Munich Airport and Lufthansa strengthen partnership

Munich Airport and Lufthansa are strengthening their successful joint venture with a new agreement. Key elements include the start of planning for the expansion of terminal infrastructure and provisions for continuing and developing the partnership through 2056. A major aspect in this will be the expansion of the long-haul fleet in Munich. Through this agreement, both companies are creating strategic conditions for further air traffic growth at the location.

The agreement will strengthen Munich Airport’s economic performance, create additional high-quality jobs in the airport region, and contribute sustainably to value creation in Bavaria.

Bavarian State Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder: “Bavaria is a hub for aviation, and Munich Airport is our gateway to the world. Since 2003, the airport and Lufthansa have maintained a globally unique and successful partnership on a global scale. Together, we plan to further expand the satellite at Terminal 2 to ultimately accommodate up to an additional ten million passengers per year. In addition, Lufthansa will expand its long-haul network in Munich with additional long-haul aircraft and even greater quality and service. This is a landmark deal and a milestone for the aviation hub. As the Bavarian state government, we strongly support aviation: We will continue to expand our hubs, further develop our expertise and capacity, and advocate for a reduction in air traffic tax. As an export nation, we need the aviation industry. Only in this way will we succeed in international competition. Thank you for the excellent cooperation and all the best for the future!”

“The agreement strengthens not only the airport region but the entire Bavarian economic area. For passengers, it means even better connections between Bavaria and the world. We are pleased that we have succeeded in bringing Lufthansa on board for this joint growth strategy,” says Albert Füracker, Bavarian Minister of Finance and Home Affairs and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Munich Airport.

“The partnership with Lufthansa enables us to significantly strengthen and expand the international hub. It is a milestone in the development of the airport hub. For our guests, it means a significantly better offering and even greater comfort,” emphasizes Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport.

The joint agreement paves the way for the concrete planning phase of the construction project. The so-called “pier” is to be connected at a right angle to the existing satellite building on the east side which belongs to the Terminal 2 system. This would increase the airport’s annual capacity by ten million passengers. At the same time, the pier is intended to provide passengers with an even more comfortable travel experience. An opening is currently planned for 2035. The existing moratorium on the third runway is not affected by the expansion and remains fully in effect. The additional passengers can be handled by the existing two-runway system.

Munich Airport’s longstanding partnership with Lufthansa is the foundation of the location’s success. With the opening of Terminal 2 at Munich Airport in 2003, both companies launched a joint venture that remains unique in Europe to this day: Munich Airport and Lufthansa jointly bear the operational responsibility for the airport infrastructure they use in Terminal 2. This successful collaboration is paying off: Today, Munich is not only Bavaria’s gateway to the world; it is an established hub and, as a 5-star airport, ranks among the best airports in the world. Passengers appreciate the high quality of service, the modern ambiance, and the short, efficient travel times.

Munich Airport holds a 60 percent stake in the Terminal 2 operating company, while Lufthansa holds 40 percent. Currently, Terminal 2 and the satellite building, which opened in 2016, together have a capacity of 36 million passengers annually.