The new pier at Terminal 1 of Munich Airport opened on April 13 with a ceremony attended by around 1,000 guests from politics, business, and aviation.
The project is seen as a major step forward
for the airport, enhancing its role as a key European hub.
Designed to provide a premium travel
experience—especially for Arab travellers, one of the airport’s most important
passenger groups—the pier combines modern infrastructure, high-end dining,
exclusive lounges, and Bavarian hospitality.
Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport, emphasised
the significance of the new section of Terminal 1 for the airport’s continued
development: “The new pier represents the future of our airport: more capacity,
more comfort, and more international connections. As a modern gateway to the
world, it strengthens our role as a leading European aviation hub.”
Covering 95,000 square meters and
stretching 360 meters in length, the six-level facility can handle up to six
million additional passengers annually.
It features advanced check-in areas,
centralised security checkpoints with CT technology, spacious waiting zones,
and numerous retail and dining outlets.
Three levels are dedicated to passenger
operations, while additional amenities include quiet areas and prayer rooms.
The pier can accommodate up to twelve
short- and medium-haul aircraft or six wide-body jets at once, strengthening
Munich Airport’s capacity and global connectivity.
Sustainability and energy efficiency were
key considerations throughout its design and construction.
Two premium lounges enhance the passenger
experience.
The 1,200-square-meter Airport Lounge World
offers views of the tarmac and Alps, along with dining, workspaces, relaxation
areas, and a children’s play zone.
Emirates passengers can also access a
dedicated Emirates Lounge. Around 40 international airlines will operate from
the new pier.
The pier introduces a revamped dining
concept with five restaurants run by Allresto, offering a mix of regional and
international cuisine, including halal, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Highlights include Käfer for fine dining,
ODEON by Käfer for quick upscale meals, Cucina Popolare for Italian dishes,
Münchner Leibspeise for Bavarian and international cuisine, and dean&david
for healthy options.
A central marketplace forms the heart of
the pier, surrounded by about 20 retail and service outlets.
A key feature is Munich Airport’s first
walkthrough duty-free area, leading passengers directly from security into a
shopping space featuring global luxury brands and local offerings.
The pier also strengthens Munich’s
connections with the Arab world. In 2025, 1.6 million passengers travelled
between Munich and the Gulf region, representing 18% of long-haul traffic.
The 2026 summer schedule will expand routes
to 15 destinations across 10 countries.
Airlines such as Etihad Airways, Gulf Air,
Air Arabia, Royal Jordanian, and Royal Air Maroc are increasing services.
Arab travellers remain a vital market, with over 100,000 visitors in 2025, many staying for extended periods in Munich and nearby Alpine regions. -TradeArabia News Service