TERMINAL 3 - BUILDING THE FUTURE
Building the Future
The expansion project is to be essebtial for ensuring the future of Frankfut Airport. The project’s modular structure makes it possible to flexibly schedule the construction and inauguration of the terminal’s individual parts depending on how the actual need for extra capacity develops. By the time it’s completely finished, it will be able to handle up to 25 million passengers a year. It will then be possible to start operating with three piers with total capacity for up to 19 million passengers a year.
A combination of aesthetics and sustainability
The attractive new terminal’s architecture is ultramodern. Numerous large pane-glass windows flood the generously dimensioned halls and areas with daylight, making it possible to minimize the use of artificial light sources. Pipes and cables are integrated in the architecture without disrupting the large open spaces or diminishing their esthetics. The new terminal also sets standards on the sustainability front, requiring only minimal heating thanks to energy-efficient construction methods and state-of-the-art technologies.
The futuristic marketplace at the heart of Terminal 3, covering about 6,000 square meters, is eye-catching with a wide variety of retail outlets, restaurants, and cafés where passengers can shop or enjoyably pass the time. A lounge zone with a spectacular view of the apron also provides space for passengers to relax and unwind in while enjoying direct access to marketplace’s many shops and restaurants. Terminal 3 also boasts numerous entertainment opportunities and services. Children, for example, can romp and let off steam in any of several play areas while waiting for boarding to start. Business travelers can also take advantage of the time to get things done without distractions in Work & Connect areas before heading to the boarding gate.
The new terminal is optimally connected and can be quickly and conveniently reached by travelers. Fraport is building a new people mover line similar to the existing Sky Line to connect Terminal 3 with the other two terminals. The journey from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3, with a short stop at Terminal 2, takes just eight minutes. Terminal 3 will also be easily accessible by taxi, bus, and car. Passengers who drive their cars to Frankfurt Airport can take advantage of a parking facility with 8,500 spaces right next to the terminal. It also includes several hundred spaces for bicycles.
Fraport is ensuring the long-term future of Frankfurt Airport with this strategic expansion project. Terminal 3 sets new standards, as the following figures show:
- After Terminal 3 begins operating in 2026, up to 19 million passengers a year will be able to depart from and arrive there.
- Schengen and non-Schengen passengers will be able to use three new piers with a combined length of 1,400 meters.
- Terminal 3 will offer at least 33 aircraft parking positions alongside its piers.
- The new terminal will have a footprint of about 176,000 square meters, the size of about 25 soccer fields combined.
- Including all upper and lower levels, the main building and three piers will have total floorspace of around 403,000 square meters.
- 112 check-in counters and luggage drop-off points.
- A new luggage system will include up to 15 carousels at the baggage claim.
- The trip on the new Sky Line will take eight minutes between Terminals 1 and 3 with a stop at Terminal 2.
The Terminal 3 construction project: frequently asked questions
Fraport AG is building the new Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport in one of Europe’s largest privately financed infrastructure projects.
We’re building a gateway to the world – why not become part of this project?
The construction of Terminal 3 will create a new flagship of excellence for Frankfurt Airport and the region, and we are looking for experts to build it.
As a company, we are investing on a large scale in the construction of Terminal 3, which is an important piece of infrastructure for maintaining the international competitiveness of Frankfurt Airport – a major engine powering the local and regional economy. In doing so, we are drawing on the extensive experience we have gained with other infrastructure projects in Germany and other countries. We also benefit from the fact that we are a reliable partner to the companies we contract. After all, we are also entrepreneurs. Terminal 3 is set to become a new flagship of excellence for Frankfurt Airport and the entire region, and we are looking for experts to work together with our own specialists to build Terminal 3. Our intention is to bolster the (regional) economy as broadly as possible, and we have therefore decided to avoid entrusting all the building services to a single general contractor.
We’re looking for professional planners and builders for our new terminal!
To apply, please complete the attached PDF form (in German) and send it to
Please note that this can’t be done right in your browser, such as Chrome or Firefox. You’ll need to download the form and open it with Adobe Reader or another PDF tool.
MEDIA SECTION
Terminal 3 Opens on April 22
Fraport will celebrate the opening of the new Terminal 3 – one of Europe’s most advanced terminals – on April 22, 2026.
With all official inspections successfully completed, work is now focused on finalizing the terminal’s equipment and conducting comprehensive trials with around 8,000 test passengers. Designed to accommodate up to 19 million passengers annually, Terminal 3 is entering its next phase as a flagship project for the future.
Fraport AG press office
The shopping experience in Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport defines “The Art of Retail in the Heart of Europe”. An unmistakable signature inspires shopping enthusiasts and travelers looking for something special:
