Munich Airport (MUC), officially known as Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport, serves as Bavaria’s primary international gateway and Germany’s second-busiest airport. Located 28.5 kilometers northeast of Munich’s city center, this award-winning facility combines exceptional efficiency with distinctly Bavarian hospitality, providing travelers with a uniquely pleasant airport experience that consistently ranks among Europe’s best.
History
The history of Munich’s current airport begins with the recognition that the city’s original airport, Munich-Riem, had reached its operational limits by the 1970s. Located close to the city in the eastern district of Riem, the original airport faced severe constraints including limited expansion possibilities, nearby residential development, and inadequate facilities for growing passenger numbers.
After extensive planning and site selection processes, authorities decided to build an entirely new airport in the Erdinger Moos area between the communities of Freising and Erding. Construction began in 1980, marking the beginning of what would become one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects.
After twelve years of construction, Munich Airport officially opened on May 17, 1992, with operations transferring overnight from the old Munich-Riem facility. The new airport was named after Franz Josef Strauss, the long-serving Minister-President of Bavaria who had been instrumental in the airport’s planning and who had died in 1988 before seeing the project completed.
The initial configuration included two terminals connected by a central area called the Munich Airport Center (MAC) and two parallel runways. Terminal 1 featured a linear design with modules labeled A-E, while Terminal 2 would come later as passenger numbers grew.
A significant milestone came in 2003 with the opening of Terminal 2, developed as a joint venture between the airport operator Flughafen München GmbH and Lufthansa, specifically designed as a hub facility for the German flag carrier and its Star Alliance partners. This innovative partnership model allowed for a terminal optimized for connecting traffic, strengthening Munich’s position as Lufthansa’s second hub after Frankfurt.
In 2016, the airport expanded Terminal 2 with a satellite building, increasing capacity by 11 million passengers annually and adding 27 new gates. This satellite terminal, connected to the main Terminal 2 by an underground automated people mover, represented the first midfield terminal in Germany and further solidified Munich’s status as a leading European hub.
Throughout its history, Munich Airport has garnered numerous accolades, including being repeatedly named “Best Airport in Europe” by Skytrax and achieving the coveted “5-Star Airport” rating—one of only a handful worldwide and the first in Europe to receive this distinction.
MUC Quick Facts
- Official Name: Munich Airport (Flughafen München Franz Josef Strauss)
- IATA Code: MUC
- ICAO Code: EDDM
- Location: Freising, Bavaria, Germany
- Elevation: 453 meters (1,487 feet) above sea level
- Size: Approximately 1,575 hectares (3,892 acres)
- Runways: Two parallel runways (08L/26R and 08R/26L), each 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) long
- Terminals: Two main terminals (T1 and T2) plus the Terminal 2 Satellite
- Operating Hours: 24/7 (though with night flight restrictions)
- Distance from Munich City Center: 28.5 kilometers (17.7 miles)
- Operator: Flughafen München GmbH
- Named After: Franz Josef Strauss, former Minister-President of Bavaria
- Special Feature: Airbräu, the world’s first airport brewery and beer garden
Key Statistics
Munich Airport has established itself as a major European aviation hub. Before the global pandemic, MUC was consistently handling over 47 million passengers annually, making it Germany’s second-busiest airport after Frankfurt and among the top 10 busiest airports in Europe.
In its record year of 2019, the airport processed 48 million passengers, including approximately 30 million international travelers. The airport manages approximately 1,100 aircraft movements daily during peak periods, connecting Munich to over 250 destinations across 75 countries worldwide.
The airport serves as a crucial economic engine for Bavaria, generating an estimated €13.5 billion in annual economic impact throughout the region and supporting approximately 38,000 jobs directly on the airport campus, with tens of thousands more in related industries throughout southern Germany.
Cargo operations are significant, with the airport handling approximately 350,000 metric tonnes of freight annually. While not primarily a cargo hub like Frankfurt, Munich plays an important role in the logistics network for Bavaria’s advanced manufacturing sector, particularly for high-value goods from companies like BMW, Audi, and Siemens.
Transit passengers make up roughly 40% of the airport’s traffic, highlighting Munich’s dual role as both a destination airport for Bavaria and a connecting hub for European and intercontinental travel. This connecting traffic is concentrated primarily in Terminal 2 and its satellite, which are operated in partnership with Lufthansa.
The airport campus houses over 550 businesses and organizations, collectively forming one of Bavaria’s largest business centers. These include not only aviation-related companies but also technology firms, logistics providers, retail businesses, and hospitality services.
Facilities
Munich Airport offers passengers comprehensive facilities spread across its terminal complex:
Terminal 1, the original terminal, spans 198,000 square meters and features a linear design with five modules (A-E). Following renovations, it primarily serves non-Lufthansa flights, including many international carriers and low-cost airlines. Each module has its own check-in, security screening, and baggage claim areas, creating efficient passenger flows. Recent modernization has updated the retail and dining offerings throughout this terminal.
Terminal 2, opened in 2003, spans 260,000 square meters and serves Lufthansa, its subsidiaries, and Star Alliance partners. Designed specifically as a hub facility, Terminal 2 features shorter walking distances and optimized transfer paths. The five-level structure includes arrival facilities on level 1, departure areas on levels 4 and 5, and two central marketplace areas with extensive shopping and dining.
Terminal 2 Satellite, opened in 2016, adds 125,000 square meters of space with 27 gates, connected to the main Terminal 2 building via an underground automated people mover. This midfield facility features high ceilings, abundant natural light, and additional premium lounges, significantly enhancing the airport’s capacity for Lufthansa and Star Alliance operations.
Munich Airport Center (MAC), situated between Terminals 1 and 2, serves as the central service facility with a striking transparent glass roof covering an expansive forum area. This space hosts regular events, markets, and exhibitions, including a popular annual Christmas market with an ice skating rink.
Shopping: Over 150 retail outlets operate across the terminals, offering everything from luxury brands to Bavarian specialties. Terminal 2 and its satellite feature a particularly impressive selection of high-end boutiques, while Terminal 1’s renovated areas emphasize both international and German brands.
Dining: More than 60 restaurants, cafes, and bars span the terminals, featuring both international cuisine and authentic Bavarian specialties. The airport’s crown jewel is Airbräu, the world’s first airport brewery, which produces its own beer on-site and operates a traditional Bavarian beer garden and restaurant in the MAC.
Lounges: Premium passengers can access numerous lounges, with Lufthansa operating its extensive lounge network in Terminal 2 and the satellite, including First Class, Senator, and Business lounges. Terminal 1 features airline-specific and independent lounges available to eligible passengers and pay-per-use customers.
Napcabs and Quiet Areas: Unique sleeping pods called “napcabs” offer private spaces for rest between flights, while designated quiet areas throughout the terminals provide comfortable seating for relaxation.
Visitor Terrace: A popular observation deck allows aviation enthusiasts to watch aircraft operations with excellent views of the apron and runways.
Special Services: Comprehensive medical facilities, children’s play areas, prayer rooms, and meeting facilities are available throughout the airport. A visitor park with historic aircraft displays, minigolf, and additional dining options offers entertainment for both travelers and local visitors.
Airlines and Destinations
Munich Airport serves as a major hub for several airlines:
Lufthansa maintains its second-largest hub after Frankfurt at MUC, operating hundreds of daily flights to destinations worldwide. Terminal 2 and its satellite were specifically designed in partnership with Lufthansa to optimize its hub operations.
Lufthansa Group carriers including Austrian Airlines, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings maintain significant operations at the airport.
Air Dolomiti, a regional airline owned by Lufthansa, uses Munich as its main base, connecting the city to numerous Italian destinations.
Other major carriers with substantial presence include:
- Star Alliance partners: United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, SAS, Air Canada
- Other international carriers: Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Air France, KLM
- Low-cost carriers: easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, Wizz Air
The airport’s extensive route network includes:
- Europe: Comprehensive coverage of virtually all major European cities
- North America: New York, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, Montreal
- Asia: Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, Delhi, Bangkok
- Middle East: Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv
- Africa: Cairo, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cape Town
- South America: São Paulo (operated by Lufthansa)
Ground Transportation
Munich Airport offers multiple options for reaching the city and surrounding areas:
S-Bahn (Suburban Railway): The S1 and S8 lines of Munich’s S-Bahn system connect the airport directly to the city center. Trains depart approximately every 10 minutes, with a journey time to the main station (Hauptbahnhof) of about 40-45 minutes. This represents the most economical public transportation option.
Lufthansa Express Bus: A premium coach service operated by Lufthansa connects the airport with Munich’s main train station every 15 minutes, offering a slightly faster alternative to the S-Bahn with onboard WiFi and comfortable seating.
Regional Buses: Several bus lines connect the airport to surrounding communities in Bavaria, providing important links to areas not directly served by rail connections.
Taxis and Ride-hailing: Licensed taxis operate from designated stands outside both terminals. Ride-hailing services like Uber and FREE NOW (formerly MyTaxi) are also available, though they operate under stricter regulations in Germany than in some other countries.
Car Rentals: All major international and German car rental companies maintain service counters in the central area between Terminals 1 and 2, with vehicles parked in nearby garages easily accessible from the terminals.
Long-distance Trains: While the airport itself does not have a long-distance railway station, the nearby Freising station provides connections to Germany’s intercity rail network.
Parking: The airport offers over 36,000 parking spaces across multiple parking structures, including long-term, short-term, and premium options with direct terminal access.
Future Development
Munich Airport continues to evolve with several major development projects:
Terminal 1 Modernization: A comprehensive renovation and expansion program for Terminal 1 is underway, which will add a new pier and modernize the existing modules to increase capacity and enhance passenger experience. This project will add 95,000 square meters of floor space and handle an additional 6 million passengers annually.
LabCampus: This innovative project is creating a 500,000 square meter innovation center on the airport grounds, focusing on mobility, digitalization, and security technologies. The campus aims to bring together companies, startups, research institutions, and universities to create a unique technology ecosystem.
Third Runway: Plans for a third runway have been developed to address capacity constraints, though the project has faced political opposition and is currently on hold following a decision by the Bavarian state government to pause the project until at least 2028.
Sustainable Aviation Initiatives: The airport has committed to achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2030, with initiatives including expanded solar energy production, transition to electric ground vehicles, and sustainable aviation fuel availability.
Digital Transformation: Implementation of biometric processing throughout the passenger journey, enhanced baggage handling systems with tracking capabilities, and improved digital services aim to create a more seamless travel experience.
Automated People Mover Extension: Plans include extending the underground transport system to better connect all facilities, potentially including a connection to Terminal 1 in future development phases.
Enhanced Rail Connectivity: Long-term plans call for improved regional and long-distance rail connections, potentially including a dedicated high-speed rail station to better integrate the airport with Germany’s intercity rail network and reduce short-haul flights.
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