Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe's most important hubs, is facing profound changes. While the planned redesign of Terminal 1 (T1) has been halted for the time being, airport operator Fraport has announced a comprehensive renovation of Terminal 2 (T2). The measures are intended to modernize the airport in the long term, but will initially lead to a transition phase in which the newly built Terminal 3 will assume a central role.
Fraport originally planned to fundamentally restructure the security checkpoints in Terminal 1. The checkpoints were to be relocated from their current locations to the landside areas to enable more efficient processes. However, this plan would have had far-reaching consequences for ongoing operations.
"We would have a permanent construction site in Terminal 1 for at least the next five years," explained Fraport CEO Stefan Schulte during the presentation of the Group's 2024 financial statements. Such a construction project would have meant massive restrictions for travelers and airlines, as T1 is the most important terminal at Frankfurt Airport, with a capacity of 40 million passengers annually.
In addition to the logistical effort, economic considerations also played a role. The costs of the planned restructuring would have been substantial. Instead, Fraport opted for a technical modernization of the existing security areas: "We will upgrade the existing airlocks with modern CT scanners," Schulte said.
These scanners allow passengers to leave liquids and electronic devices in their hand luggage, speeding up security checks. Similar systems are already in successful operation at several international airports.
Terminal 2 will be temporarily closed
While the renovation project in Terminal 1 has been halted, Fraport is still pursuing long-term modernization plans. Terminal 2, currently used by various international airlines, is scheduled to be closed for a comprehensive renovation starting in the second half of 2026.
Fraport CFO Matthias Zieschang explained that this measure is part of a long-term strategy: "We are entering a long-term planning phase for the 'T2 total overhaul'." Fraport has so far left open how long the renovation will last.
Terminal 3 as a temporary solution
The closure of Terminal 2 will be offset by the commissioning of Terminal 3, which is currently being built in the south of the airport site. The new terminal is scheduled to open in 2026 and will partially take over passenger traffic previously handled through Terminal 2.
With a capacity of approximately 25 million passengers annually, Terminal 3 offers sufficient space to serve as an alternative during the renovation of Terminal 2. The new building will be used primarily for long-haul flights and will significantly improve comfort for travelers.
Integration of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 in the 2030s
Fraport's long-term goal is to make the airport's terminal structure more efficient. The integration of Terminal 2030 and Terminal 1 is planned for the 2s, which will primarily benefit Lufthansa and its affiliated Star Alliance airlines.
Since Lufthansa uses Terminal 1 as its main hub, a closer connection with Terminal 2 could simplify operations and shorten routes between gates. However, the exact implementation of this integration has not yet been determined.
Future prospects for Frankfurt Airport
With the modernization of Terminal 2, the construction of a new Terminal 3, and the planned merger of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, Frankfurt Airport is positioning itself for the coming decades. Even if the plans lead to short-term restrictions, the airport is expected to benefit from improved infrastructure in the long term.
The decision to temporarily put the renovation of Terminal 1 on hold also demonstrates Fraport's flexibility in responding to economic and operational challenges. Instead of years of construction work, the operator is focusing on targeted modernizations to avoid unnecessary disruption to passenger operations.
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