New Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport to welcome its first flights today
It is a great time for celebration at Frankfurt Airport, as the brand-new Terminal 3 will start its operations from April 23, 2026. The massive infrastructure was inaugurated a day before, with 400 invited guests attending the official opening.
Senior figures from politics, business, and the aviation sector were present, including German Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, Hesse’s Minister-President Boris Rhein, Frankfurt Mayor Mike Josef, Fraport Supervisory Board Chairman Michael Boddenberg, and architect Christoph Mäckler.
Terminal 3 is Fraport AG’s largest infrastructure project to date. Built opposite the current Terminals 1 and 2, the project started back to 2015 and represented a total investment cost of €4 billion. It has an initial capacity of 19 million passengers with its main terminal and three piers ( concourses G, H, and J).
With a fourth pier completed to a later stage, Terminal 3 will be able to accommodate up to 25 million passengers. The new infrastructure was delivered on time and on budget.
Fraport CEO Stefan Schulte described the opening as a landmark moment for the company and the wider region. He said the new facility ranks among Europe’s most advanced terminals and positions the airport for long-term growth, while also highlighting the collaboration behind the project’s delivery.
Speaking at the event, Rhein emphasized the significance of the project as Europe’s largest privately financed infrastructure development, underlining Germany’s ability to deliver complex, large-scale builds and strengthen its aviation competitiveness.
The ceremony featured a light show and live performance in the terminal’s central marketplace, culminating in the announcement: “Terminal 3 is ready for check-in.”
Operations begin April 23
Terminal 3 officially enters service on April 23, initially accommodating 57 airlines relocating from Terminal 2. The transition will take place in four phases and is expected to be completed by June 9. Leisure carrier Condor, currently the airport’s second-largest airline, is also set to move operations to Terminal 3 in summer 2027.
Passengers and airline partners will benefit from a modern design, short walking distances, and advanced technology, including automated baggage drop-off and CT scanner-based security screening. The terminal also offers an extensive retail and dining concept, with 64 shops and restaurants. It is connected in 8 minutes time to the two other terminals by an automated shuttle.
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