With its camera-based handling status detection system, Munich Airport is systematically advancing the digitalization and strategic development of its operational processes. The system enables end-to-end, objective tracking of aircraft handling from on-block to off-block, thereby creating a robust data foundation for efficient, transparent, and forward-looking airport management. The solution has been in operational use at Terminal 2 since March 2026. It is being rolled out gradually at all parking positions on Aprons 1, 2, and 3.
Cameras installed at the parking positions use software and artificial intelligence to capture key handling processes such as refueling or baggage loading and assign precise timestamps to them. The real-time data collected improves coordination among the parties involved, supports more informed operational decisions, and contributes to increased punctuality, stability, and efficiency for flight operations within the European network and beyond.
The project is co-financed by the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). Flughafen München GmbH will receive approximately 4.6 million euros in EU funding for the project and related digitalization measures through 2027. The CEF is a key European funding instrument for promoting strategic transport and digitalization projects with high European added value. Its goal is to establish an efficient, sustainable, and interoperable trans-European transport network. The funding specifically supports measures to digitize and optimize operational processes in air transport, to use existing infrastructure more efficiently, and to improve capacity, punctuality, and environmental performance. The project thus contributes to the goals of the European Green Deal and the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Smart Mobility.
