Despite the ongoing situation regarding the war in Iran, the Fraport group expects to achieve its annual passenger target for Frankfurt Airport of 65 to 66 million, which represents an increase of about four percent compared to 2025.
Speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Fraport Chairman of the Board, Stefan Schulte, noted that while the traffic from Frankfurt to the Middle East has decreased, this market accounted for less than five percent of the total revenue. He explained, “And 75 percent of these passengers were connecting travelers continuing onward over the Gulf. Many are now traveling via different routes”. He added that direct flight passenger numbers from Frankfurt to Africa and Far East had increased by over 20 percent in March.
The opening of the new Terminal Three on Wednesday comes at a timely moment. With this passenger goal, the airport expects to reach 95 percent of its pre-pandemic capacity. Schulte stated that this brings them closer to pre-pandemic levels than any other major German airport. He added that the terminals were already very busy even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Terminal Three is expected to enhance the punctuality of flights across the entire airport. “Previously, passenger aircraft operations had to be concentrated on the north side of the airport, and Terminal Three is located in the south. This disperses the high density and will lead to increased punctuality” Schulte explained.
Schulte anticipates no negative impact on Frankfurt Airport due to Lufthansa’s decision to invest in developing Munich Airport. “From today’s perspective, I assume Lufthansa will continue to grow, particularly in Terminal One” Schulte said. He clarified that airlines within the Star Alliance partnership will utilize both Terminal One and the modernized Terminal Two. Unlike Munich, where Lufthansa and the airport operate in a joint venture, this arrangement will not happen in Frankfurt. Schulte revealed that, “We discussed it and ultimately decided against it. Basically, Lufthansa would prefer to invest in new aircraft rather than in steel and concrete”. According to Schulte, Lufthansa did not want to acquire ownership of the building.
