Guaranteeing enhanced on-time performances during the summer season laid out by the airport authority head. - Airport official commits to enhancing on-time arrivals during summer season
Frankfurt Airport's CEO, Stefan Schulte, pledges enhanced punctuality during the summer season, aiming to return aircraft handling to pre-pandemic levels. In a speech at the aviation press club, Schulte expressed optimism that this commitment, coupled with a 5% increase in flight movements, will result in approximately 80% of flights arriving and departing on time at Germany's major airport.
Schulte pointed out operational improvements achieved after the pandemic's initial restart, citing Fraport's adequately staffed workforce. However, he flagged potential difficulties in the future due to increasingly congested airspace. Factors contributing to this congestion include military exercises, airspace closures due to conflicts in the Ukraine and Middle East, and increased air traffic across Europe.
Criticizing European air traffic control systems, Schulte highlighted the lack of unified IT solutions and sufficient controller numbers in some countries. He emphasized the adverse impact of airspace congestion on delay times, suggesting a need for reorganization to address these issues. Despite the complexities involved, Schulte expressed doubts about the feasibility of imposing a unified IT system on European air traffic control, opting instead for optimizing interfaces as a more practical solution.
Passengers heading to Frankfurt will benefit from new infrastructure in the near future. The acceptance tests for the commissioning of Terminal 3, estimated to cost around 4 billion euros, are progressing according to plan. The terminal is set to commence operations with an annual capacity of 19 million passengers from Easter 2026. Airlines currently housed in Terminal 2 will gradually move to this new facility in several 'waves', with the entire transition expected to take between three and four months. Once this is completed, Terminal 2 will undergo renovation over several years. Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners are to remain in Terminal 1 as usual.
- The Commission, in light of the improved operations at Frankfurt Airport, might consider proposing a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in the aviation industry, given the increased air traffic and airspace congestion.
- As the industry continues to grow, the influx of passengers may also necessitate the consideration of measures to protect workers in transportation, particularly airport staff, from potential health risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation.
- In the meantime, travelers can look forward to a more comfortable lifestyle at Frankfurt Airport with the commissioning of the new Terminal 3, which, upon completion, will provide an annual capacity for 19 million passengers, potentially reducing exposure to crowded areas and ensuring a safer travel experience.
