Munich Airport’s future-oriented Terminal 1 Pier to open in 2026 with focus on efficiency and comfort

August 18, 2025

Munich Airport’s future-focused new Terminal 1 Pier is on schedule to open in the first half of 2026. The expansion will not only create additional capacity, but also “a new level of quality and comfort for passengers”.

The expansion of Terminal 1 at Munich Airport is progressing smoothly according to plan. The new pier will create a state-of-the-art terminal for non-Schengen traffic, with the capacity to serve up to six million passengers per year.

“It is impressive to see how the Terminal 1 concourse is gradually taking shape,” said Jost Lammers, CEO, Munich Airport. “You can now easily imagine how passengers will arrive and depart here in less than a year’s time. We are not only creating additional capacity, but also a new level of quality and comfort for our passengers.”

At around 360m long and 95,000sqm in area, the terminal extension will allow for the handling of up to 12 smaller aircraft or six widebody aircraft simultaneously in the future. Passengers flying, for example, with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, or Qatar Airways can look forward to modern check-in areas with centralised security checks featuring the latest CT technology, spacious waiting areas, attractive commercial spaces, culinary offerings, and relaxation zones.

After a trial period in the coming months, the new terminal pier will officially open in the first half of 2026. Munich Airport is investing €665 million in this expansion project.

Hear more from Munich Airport at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Long Beach, California, on 9 to 11 September 2025. Thomas Hoff Andersson, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, Munich Airport, is participating in a session focused on ‘Airport leadership strategies to maximise capacity, operational efficiency, customer experiences, revenues, workforce and be ready for change?’ Meanwhile, Dr Lutz Weisser, Managing Director, Munich Airport International (MAI), is participating in a session focused on ‘The future of business & commercial strategies for airports – are we at the threshold of airports evolving to become digital companies that run experiential businesses, and what would the new business models and organisational structures be behind that?’