Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport will open in 2026, featuring luxury shops, food courts, napcabs, and new services across 12,000 m², with a capacity for up to 19 million passengers.
The new Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport is set to officially open in spring 2026. The launch is scheduled for just after Easter and will coincide with the start of the summer flight schedule. With a planned annual capacity of up to 19 million passengers, the terminal is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects at Germany’s most important air traffic hub. This was reported by G.Business, citing the city portal SoFrankfurt.
The heart of the new terminal is a 6,000-square-meter marketplace located in the international transit area. It will house 30 of the total 64 retail and service units. The total retail area amounts to approximately 12,000 square meters, including around 3,000 square meters for duty-free and travel-value zones, operated by Frankfurt Airport Retail GmbH, a joint venture with Gebr. Heinemann.
Alongside renowned brands like Boss, Montblanc, Longchamp, Tumi, Falke, Sunglass Hut, and Victoria’s Secret, the terminal will also feature Gatezero – an innovative concept store by Highsnobiety that combines streetwear, luxury, and technology. Two souvenir shops, Germany On My Mind and Germany’s Selection, will offer a touch of local flair with traditional crafts and gifts for children.
The culinary offering is also being expanded: two food courts, each 300 square meters in size, and a central bar of 250 square meters will be available in the security area. A total of 22 food and beverage units operated by Avolta and Lagardère Travel Retail will offer seating for around 1,000 guests over more than 1,000 square meters.
The service zones have also been significantly enhanced. Six Relay shops and a Rewe To Go will provide travelers with newspapers, snacks, and travel essentials. Six car rental companies, including Sixt, Europcar, and Avis, will be located in the public area. For financial services, there will be four permanent and one mobile currency exchange station by Prosegur Change, as well as two tax refund counters by Global Blue.
One innovation for transit passengers is the introduction of Napcabs – modern sleeping cabins that will be installed in Pier areas J and H. These provide a private retreat for longer layovers or night connections, filling a gap previously present at Frankfurt Airport.
Architecturally, the new terminal is defined by a striking ceiling structure inspired by inverted volcano shapes. The design aims to symbolize openness, clarity, and movement. Construction is visibly progressing: the structural framework has been completed, and interior work and technical installations are underway.
However, the plans have also sparked political debate. Critics point to the lack of direct connection to the long-distance rail network and raise concerns about the environmental impact. According to media reports, the Minister of Transport of Hesse expressed "disbelief" at the prioritization of commercial interests over sustainable transport planning.
Fraport, on the other hand, is pursuing a clear vision with Terminal 3: Frankfurt Airport is to become a multifunctional experience center – with international appeal, commercial potential, and a local touch. The opening in spring 2026 is seen as a strategic milestone and part of a broader growth strategy.
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