Committed airport leader vows enhanced on-time performance this summer season - Airport administrator guarantees improved on-time performance during summer months.
Frankfurt Airport CEO Promises Enhanced Punctuality this Summer, Despite Airspace Challenges
Frankfurt Airport, the largest in Germany, is set to offer travelers a more punctual flying experience during the summer season, as announced by the CEO of Fraport, Stefan Schulte, in a recent gathering of the aviation press club.
Despite an anticipated 5 percent increase in flight movements, Schulte anticipates that around 80 percent of aircraft will depart and arrive on time. Despite these encouraging figures, Schulte expressed concern about future operational issues stemming from congested airspace due to factors such as increased military exercises, airspace closures caused by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the escalating air traffic within Europe.
The European air traffic control systems, according to Schulte, are in dire need of better integration among national air traffic control (ATC) systems. The current fragmented approach leads to inefficiencies and delays. Closer collaboration between civil and military ATC and ongoing modernization of IT systems are also deemed essential for seamless coordination and real-time data sharing.
To accommodate growing passenger numbers, Fraport is already forging ahead with the construction of new infrastructure. The acceptance tests for Terminal 3, set to house all airlines currently stationed in Terminal 2, are reportedly proceeding as planned. Set to open in Easter 2026, the 4 billion euro terminal is expected to accommodate up to 19 million passengers annually. A three- to four-month phased relocation process will be implemented for the moving of airlines, with Terminal 2 to be shut down and refurbished over several years thereafter.
While Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners will continue to operate from Terminal 1, the upcoming transition is expected to streamline the airport's operations and improve overall passenger satisfaction.
The Commission, while addressing the challenges in the aviation sector, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation during their lifestyle, as air travel increases and airspace faces challenges. For the workers involved in managing and maintaining the airport, ensuring safety from radiation exposure would be a significant aspect of their lifestyle, especially during travel.
