Lufthansa revives Munich Airport's satellite terminal expansion amid capacity crunch

Lufthansa CEO Signals Possible Expansion of Munich Airport's Satellite Terminal

Carsten Spohr, CEO of the Lufthansa Group, has indicated a potential expansion of the satellite terminal at Munich Airport, according to a report by Münchner Merkur. Speaking to an audience of around 400 guests at Munich's Residenz palace, Spohr said the airline could "envision an expansion" of the satellite facility.

Bavaria's Finance Minister Albert Füracker (CSU), who also chairs the supervisory board of Flughafen München GmbH (FMG), was present at the event.

The proposal centers on the so-called T-Stem—a planned eastern extension of the existing satellite terminal linked to Terminal 2. Operational since 2016, the satellite terminal currently handles up to 11 million passengers annually but is expected to reach capacity in the coming years. Initial expansion plans emerged in 2019 but were halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that FMG and Lufthansa had revived the project, intending to model it after Terminal 2 as a joint venture between the two partners.

Decision Could Come Next Week

Further details may be announced as early as next Monday during Lufthansa's centennial celebration at Munich Airport, where Spohr hinted at possible updates.

The airline has stated that, in the years ahead, it plans significant growth at only one of its two German hubs—either Frankfurt or Munich—requiring major infrastructure expansion. Spohr suggested a decision on the matter would come "within weeks rather than months."

In Frankfurt, Lufthansa has been in prolonged discussions with airport operator Fraport about a joint venture for its terminals, though no concrete agreement has yet materialized.

Munich's strategic importance to Lufthansa is growing. In September, the airline is set to take delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 at the location.

Greens Condemn Plan as "Megalomania"

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from Bavaria's Green Party. Deputy faction leader Johannes Becher dismissed the T-Stem as effectively a "fourth terminal"—following Terminals 1 and 2 and the existing satellite—calling it "megalomania." He warned that adding capacity for roughly 10 million more passengers would increase pressure to construct Munich Airport's controversial third runway.

Spohr left no doubt about his stance, asserting that the third runway remains essential. He framed it as an obligation to future generations to keep the option open. Füracker, who moderated a panel discussion with Spohr, did not comment on the matter.