Munich Airport Strengthens Its Five-Star Offering With the Opening of Terminal 1 Pier

(NEWS) MUNICH, Germany, 2026-Jan-22 — /Travel PR News/ — Munich Airport is preparing to open its new Terminal 1 Pier on April 13, marking a significant expansion of its infrastructure and a capacity boost aimed primarily at non-Schengen traffic. Based on details outlined in official airport statement, the new pier is designed to strengthen operational efficiency while raising standards for passenger comfort, sustainability and long-term growth at one of Europe’s busiest hubs.

The Terminal 1 Pier adds capacity for up to six million passengers annually and represents one of Bavaria’s largest current infrastructure projects. Extending approximately 360 metres into the airport’s west apron, the building covers around 95,000 square metres and connects with the existing Terminal 1 arrivals area. According to information shared by Munich Airport, the €665 million development has been financed entirely from the airport’s own resources, underlining a strategic commitment to long-term site development despite the challenges posed by recent years.

Operationally, the pier has been designed to handle either up to twelve short- and medium-haul aircraft or six wide-body aircraft simultaneously. Passenger processing is spread across six levels, three of which are dedicated to passenger flows. Official updates highlight features such as centralised security screening equipped with modern CT technology, expanded waiting areas, new retail and dining spaces, and designated zones for rest and relaxation. Energy-efficient building systems have also been integrated, aligning the project with the airport’s broader sustainability goals.

The new pier will also introduce two dedicated premium lounges. One is Munich Airport’s own Airport Lounge World, a two-level space of around 1,200 square metres offering apron views and sightlines towards the Alps, alongside dining areas, workspaces, family facilities and quiet zones. A second lounge, operated by Emirates, will occupy approximately 900 square metres, providing additional premium capacity for long-haul travellers. From April 21, around 40 airlines operating non-Schengen services from Terminal 1 are expected to route passengers through the new pier.

Ahead of the opening, the airport has conducted an extended trial operation since October, running alongside final construction work. Based on official testing reports, more than 1,500 test passengers took part in realistic operational scenarios designed to evaluate processes, signage, digital systems and staff readiness. The trial phase also included large-scale emergency exercises and early testing of new EU non-Schengen procedures, including the Entry Exit System. Feedback from participants has been largely positive, particularly regarding spatial layout, wayfinding and the overall passenger experience, with further test runs planned prior to full operations.