Munich Airport

Munich Airport is the international airport serving Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Located northeast of the city near the towns of Freising and Erding, it is a major hub for Lufthansa and its partner airlines. Opened in 1992 to replace the congested Munich-Riem Airport, it is Germany's second-busiest airport and a significant European aviation gateway.

History

Planning for a new airport began in the 1960s due to capacity constraints at Munich-Riem Airport. After a lengthy site selection process, construction commenced in the Erding and Freiburg districts. The airport officially opened on 17 May 1992, with operations transferring from the old site in a single, complex overnight move. Major expansions followed, including a second runway in 2003 and the Munich Airport Centre terminal complex, cementing its role as a primary hub for Star Alliance.

Facilities and terminals

The airport features two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, connected by the Munich Airport Centre which houses shops, restaurants, and a Hilton hotel. Terminal 2, operated jointly by Lufthansa and Flughafen München GmbH, is exclusively used by Star Alliance and partner airlines. Facilities include extensive shopping areas branded as MAC, conference centers, and viewing terraces. The airport is also noted for its Bavarian-themed design elements and its on-site Visitor Park.

Airlines and destinations

As a global hub, the airport hosts numerous international carriers. Primary operator Lufthansa offers extensive European and intercontinental routes to cities like New York, Tokyo, and Dubai. Other major airlines include Condor, Eurowings, and Turkish Airlines. It is a focus city for Air Dolomiti and serves as a key European destination for carriers such as Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways.

Ground transportation

The airport is well-integrated into regional and long-distance networks. The S-Bahn lines S1 and S8 provide direct rail links to Munich Central Station and Marienplatz. Long-distance train services are available via the Munich Airport Terminal station. Major motorway connections include the A92 autobahn and A9. Numerous bus services, including Lufthansa Airport Bus and regional MVV routes, connect to surrounding areas like Freising and Landshut.

Statistics

In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport handled over 47 million passengers, making it the second-busiest in Germany after Frankfurt Airport and the seventh-busiest in Europe. It serves more than 250 destinations worldwide, with the busiest European routes including Berlin, Frankfurt, and London. Lufthansa accounts for the largest share of traffic, followed by its partners within the Star Alliance network.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has maintained a strong safety record since its opening. A notable incident occurred in 2018 when a Lufthansa Airbus A321 experienced a landing gear malfunction, resulting in a safe emergency landing. The former Munich-Riem Airport was the site of the 1960 Munich-Riem airport disaster, a significant factor in the decision to build the new facility. Security and operations are coordinated with German Federal Police and Eurocontrol.