MUNICH AIRPORT | GUIDE TO MUNICH AIRPORT (MUC)

Munich Airport, official code MUC, is situated approximately 28 km/17 miles northeast of central Munich, Germany. The airport area spreads out over three different municipalities. The terminals are in Oberding (district of Erding) and the other facilities are in Hallbergmoos and Marzling (district of Freising). Munich Airport’s actual name is Franz Josef Strauss Airport, after the Bavarian minister and politician, Franz Josef Strauss.

Numerous airlines provide flights to a large number of domestic, European and international destinations. Munich Airport is a hub for Lufthansa and Star Alliance partner airlines. In Germany, Munich Airport is considered to be second busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, and the 15th busiest airport in the world. The largest airport in Germany is Frankfurt International Airport. The increase in passenger traffic over the recent years is mainly due to the expansion of the German airline Lufthansa’s airport services. In 2018, passenger traffic was recorded at 46.3 million.

Munich Airport began its business in May of 1992. Before this airport was operational, all flights were conducted from the former site at Munich-Reim. Munich-Reim was closed just before the start of Munich Airport. During the construction of MUC, a whole village (Franzheim), with 500 inhabitants, had to be demolished. The Munich Airport authority is named ‘Flughafen München Gesellschaft’. The full, original name of the airport – Munich Franz Josef Strauss – is rarely used. Most people just prefer to call it ‘Flughafen München’ (Munich Airport), or simply MUC.

The airport consists of Terminal 1, Terminal 2, the MAC (Munich Airport Center), the older Central Area (Zentralbereich) and the MAC Forum, that was built with Terminal 2. Terminal 2 is the newer addition, and was completed in June 2003. When it was finished, Star Alliance partners exclusively used it, but more recently Lufthansa shares it. Both terminals are designed to handle 25 million passengers per year.

Munich Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is subdivided into five modules, A, B, C, D and E. All the modules handle arrivals and departures, except for module E, which is only equipped for arrivals. There is also Hall F, situated near to Terminal 2, which handles flights with increased security requirements. The Central Area (Z) has some check-in desks for flights departing from Terminal 1.

Munich Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is the hub for Lufthansa and the Star Alliance members, although two of Lufthansa’s subsidiaries, German Wings and Condor, operate from Terminal 1 due to the lack of capacity at Terminal 2. Terminal 2 is not subdivided into modules, but rather has it’s facilities arranged around a central Plaza. The terminal is owned and operated by Flughafen München GmbH and Lufthansa. It is the first terminal in Germany that is co-operated by an airline.

The two terminals are connected by the MAC. It is an area that is dedicated to shopping, business and recreation. An underground shopping mall and the Munich Train Station is part of the older Central Area (Z). The Visitor’s Park (Besucherpark) is connected to the terminal areas by bus and S-Bahn trains. It provides sightseers with more information about the facilities at Munich Airport and it has three historic aircraft on display. The westerly aircraft apron and Terminal 1 can be viewed from ‘Visitor’s Hill’, or the easterly apron from the viewing terrace on the roof of Terminal 2.

Future Plans for Munich Airport

Munich Airport currently has two runways, with plans to build a third. The new runway, according to IACO Regulation, will be named 08L26R, and the existing north runway will then be 08C/26C. It will be constructed parallel to the other runways, and to the northeast of the north runway. The number of landing slots will be increased from 90 to 120 per hour. Plans for the new runway are currently on hold, due to the high number of objections received in regards to the construction.

Extensions for Terminal 2 include the upgrading of the baggage-sorting hall (east apron) into a satellite terminal. The new terminal will be able to handle 17 million passengers per year. When Terminal 2 was originally built, considerations for this satellite terminal were already made. Tunnels beneath the terminal can be used for a people mover system and the S-Bahn rail tunnel can be extended. It will also be possible to build a second satellite or independent third terminal.

Munich Airport has hopes of establishing a Transrapid maglev (magnetic levitation) train system in the unused tunnel under the terminals. This train will travel to Munich Central Station in only 10 minutes.

Munich Airport is a spectacular establishment that has the facilities to fulfill the needs of every passenger or visitor.

MUC is the official IATA code for Munich Airport. The other name Munich airport is recognized by is Franz Josef Strauss. It is possible to enter the following GPS coordinates 48.35000, 11.78333 to aid you in your travelling to and from Munich Airport.

When arriving at Franz Josef Strauss airport you will find the most popular car hire companies situated close by. You will need to present a valid driving license and credit card if you intend to hire a vehicle at Munich airport. It is wise before arriving at the Airport to have pre booked your Munich car hire online with our Partner car trawler, for a no obligation quote please visit the link.

Arrivals and Departures at Munich Airport

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Hotels near Munich Airport

There are a number of hotels to suit all budgets and requirements at or near Munich Airport.

Parking at Munich Airport

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Additional Services and Amenities at Munich Airport

At Munich Airport you will find the usual array of bars and restaurants, airport lounges and shops.

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• See and book airport lounges at Munich Airport
• Plan your shopping in advance - see all the shops (including duty-free) at Munich Airport

Things to do in Munich

There are a number of activities to suit all ages and interests in the region - see a selection of tourist activities in Munich, Germany.