Frankfurt Airport operator Fraport has confirmed that the long-awaited Terminal 3 will open on April 22, 2026, marking the completion of one of Europe’s largest airport infrastructure projects.
The new facility, located in the southern section of the airport, is designed to handle up to 19 million passengers annually and will serve as a key hub for future long-haul expansion.
The announcement was made by Stefan Schulte, CEO of Fraport, during a press visit to the site, bringing an end to years of speculation about the terminal’s completion timeline. The first check-in and departures are scheduled for April 23, 2026. Airlines currently based in Terminal 2 will move into the new complex in four phases leading up to the summer holidays, after which Terminal 2 will close for renovation.
Major Infrastructure Project Nears Completion
Terminal 3 has been under construction for roughly a decade and represents an investment of around €4 billion. Fraport confirmed that the project remains within its planned budget and schedule despite years of pandemic-related disruptions and global supply chain issues. The facility will initially include Piers G, H, and J, with potential expansion capacity for up to 25 million passengers in the future.
Fraport stated that the terminal will significantly enhance the passenger experience at Germany’s busiest airport by alleviating congestion and facilitating smoother transfers between terminals. The new Sky Line people mover, currently undergoing test operations, will link Terminal 3 to Terminals 1 and 2 in under eight minutes. The operator also emphasized the terminal’s sustainable design features, including energy-efficient systems and improved airfield access, which aim to reduce taxiing times for aircraft.
Before the grand opening, Fraport will conduct extensive trial operations to test all passenger processes. The company is seeking about 8,000 volunteers to simulate airport procedures, from check-in and security screening to boarding and baggage claim. Each trial participant will spend approximately five to six hours per session between January 27 and April 16, 2026, and will receive a daily allowance ranging between €69.50 and €83.40.
“We want to ensure that all systems, facilities, and procedures operate seamlessly from day one,” said Schulte. “By involving thousands of participants in trial runs, we can fine-tune operations and guarantee a smooth experience for travelers when the terminal officially opens.”
Design, Passenger Experience, and Operations
The newly built Terminal 3 will feature 12,000 square meters of retail and dining space distributed across 64 units, including bars, cafés, and restaurants. A central marketplace area will serve as the focal point of the passenger concourse, while panoramic windows will offer direct views of the airfield. Fraport said that design elements have been developed to provide travelers with an intuitive layout and a sense of calm despite the terminal’s large capacity.
According to the operator, Terminal 3’s layout will optimize both efficiency and comfort. Passenger flows will be managed through shorter walking distances, clear wayfinding, and modern security technologies. Digital systems will play a major role, with automated check-in kiosks, smart baggage handling, and self-boarding gates designed to streamline processing times. Fraport expects the new terminal to enhance Frankfurt Airport’s competitiveness in the global aviation market, particularly for long-haul traffic.
Industry observers view the new terminal as a strategic milestone for Frankfurt Airport, which handled over 59 million passengers in 2024. Once fully operational, Terminal 3 is expected to help the airport accommodate continued growth in transcontinental and inter-European routes while supporting its role as Lufthansa’s primary hub.
Fraport confirmed that regulatory inspections and safety certifications for the new terminal have been successfully completed, clearing the way for final interior installations and system integration. Testing of the new Sky Line connection, baggage handling infrastructure, and airfield operations is now underway.
“This new terminal represents the future of Frankfurt Airport,” Schulte said. “It combines state-of-the-art technology, sustainability, and passenger comfort in one of Europe’s most modern aviation facilities.”
Once the relocation of airlines is completed by mid-2026, Terminal 2 will undergo renovation to modernize passenger areas and systems. Fraport said the project demonstrates its long-term commitment to maintaining Frankfurt’s position as one of the world’s leading international gateways. With Terminal 3 set to open next spring, the operator aims to strengthen the airport’s capacity, efficiency, and overall travel experience for decades to come.
