My Frankfurt - Frankfurt Air port

First airport

On 16 November 1909, the?world's first airline?was founded in Frankfurt am Main: The?Deutsche Luftschiffahrts-Aktiengesellschaft?(DELAG). DELAG then built the first airport in Frankfurt, called?Airship Base at Rebstock, which was located in?Bockenheim?in the western part of the city and was primarily used for?airships?in the beginning. It opened in 1912 and was extended after?World War I, but in 1924, an expert's report already questioned the possibility of further expansions at this location.

With the foundation of?Deutsche Luft Hansa?in 1926, a rapid boom of civilian air travel started, and soon the airship base became too small to handle the demand. Plans for a new and larger airport located in the Frankfurt City Forest south-west of?Schwanheim?were approved in 1930 but were not realized due to the?Great Depression. After the?Machtergreifung?in 1933, the government revived the plans and started the construction of the new airport.

Frankfurt Airport, also known as Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA), is one of the busiest and largest airports in Europe. It is located in Frankfurt, Germany, and serves as a major international hub for both passenger and cargo flights. The airport is operated by Fraport AG and has two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Terminal 1 at Frankfurt Airport is the older and larger terminal, handling the majority of the airport's traffic. It is further divided into concourses (A, B, C, and Z) and serves a wide range of airlines, including Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners.

Terminal 2, which opened in 1994, primarily serves as a hub for airlines from the Oneworld alliance, such as British Airways, American Airlines, and others. It also handles select flights from non-alliance carriers.

Location: Frankfurt Airport lies 12?km (7.5?mi) southwest of?central Frankfurt,[3]?near the?Autobahn?interchange?Frankfurter Kreuz, where two of the most heavily used motorways in Europe (A3?and?A5) meet. The airport grounds, which form a city district of Frankfurt named?Frankfurt-Flughafen, are surrounded by the?Frankfurt City Forest. The southern portion of the airport grounds extend partially into the cities of?Rüsselsheim am Main?and?M?rfelden-Walldorf, and a western portion of the grounds lie within the city of?Kelsterbach.

The airport is centrally located in the?Frankfurt/Rhine-Main region, Germany's?third-largest metropolitan region, which itself has a central location in the densely populated region of the?west-central European megalopolis. Thereby, along with a strong?rail?and motorway connection, the airport serves as a major transport node for the greater region, less than two hours by ground to?Cologne, the?Ruhr Area, and?Stuttgart.

Frankfurt Airport lies 12?km (7.5?mi) southwest of?central Frankfurt,[3]?near the?Autobahn?interchange?Frankfurter Kreuz, where two of the most heavily used motorways in Europe (A3?and?A5) meet. The airport grounds, which form a city district of Frankfurt named?Frankfurt-Flughafen, are surrounded by the?Frankfurt City Forest. The southern portion of the airport grounds extend partially into the cities of?Rüsselsheim am Main?and?M?rfelden-Walldorf, and a western portion of the grounds lie within the city of?Kelsterbach.

The airport is centrally located in the?Frankfurt/Rhine-Main region, Germany's?third-largest metropolitan region, which itself has a central location in the densely populated region of the?west-central European megalopolis. Thereby, along with a strong?rail?and motorway connection, the airport serves as a major transport node for the greater region, less than two hours by ground to?Cologne, the?Ruhr Area, and?Stuttgart.

Frankfurt Airport offers numerous amenities and facilities for passengers, including a variety of shops, restaurants, lounges, duty-free stores, and services like currency exchange, luggage storage, and car rental.

The airport has excellent connectivity with the city of Frankfurt and other nearby regions. It is well-served by public transportation, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible for travelers.

Please note that this information is accurate as of my last knowledge update in September 2021.

The southern side of the airport ground was home to the?Rhein-Main Air Base, which was a major air base?for the United States from 1947 until 2005, when the air base was closed and the property was acquired by Fraport (now occupied by Terminal 3). The airport celebrated its 80th anniversary in July 2016. In 2023 the airport is 87 years old. The airport will celebrate its 100 years anniversary just after 13 years means in 2036.

?Nearly 70?million in 2018 and its now touches 80-85 millions. It also had a freight throughput of 2.076?million?metric tonnes?in 2015 and is the?busiest airport in Europe by cargo traffic. As of summer 2017, Frankfurt Airport serves more than 300 destinations in 5 continents, making it the airport with the most direct routes in the world.

Growth of the airport

Civil air traffic at Frankfurt Airport in 1951

In 1951, restrictions for German air travelers were lifted and civil air traffic started to grow again. In 1952, Frankfurt Airport handled more than 400,000 passengers; a year later it was more than half a million. About 100 to 120 aero planes took off from and landed in Frankfurt daily. In 1955, Lufthansa resumed flights to and from Frankfurt and in the same year the Federal Republic of Germany gained its?air sovereignty?back from the Allies. In 1957, the northern runway was extended, first to 3,000?m (9,843?ft) and then to 3,900?m (12,795?ft), to make it compatible with?jet aircraft.

The airport did not emerge as a major international?airline hub?until 1958 when a new passenger terminal called?Empfangsanlage Ost?(Terminal East, literally "Arrival Facility East") opened in the north-east corner of the airport site. Only four years later it was clear that the terminal was already too small for the demand. In 1961, Frankfurt already had 2.2?million passengers and 81,000 take-offs and landings, making it the second busiest airport in Europe behind?Heathrow Airport, London.

In 1962, it was decided to build an even larger terminal with a capacity of 30?million passengers per year. Work on this terminal began in 1965. The southern runway was extended to 3,750?m (12,303?ft) in 1964. In 1970, a new hangar was inaugurated; this accommodated six jet aircraft and was the world's largest hangar at the time.

SkyLine

Passengers and visitors can change terminals with the people mover system?SkyLine?which has three stops in Terminal 1 (at gates AZ, B and C) as well as one in Terminal 2 for all gates. Some stops can only be used by passengers in or outside the Schengen zone which is achieved by separated cars and station entrances. The travel time between the terminals is 2 minutes with trains arriving every 2–3 minutes during the day. Each train has two cars, one airside (outside the Schengen area) and one landside (within the Schengen area). Most stations have a platform on each side of the train, so landside passengers can only step out onto the landside platform, and airside passengers can only step out onto the airside platform. Additionally there is regular bus service between the terminals

Runways

Frankfurt Airport has four runways of which three are arranged parallel in east–west direction and one in north–south direction. In 2010 three runways (Runways North, South and West) handled 464,432 aircraft movements, which equated to 83 movements per hour. With the start of operation of the Northwest Runway in October 2011 the airport was predicted to be able to handle 126 movements per hour. It is predicted that aircraft movements will increase up to 700,000 in the year 2020. By using the fourth runway, Frankfurt Airport is able for the first time to handle simultaneous parallel landings, because the distance between the north and the north-west runways is 1,400?m (4,593?ft). Simultaneous parallel landings were not possible with the north and south runway pairing, because the separation distance did not meet the safety standard

Future expansions

Terminal 3 (under construction)

In 2009, the German government decided to create third terminals for both Frankfurt Airport and?Munich Airport?in order to handle expected passenger flows of 90?million in Frankfurt by 2020 and 50?million in Munich by 2017. The new terminal is scheduled to be built by Fraport, south of the existing terminals on the grounds of the former Rhein-Main Air Base. The new?Terminal 3?is to accommodate up to 25?million passengers and will feature 75 new aircraft positions when completely constructed. An extension of the?SkyLine?people mover system is planned to connect the new terminal to Terminals 1 and 2 and the airport train stations.

In August 2014, the city of Frankfurt granted building permission for the first phase of Terminal 3.The groundbreaking for the new terminal took place on 5 October 2015. Its first phase, consisting of the main building and two of the planned four piers (concourses 3H and 3J), is planned to open by 2026 and will be able to handle 15?million additional passengers per year. Total costs are estimated at 3?billion euros.

In 2017, Frankfurt Airport first indicated that the second-phase construction of the easternmost pier (concourse 3G) could be moved forward so that low-cost carriers can use this pier from 2021.After approval by municipal authorities in 2018,the piers will be constructed and used according to the following timetable: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fraport postponed the opening of the new terminal to 2026 in March 2021.

Concourse 3G?(easternmost pier):

• Construction of first twelve bus gates, reachable via shuttle buses from terminals 1/2, in use by 2021
• Construction of additional twelve bus gates by 2023/2024
• Construction of passenger?jet bridges?by 2025/2026

Check-in area, concourses 3H and 3J?(central piers): Construction by 2023 including transport systems for visitors, passengers and luggage to the other terminals

• Concourse 3H is planned for Schengen flights
• Concourse 3J is planned for non-Schengen flights

Concourse 3K?(westernmost pier): Possible third-phase expansion depending on development of passenger numbers

Airport City

The airport ground and the surrounding area of Frankfurt Airport offer a large variety of on-airport businesses as well as airport-related businesses, including office space, hotels, shopping areas, conference rooms and car parks. The development of an?airport city?has significantly accelerated in recent years.

Frankfurt Airport Centers

Frankfurt Airport Centre 1

The Frankfurt Airport Centre 1 (FAC 1) near Terminal 1 offers office and conference facilities, the newer FAC 2 is located within Terminal 2 and offers office space for airlines.

FAC Building 234 has the head office of?Eurowings Discover.

Airport City Mall

The Airport City Mall is located on the landside of Terminal 1, departure hall B. It offers national and international retailers and label stores, a supermarket and several restaurants.

The Squaire

The Squaire is an office and retail building with a total floor area of 140,000?m2?(1,506,900?sq?ft). It is directly connected to Terminal 1 through a connecting corridor for pedestrians. The accounting firm?KPMG, Lufthansa and two?Hilton Hotels?(Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport?with 334 rooms and?Hilton Frankfurt Airport?with 249 rooms) occupy space in The Squaire.

Main Airport Centre

The Main Airport Centre, named after the?Main river, is an office building with ten floors and about 51,000?m2?(549,000?sq?ft) of office space. It is located at the edge of the Frankfurt City Forest near Terminal 2.

Sheraton Hotel & Conference Centre

Sheraton Hotels and Resorts?offers 1,008 guest rooms adjacent to Terminal 1 and a?conference centre?for up to 200 delegates

Incidents and accidents

• On 4 January 1938, a?Deutsche Lufthansa?Junkers Ju-52?crashed in a snowstorm on approach to FRA due to icing. All three crew and three passengers were killed.
• On 29 September 1938, a?Luftwaffe?Junkers Ju-52 crashed due to a preliminary ground contact caused by a wrong estimation of height. One occupant of the four on board were killed.
• On 22 March 1952, a?KLM Royal Dutch Airlines?Douglas DC-6?on a return flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam crashed 7?km NE of FRA into a forest. Nine crew and 36 passengers of the 47 total on board perished.
• On 14 October 1953, a?Sabena?Convair CV-240?crashed near Kelstenbach shortly after takeoff following loss of engine power 1?km N of FRA. All four crew and 40 passengers died.
• On 21 January 1967, an?Air Ferry?Douglas C-54, a cargo flight, struck trees some 2700 metres short of the runway while on a night-time?instrument landing system?approach. Both occupants were killed.
• On 24 November 1972, an?Air Canada?McDonnell Douglas DC-8?bound for?Montreal, Canada?was hijacked on the ground at FRA and a hijacker demanded a release of prisoners. The plane was stormed and the hijacker arrested. One person died.
• On 22 May 1983, during an?air show?at Rhein-Main Air Base, a Canadian?RCAF?Lockheed F-104 Starfighter?crashed into a nearby road, hitting a car and killing all passengers, a vicar's family of five. The pilot was able to?eject.
• On 19 June 1985,?a bomb cloaked in a canvas bag was detonated?approx at 14:42 in the afternoon in Hall B of the Rhein Main Frankfurt Airport, decimating that section of the airport. The blast resulted in three deaths and 32 injuries, of which four were considered serious.
• In May 1999, a violent illegal immigrant was being deported by police, from Frankfurt to Cairo. He was restrained before the flight took off and when an officer attempted to talk to him later, he found that he was no longer alive.
• In September 2007, German authorities arrested?three suspected?terrorists for plotting a "massive" terror attack, which posed "an imminent threat" to Frankfurt Airport and the US Air Force base in?Ramstein.
• On 2 March 2011,?a gunman opened fire?on a bus carrying US Air Force personnel at Frankfurt Airport, killing two and wounding two others.
• On 11 June 2018,?Lufthansa?Flight 426, an?Airbus A340, preparing for a flight to?Philadelphia International Airport?sustained damage on pushback from the gate, the tow tug caught fire and the aircraft sustained damage to the nose and cockpit section. Ten airport staff, consisting of ground crew and emergency responders, suffered minor injuries as a result of smoke inhalation. The aircraft was written off.
• Frankfurt air port official website:

10 Things to do on a layover at Frankfurt Airport

1- Enjoy a meal - with variety of food

you won’t go hungry at this airport, which has dozens of restaurants, bars, and cafes that should please even picky eaters. Reingold Bar is a miniature Bavarian beer garden serving German sausage, pretzels, and local brews.?Goethe Bar is an homage to one of Germany’s best-known literati. Caviar House is a splurge-worthy spot for a leisurely meal of seafood and Champagne. Of course, you can choose from Asian eateries, German bakeries, and many Western chains like Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald’s, and Starbucks. I love to take fish burger form here which I eat many times.

2. Visit an airport lounge

A big airport like this means you are spoiled for options for airport lounges – and you don’t have to be flying First or Business Class to check into many of them. Simply pre-book a single visit pass online or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. A flat fee typically includes food, drinks, TVs, WiFi, magazines, and sometimes even shower facilities, all in a pleasant, relaxing environment. Locations and details are available in our?Frankfurt Airport Guide.

3- Shopping - window shopping or real purchase

The many shops and boutiques here give you plenty of eye candy to pass the time, and you may even find the perfect souvenir. Terminal 1’s Airport City Mall is the place to go, where German brands like Jack Wolfskin and Birkenstock are located, along with many other boutiques. Look for the Coupon Wall, which has deals and discounts on airport eateries and shops. Giant duty-free areas offer the usual array of candy, chocolates, perfume and makeup, and alcohol. We hear there’s even a grocery store for affordable snacks. I love to spent time with branded watches shops, souvenirs shops and perfumes.

4- Freshen up - Enjoy it

German efficiency is the name of the game here, and we love that this airport makes shower facilities available for a small fee. Five locations in Terminals 1 and 2 offer towels, shower gels, and hair dryers for a refreshing shower experience for only €6. Showers open daily from 6:00AM – 10:00PM.

Enjoy!

5. Get pampered

After you’ve freshened up with a shower, get pampered with a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, or time at the oxygen bar. Be Relax Spa has three locations offering a range of spa services. A hairdresser inside Concourse C’s Airport City Mall Frankfurt is available for haircuts and styles.

6. Pilot your own flight! Drive a flight simulator

Have you ever wanted to pilot your own plane? The airport has a flight simulator that lets you take off and land a simulated plane at airports around the world. The session costs €79, but you get instructions from an experienced commercial pilot – a pretty cool way to pass your layover at Frankfurt Airport!

7. Use the WiFi

Hop online to chat with friends or browse the internet – WiFi is free and unlimited

8. Tour the airport

We know the flight simulator is a splurge – but the airport also offers several different airport tours that shows the behind-the-scenes logistics and workings. Tours start at only €8 for a 45-minute experience, with additional tours that take you into the Fire Department or around the runways – these range from €15-25. Make a reservation or stop by the Airport Tours Shop in Terminal 1.

9. Sightseeing

There’s plenty to keep you busy inside the airport, but you may be itching to get out for some fresh air. Why not head into the city centre for some exploring? We recommend at least 7 hours between flights if you want to explore.?Luckily you can store your bags in Terminals 1 and 2 while you’re out and about!

Trains are your most efficient ways to reach the city centre – head to the Frankfurt Airport Railway Station and purchase a round-trip train ticket to the city center. Many buses depart from the front of Terminal 1. Of course, taxis are ready and waiting if you want more direct service.

In the city center, head to Alstadt, the oldest part of the city with many sites reconstructed after World War 2. Romer, the main square, serves up iconic German architecture. Travellers will be surprised at the city’s gastronomy scene – head to Kleinmarkthalle (closed Sundays) for local and fresh food. Along Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse (known locally as Fressgass), you’ll find a pedestrian street packed with street food ranging from German to Asian cuisine, plus many shops. Walk off all those calories with a stroll along the Main River – the peaceful river meanders past new skyscrapers and old architecture, showing off how quickly this city is developing. Or, opt for a popular 1-hour cruise along the river.

Be sure to leave enough time to make it back to the airport and process through Security before your next flight!

10. Sleep

All you wanna do is catch up on much-needed shuteye? Keep an eye out for the reclining lounge seats with food rests, located throughout the airport and in the Rest Zones. Otherwise, much of the gate seats are equipped with metal armrests, so head to the pre-Security areas for armrest-free seating – travellers note that Terminal 2’s pre-Security area has comfortable seating on Floor 2. If you’re camping out overnight, note that only Concourse B stays open 24-hours. For a nap in a proper bed, you’ll have to spend the money. There is now a transit hotel located inside Security in Terminal 1, and you can book a private room hourly, starting with a 3-hour block for €110 (check-in only available from 5:00AM – 10:00PM). Three more hotels are located at the airport, and some offer day room rentals, so stroll or ride the train to them. Other hotels are located nearby, offering shuttle service. See our?Frankfurt Airport Guide?for details and locations.