The new pier at Terminal 1. Credit: Munich Airport Munich Airport will open the new Terminal 1 pier in April 2026. This will be one of the largest infrastructure investments in Bavaria in recent years. The new construction, measuring approximately 360 meters in length and covering an area of 95,000 square meters, is expected to increase the airport's capacity by about six million passengers per year, mainly on flights to destinations outside the Schengen area.
According to the airport's chief executive officer, Jost Lammers, this is a strategic investment in the airport's future: "With our new pier, we are making a targeted investment in the future viability of our airport. The pier not only strengthens our capacities, but also sets new standards in quality, efficiency, and passenger comfort- especially for non-Schengen traffic. The pier is a central element of our long-term infrastructure strategy."
The new pier at Terminal 1. Credit: Munich AirportThe €665 million investment was fully funded by the airport itself, despite the challenges of the post-COVID-19 era. Among other things, the pier includes advanced screening systems with CT technology, spacious waiting areas, shops, restaurants, relaxation areas and two luxurious lounges, one operated by the airport and the other by Emirates.
The new pier will be able to accommodate up to 12 narrow-body aircraft or six wide-body aircraft at a time. Three of the six floors of the building will be dedicated to passenger traffic, and the rest to operational operations.
A pilot phase has been underway since last October, with the participation of approximately 1,500 simulated passengers, to test the operation, passenger flow, and the integration of systems such as the Entry Exit System, the new European Union system for passengers outside the Schengen area.
On April 21, about 40 airlines are expected to transfer their operations to the new pier, all of which operate flights to destinations outside the European Union from Terminal 1.
Munich Airport, one of the largest in Europe, published its 2025 figures this month, with a record 43.4 million passengers per year. The increase occurred mainly on international flights, alongside a significant improvement in punctuality and safety indicators. Recent developments, including the opening of the new pier at Terminal 1, position the airport as a leading European aviation hub, both in terms of capacity and level of passenger service.