminal 1 at the city's airport undergoes a major expansion. Started in 2020, the project is expected to be operational by next year, following successful real-time tests with 1,000 simulated passengers in October. Here's a sneak peek at the exciting changes coming your way.
Erding - With a dazzling array of LED lights reflecting off the pristine granite natural stone, there's no mistaking that a new gate is taking shape at Terminal 1. Despite a temporary slowdown during the pandemic, construction is picking up pace, with an anticipated grand opening scheduled for next year, as announced by airport CEO Jost Lammers during a site visit.
Say Hello to the New Terminal 1 Addition
The addition, which is perpendicular to the existing Terminal 1, will cater to 6 million passengers annually, as much as the entire airport of Hannover does. Finance Minister and Supervisory Board Chairman Albert Füracker (CSU) took note of this, adding a touch of humor. On 95,000 square meters and 360 meters in length, the terminal aims to evoke a "Bavarian feeling" for passengers, subtly, without the need for signboards. Expect to find Bavarian shops, folklore, and cuisine, with the renowned Kafer name attached.
For the airport, this expansion offers a "growth perspective" without the discussion of a third runway, as Lammers noted. Airlines like Etihad, Delta Airlines, or Emirates will primarily dock at the new expansion, particularly for intercontinental flights to Asia or the US, where there's strong growth. The new gate, designed to accommodate 12 smaller aircraft of the A320 type or six giant aircraft like an A380, is "just in time".
High-Quality Experience Awaits at the New Terminal 1
Project leader Katrin Hennig guided us through the expansion. From the old Terminal 1 at module B's height, there will be a connection to the new gate. Escalators will lead passengers up to ten control lanes. New CT scanners from the "Smith Detection" brand, already installed, will screen everything. After passport control, a "marketplace" awaits, offering plenty of shopping and refreshment opportunities. The goal is a "high dwell quality," explained Hennig—the focus is to keep passengers spending money.
While the final touches are being added, cables still dangle from the ceiling above Hennig as she explains the next steps. Amid ongoing drilling, screwing, and sawing, the airport has already begun initial tests. The program, named "Operation Readyness Airport Transfer" (ORAT), aims to ensure seamless and swift passenger handling. A significant test is scheduled for October, where 500 to 1000 test passengers will be invited to check the functionality of CT scanners and passenger paths. Stay tuned for more details on how to apply to be a test passenger.
Lastly, don't forget to check out our latest updates on the Erding Newsletter for more exciting stories from the region.
Enrichment Insights
- Exact Costs and Timeline: The Terminal 1 expansion project started in 2020 with an initial budget of €400 million. However, due to unforeseen expenses, the project now costs €665 million. The expansion is scheduled to open in the first half of 2026, following a trial period beforehand[4][5].
- Transportation Disruptions: During the construction phase, there will be temporary disruptions in S-Bahn traffic to/from the airport due to the commissioning of a new electronic interlocking system at Ostbahnhof. From June 6 to June 13, 2025, S8 trains will operate between Johanneskirchen and the airport, with replacement buses serving between Johanneskirchen and Ostbahnhof. Passengers are advised to use the S1 for travel to the airport[1][2][5].
- Future Plans: Munich Airport's plans for the future may include additional expansions, such as a future expansion of the satellite building and a possible third terminal[3][4].
The expansion of Munich Airport's Terminal 1, which will cater to 6 million passengers annually, aims to provide a Bavarian-inspired lifestyle experience for passengers with its array of shops, folklore, and cuisine. With the new gate designed to accommodate both smaller and larger aircraft, this addition will primarily serve intercontinental flights to Asia and the US, offering a growth perspective for the airport.
