The summer holidays are about to begin in Hesse and other German states, and airport operator Fraport anticipates around nine million travelers and 60,000 flight movements between June 26 and August 9. While the summer flight schedule is in effect, passengers can fly from Frankfurt to 283 destinations in 92 countries*. On the first holiday weekend alone (June 26-28), around 616,000 passengers are expected to travel via FRA.

Information on border checks for non-EU travelers
Due to the overall increase in travel volumes, Fraport expects longer waits at the border checkpoints for departing and arriving passengers, especially those from non-EU countries. The reason for this is stricter data capture requirements as part of the European Union’s Entry Exit System (EES), a new EU-wide electronic border control system that electronically records the data of citizens from non-EU countries at the Schengen Area’s external borders.  

“We’re working with government agencies and airlines to implement a variety of measures for making processes more efficient and reducing waits,” explains a Fraport spokesperson. “They include deploying more personnel and flexibly guiding passenger flows to prevent bottlenecks in individual screening areas. However, significantly longer waits are expected during peak travel times. We therefore advise non-EU citizens in particular to take this into account when making their plans and be at the airport at least three hours before their flight’s departure.”

Passengers from EU countries, countries belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland and those with a German residence permit are also recommended to be at the airport three hours before departure if they are flying to a destination outside the Schengen Area. The automated EasyPASS system lets them quickly and conveniently scan their passports. More information on the border checks is available online here.

Fraport recommends that travelers who don’t need to clear a border check arrive at the terminal about two-and-a-half hours prior departure if they have to check in luggage. If they are only taking hand luggage, they should be at the airport two hours in advance.

Goodbye Terminal 2 – welcome Terminal 3
After the recent inauguration of Terminal 3, the airport operator halted passenger operations at Terminal 2 as planned. After more than 30 years of intensive use, it will now receive a comprehensive technical overhaul and be modernized. All of the airlines that were based in Terminal 2 moved to the new Terminal 3 in several waves before its closure. As a result, all flights at FRA are now taking off from Terminals 1 and 3. Passengers are advised to check the airline directory in advance to see where their airline is now operating.

The terminals are linked by the new Sky Line people mover, which has recently undergone comprehensive technical checks followed by test trips to ensure reliable operation. Passengers who need to transfer between Terminals 1 and 3 can get information on how to do so here. They can look forward to a pleasant stay in the new Terminal 3 thanks to comfortable seating, rest zones and play areas for children.

Security screening, check-in and baggage drop-off
Travelers can book a time slot for the security check ahead of time at no charge: the FRA SmartWay system gives passengers exclusive access to help them make their trips more plannable. All passengers departing from Terminal 3 and most of those leaving from Terminal 1 now also benefit from the CT technology that has been installed at the security checkpoints. These travelers are now allowed to take liquids in up to two-liter containers in their carry-on luggage – and don’t even have to take them out for inspection. Electronic devices can also remain in their bags. Passengers can get more information on taking liquids here.

Many airlines already offer online check-in starting 24 hours prior to departure. Those wishing to check luggage at the airport can use a self-service bag drop machine. Some carriers even let passengers check luggage as early as 23 hours before departure. Information on this is included in the airline directory. Lufthansa, Condor, Discover and SWISS Airlines passengers can take advantage of the Airportr luggage service, which picks their bags up from their homes.

Good to know
The airport’s operator also expects heavy demand for the terminal parking facilities during the summer holiday season, and therefore recommends that those planning to come by car to reserve a parking space well in advance – doing so will save them both time and money. The facilities can also be used by those who come to drop off or pick up friends and relatives. Another good option is to use public transportation. Information on getting to the airport by train is available here.

Before starting their trips, passengers should also familiarize themselves with their airline’s travel rules and those of the country they are heading to. The Travel Guide and the Frankfurt Airport Assistant can be consulted for answers to these and many other questions related to flying and the airport. Passengers can also find many more useful tips on the airport’s website at www.frankfurt-airport.com.

* As of March 2026

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