Highlights of the history of Munich Airport

Jost Lammers, CEO and Labor Director of Flughafen München GmbH

Airport with new "chief pilot"

January 1, 2020

The transfer of the management team at Flughafen München GmbH has been completed: At the start of January 2020, Jost Lammers takes over as CEO and director of labor relations at Flughafen München GmbH from Dr. Michael Kerkloh, who retired at the end of 2019.

Jost Lammers is also following in Michael Kerkloh's footsteps on the international stage: He succeeded him as President of the European airport association ACI Europe in summer 2019.

Katrin Hennig, responsible for the Terminal 1 extension

Terminal 1 extension: dismantling of the western apron

July 16, 2019

The preparatory construction work for the new gate at Terminal 1, which is scheduled to open in 2023, is in full swing. While excavators work on the apron floor slab, the demolition of the buildings on the construction site of the western apron is also taking place.

The demolition of the apron is scheduled to be completed by the fall. At the beginning of 2020, the excavation pit is to be dug, after which construction of the pier will begin. This is to be connected to the current modules A and B of Terminal 1 and extend 350 meters into the western apron of Munich Airport. A total of up to twelve aircraft can dock at the new pier with two of the positions equipped for Airbus A380 aircraft.

The LabCampus from a bird's-eye view © KCAP Architects&Planners

Starting signal for the innovation location "LabCampus"

March 8, 2018

Munich Airport is planning a unique project for the future: With the "LabCampus," a cross-company and cross-sector ideas center is being created on the airport campus where everything revolves around innovation. The visionary project will bring together companies and knowledge leaders, start-ups and global players, creative minds and investors - all at a vibrant international transportation hub that is networked with over 260 destinations worldwide and also offers ample space for targeted real estate development.

Munich Airport is not only the site of the new innovation platform but also acts as a curator. As campus manager, the airport operating company ensures that the right mix of industries and companies is represented, brings the right partners together, and develops the campus-wide infrastructure and utility facilities. FMG will set up a separate subsidiary to manage the project.

The expansion of this unique innovation location in the northwest of the airport will take place in several stages.

Munich Airport celebrated its 25th anniversary from May 17 to 21, 2017. © Alex Tino Friedel 

How the airport celebrated its 25th birthday with 50,000 guests

May 17, 2017

Munich Airport celebrated its 25th anniversary from May 17-21, 2017.

The anniversary celebrations to mark the airport's 25th anniversary were a resounding success, attracting more than 50,000 visitors. On Saturday and Sunday, more than 20,000 visitors came to the airport to admire aircraft up close on the open apron. Prior to this, around 5,000 party guests had celebrated the Music Days on Thursday and on Friday, and despite adverse weather conditions more than 7,000 party guests had enjoyed a glittering party.

Aircraft at Munich Airport's satellite terminal.

Thanks to satellite: The airport is getting bigger and more beautiful

April 26, 2016

With the new satellite terminal, one of the most modern airport buildings in the world opens at Munich Airport on April 26, 2016.

The new passenger building, which is connected to Terminal 2 by an autonomous subway, will increase the capacity of the terminal by another eleven million to faciliate a total of 36 million passengers.

Munich Airport is the first 5-star airport in Europe

First "5-Star-Airport" in Europe

May 22, 2015

The renowned London Skytrax Institute has awarded Munich Airport the "5-Star Airport" seal of quality, making it the first European airport to receive this award. In addition, Munich Airport once again asserted its position as Europe's best airport and third best airport in the world at the World Airport Awards 2015.

By awarding stars for the quality of service and stay and the efficiency of handling processes, Skytrax, following the example of the hotel categories, evaluates passenger comfort at international commercial airports. So far, only the Asian airports Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong and Tokyo-Haneda have been awarded the maximum rating of five stars. In order to join the exclusive circle of 5-star airports, Munich Airport launched a comprehensive quality drive in 2013. 

Skytrax's auditors spent several days examining the success of the various optimization measures before awarding Bavaria's gateway to the world the title of "5-Star Airport".

Hilton Worldwide takes over the five-star hotel at Munich Airport

Handing over the keys in the airport hotel

December 31, 2014

The operator changes, the five-star luxury remains: At the turn of the year 2014/15, Hilton will take over the hotel next to Terminal 2.

Flags FMG group

"Living ideas - Connecting lives": The strong airport brand

November 18, 2013

New brand identity: "Living ideas - Connecting lives" is the central promise and claim of the Munich Airport brand. The M is a strong symbol for Munich Airport and, through the colored element, the Connector now visibly carries the idea of connecting.

Foundation stone laid for the satellite on the eastern apron

Airport expansion: A satellite on the horizon

April 23, 2012

Exactly twelve years and nine days after the laying of the foundation stone for Terminal 2, the foundation stone for the new terminal satellite on the eastern apron was laid on 23.4.2012.

Go-ahead for InfoGates at Munich Airport

Virtual helpers show passengers the way

March 7, 2011

With the new InfoGate counters, guests at Munich Airport can find their way around faster. On the devices developed by Munich Airport, users are connected to information service staff at the touch of a button. InfoGates use video chats to provide information and explain how to get to the desired destination.

Ash cloud paralyzes air traffic over Europe

Ash cloud interrupts flight operations at the airport

April 16, 2010

Following the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull, the airspace above Munich Airport was also closed on April 16, 2010.

Thousands of passengers spent this night and subsequent nights in the airport terminals. FMG provided camp beds, blankets, and food and beverage for passengers before unrestricted flight operations resumed on April 21.

Munich Airport's FMG operating company celebrates its 60th anniversary.

60 years of doing business

November 12, 2009

On October 12, 2009, the company that operates Munich Airport celebrated its 60th birthday. When Flughafen München-Riem Gesellschaft mbH was founded in 1939, FMG employed 134 people. 60 years later, approximately 30,000 employees work at the airport site at 550 companies.

New highs in passenger volume and aircraft movements

More passengers and aircraft than ever

December 31, 2008

For the sixth year in a row, Munich Airport recorded new highs in 2008 in passenger volume and the number of takeoffs and landings.

A total of 34.5 million passengers used the airport in the record year.

The Airbus A380 lands on Bavarian ground for the first time

Here it is: A380 in Bavaria for the first time

March 28, 2007

Before the eyes of more than 10,000 aviation fans, the world's most modern and largest commercial aircraft will land at Munich Airport on March 28, 2007.

At 12:35 p.m., the giant bird lands on Munich Airport's southern runway and docks at the southernmost parking position in Terminal 2.

27,400 employees at Munich Airport

Like a medium-sized city: just under 30,000 employees

June 30, 2006

On June 30, 2006, 27,400 people were employed by 554 companies and government agencies operating at the airport, over 4,000 more than at the end of 2003 when the last survey of this kind was conducted. The largest employer at the airport is the FMG Group, which also offers apprenticeships to 234 young people.

Munich Airport receives its first Skytrax award for "Best Airport in Europe" in 2005

Munich Airport "Best Airport in Europe"

April 11, 2005

More than five million passengers from 90 nations voted and voted Munich Airport the best airport in Europe. The coveted award of the independent Aviation research institute Skytrax has repeatedly gone to Munich Airport.

Munich Airport becomes the first airport in Europe to be approved for the Airbus A 380

First in Europe: Suitable for the A380

May 17, 2004

Length and width of runways, width of taxiways and load-bearing capacity of concrete surfaces: Criteria like these are crucial for the A380 to land at an airport. Munich meets the requirements and is the first airport in Europe to receive approval for the giant Airbus aircraft.


Ceremonial opening of Terminal 2 on March 27, 2003

Terminal 2 - Ready for Take Off

June 27, 2003

Nearly 900 aircraft movements and 600 flights will be handled through the new terminal building on the opening day, March 27, 2003. The premiere flight will be operated by Thomas Cook Airlines to Rhodes with an Airbus A 320. On the first day of operations, a total of 50,000 passengers will learn about the modern handling facilities and the attractive range of shops and restaurants in the new terminals that FMG and Lufthansa operate as a joint venture.

Antonov 225 takes off from Munich Airport for the first time

A giant in Munich

January 5, 2002

The Antonov AN 225, the largest aircraft in the world, will take off from Munich on January 5, 2002 for the first time. The aircraft was chartered by DHL Worldwide Express on behalf of the U.S. government to supply the U.S. forces in Afghanistan with material.

Restored Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation in the Visitors Park

Lockheed L-1049 A classic returns

May 16, 2001

With the Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation in the original livery of Lufthansa's first flight in 1955, Munich Airport is presenting a piece of German aviation history on May 16, 2001. The elaborately restored aircraft has been on display in the Visitors Park ever since.

Visitors' Park at Munich Airport in 2000

A pleasure for visitors - The new Visitors' Park

July 14, 2000

On July 14, 2000 the new Visitors' Park at Munich Airport opens. The new Dimension M information center and, for the first time, an excursion restaurant were built at a cost of around DM10 million.

Impression of the Munich Airport Center Forum

A business center in the middle of the airport

September 14, 1999

The new Munich Airport Center (MAC) offers more than 31,000 m² of space for offices, shops, restaurants and a conference center. In keeping with the international flair of the business and service center, some 550 artists from four continents will stage the opening ceremony on September 14, 1999 as a musical world tour.

The German Bundestag

The airport manages the move of the Bundestag

April 27, 1998

Out of 42 applicants, FMG came out on top when it was awarded the contract for the planning and management of a mammoth project outside of aviation on April 27, 1998: The airport manages the relocation of the German parliament and thus of 5,000 jobs from Bonn to Berlin.

Munich Airport website in 1997

Accessible worldwide: The airport goes online

December 1, 1997

The airport goes on the World Wide Web. Starting on December 1, 1997, information about Munich Airport can be accessed via the Internet from anywhere in the world. 

Right from the start, the site at www.munich-airport.com has been available in German and English.

50 millionth passenger at Munich Airport © Peter Bauersachs

50 million passengers in just under four years

January 24, 1996

Like a guest of state, a passenger landing from Chicago is received by Minister of State Erwin Huber and CEO Willi Hermsen on January 24, 1996. The reason: The woman is the 50 millionth passenger at Munich Airport - and that's only about three and a half years after it opened.

Record day for passengers and aircraft movements

It grows and grows: Record attendance in September

September 29, 1995

More than 65,000 passengers and 780 take-offs and landings on a single day: This makes September 29, 1995 the record day at Munich Airport up to that point. This September is also a record one in other respects: For the first time in a single month, more than 1.5 million passengers have been counted. With around 19,800 takeoffs and landings, aircraft movements also reach an all-time high.

The Kempinski Airport Hotel

Luxurious accommodation - directly at the airport

April 1, 1994

Two years after the airport's relocation, the Kempinski Hotel Airport München, a five-star hotel, is available to passengers beginning April 1, 1994. The luxury hotel offers nearly 400 rooms and suites, conference rooms, restaurants, bars, and a sports and fitness center.

European Cup final in 1993 © Werner Hennies

First test: 12,000 fans at once

May 16, 1993

For the European Cup final between AC Milan and Olympique Marseille, 12,000 football fans with more than 60 charter flights will come to Munich on 26 May. That means: 112 more takeoffs and landings and 224 aircraft movements at Munich Airport than usual. More than 200 buses will take arriving fans directly from the aircraft to Munich city center or the Olympic Stadium. 

In its first year of operation, the airport handled more than 12.4 million passengers.

Munich Airport moves to its new location in just one night. © Gregor Feindt

Flying change - a move becomes a model

May 17, 1992

In only 16 hours Munich Airport moves from Riem to Erdinger Moos from May 16 to May, 1992. This was the largest move of its kind in European aviation to date.

Thanks to two years of meticulous preparation and around 5,000 people and 700 trucks, the move and the immediate start of operations at the new Franz Josef Strauss Airport went smoothly.

That's why airports from different parts of the world still ask Munich Airport for advice on relocations or start-ups.