Munich’s new Terminal 1 Pier welcomes first passengers

Munich Airport’s managing director and chief operating officer, Thomas Hoff Andersson, was on hand today to welcome passengers to the gateway’s new Terminal 1 Pier.

The new facility officially started regular operations this morning, setting another milestone in the ongoing development of Munich Airport.

According to the German gateway, the T1 pier is seamlessly integrated into the existing operations of Terminal 1.

On the first day, over 11,000 passengers are expected to travel through the Terminal 1 pier, travelling on more than 70 flights.

The first arrival of an American Airlines flight from Charlotte at the new pier was greeted with a water salute in Munich.

Delta Air Lines operated the day’s first departure to Detroit. A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-900 provided a special highlight in the morning, arriving at the new pier in a special retro livery to mark the airline’s 80th anniversary.

With the opening, the airport completed its construction project, which had been underway for over seven years.

Over the years, the new pier was built alongside ongoing airport operations and was gradually prepared for operational use -including a comprehensive trial phase over the past six months.

All images courtesy of Stephan Goerlich/FMG.

Speaking at the facility’s unveiling just over a week ago, Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport, said: “The new pier represents the future of our airport: more capacity, more comfort, more international connections. As a modern gateway to the world, it strengthens our role as a leading European aviation hub.”

Premium infrastructure and comfort

The new Terminal 1 Pier is said to combine high-quality architecture with state-of-the-art technology and holistically planned passenger experience.

Spanning an area of approximately 95,000 square metres, the 360-metre-long new building has the capacity to handle up to six million additional passengers per year.

The six-level facility features modern check-in areas, centralised security checkpoints equipped with the latest CT technology, spacious waiting areas, and attractive retail and dining options.

Three of the levels are dedicated to passenger operations. Designated rest and quiet zones, as well as prayer rooms, are also available.

The new pier can handle up to twelve short and medium-haul aircraft or six wide-body jets simultaneously. It is home to approximately 40 international airlines.