January 22, 2026
With the grand opening of the new Terminal 1 Pier on April 13, Munich Airport is setting another milestone in the further development of its infrastructure.
“With our new pier, we are making a targeted investment in the future viability of our airport. The pier not only strengthens our capacities, but also sets new standards in quality, efficiency, and passenger comfort- especially for non-Schengen traffic. The pier is a central element of our long-term infrastructure strategy,” says Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport.
The new Terminal 1 Pier at Munich Airport stands for a premium expansion of our five-star airport and for Bavaria as an attractive, future-oriented business region. Financed entirely from our own resources, the upcoming opening crowns the completion of a huge location project. With state-of-the-art technology and generous spaces, the new pier offers mobility, comfort, and sustainability at the highest level," states Albert Füracker, Bavarian Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Munich Airport.
Terminal 1 Pier provides additional capacity for up to six million passengers per year. The new building is currently one of Bavaria's largest infrastructure projects. It extends over a length of around 360 meters into the west apron and covers a total area of around 95,000 square meters, including an area in the current Arrivals Module B of Terminal 1. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the airport is financing the €665 million investment from its own resources, which sends a clear signal about its commitment to further developing the site. The new pier can handle up to twelve short- and medium-haul aircraft or, alternatively, six wide-body aircraft at the same time. Advanced handling areas are available on a total of six levels, three of which are dedicated to passenger processes. These include centralized security checks with state-of-the-art CT technology, comfortable waiting areas, attractive commercial spaces for retail and dining, and specially designed relaxation and recreation zones. The use of energy-efficient facility and system technology underscores the airport's high standards of sustainability and future viability.
The new T1 Pier will also feature two exclusive lounges. One of these is the new Airport Lounge World, which offers spectacular views of the apron and even the Alpine mountains thanks to its location in the southwest of the building. The approximately 1,200-square-meter lounge is operated by Munich Airport. It extends over two floors and provides a wide range of culinary options, a gallery level with a bar, a children's play area, workspaces, and resting areas. The second lounge is operated by Emirates, where guests can shorten their waiting time until departure in an area of approximately 900 square meters.
From April 21, passengers from around 40 airlines serving non-Schengen destinations from Terminal 1 will travel via the pier.
EXTENSIVE TRIAL OPERATION AS THE BASIS FOR A SMOOTH STAR
Since October, an extensive trial operation phase has been running along with the final construction work and preparations for full operation. This trial operation phase has provided important insights for the start of operations.
The trial operation took place under realistic conditions and involved over 1,500 test passengers over the course of several months, beginning in October. Future processes were thoroughly tested, and the operational organization was prepared for regular operations. The interim conclusion is overall positive: the infrastructure and processes ensure stable, high-quality passenger handling, while specific areas for optimization were also identified.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM TEST PASSENGERS
Employees from the airport group, airlines, and service providers who will be working at the pier in the future were involved in the trial operation at an early stage. In addition, two large-scale emergency drills were conducted to test procedures, communication, and responsiveness under challenging conditions. Feedback from test passengers has also been very positive, particularly with regard to the spacious design, clear signage, and modern, digital processes.
Further test runs are planned before the opening, particularly to prepare for the arrival process. The Entry Exit System for non-Schengen passengers, which the EU introduced at the end of last year, also plays a key role in testing procedures under realistic conditions at an early stage.
