Frankfurt Airport has officially opened Terminal 3, completing the largest infrastructure project in the history of Fraport AG. More than 400 guests attended the inauguration on 22 April, including representatives from politics, aviation and business.
Around €4 billion has been invested in the project. The terminal is designed to handle up to 19 million passengers annually in its first phase, with expansion capacity to 25 million. Despite disruptions during construction, including the pandemic and supply chain issues, the project was completed on time.
Fraport CEO Stefan Schulte described the opening as “a special day for the company and the wider aviation sector,” positioning Terminal 3 as a long-term investment in capacity and quality at one of Europe’s key hubs.
Central Retail Marketplace
The commercial layout of Terminal 3 is built around a central marketplace in the airside area. Retail, dining and seating are brought together in one location rather than being spread across the terminal. The aim is to concentrate passenger flows and dwell time in a clearly defined zone.
Around 15 retail units are located in this central space, complemented by a bar and two food courts offering close to 1,000 seats. In total, the terminal comprises 64 retail and service units across approximately 12,000 sqm.
The focus is on international transfer passengers, with the most prominent retail areas positioned in non-Schengen zones.
A central role in the retail concept is played by Frankfurt Airport Retail GmbH (FAR), the joint venture between Fraport and Gebr. Heinemann. FAR operates more than 3,000 sqm of retail space in Terminal 3 and is responsible for the duty free and travel value business.
At the center of the marketplace is a duty free store covering more than 1,700 sqm. It acts as the main commercial anchor and brings together core categories such as beauty, spirits, confectionery and accessories.
The store includes dedicated areas for niche fragrances, a humidor concept and cross-category merchandising formats. The design incorporates references to the region while remaining understated.
Established Brands and Concept Stores
Many brands already present at the airport have expanded their footprint, suggesting a focus on continuity.
Premium labels such as Boss and Montblanc are complemented by travel retail specialists including Capi Electronics. Accessories and travel goods are represented by Tumi, Longchamp and Sunglass Hut.
New concepts have been added selectively. Gatezero introduces a mix of fashion, accessories and technology aimed at a younger audience, while formats such as “Germany On My Mind” focus on curated products with a regional connection.
F&B Integration
Food and beverage is closely linked to the retail offer and follows the same marketplace logic. Around 2,900 sqm are dedicated to gastronomy, with operations largely handled by Avolta and Lagardère Travel Retail.
Food courts and a central bar form the main anchors, while a mix of international brands, regional concepts and quick-service options is distributed across the terminal.
Among the concepts are Neni Deli with a levantine focus and EL&N London. Regional positioning is reflected in formats such as Main Bissen. At the same time, bakery, sandwich and grab-and-go offers address passengers with limited time.
Several Relay outlets complement the offer with travel essentials and food-to-go, alongside services such as currency exchange and tax refund.
Gradual Transition into Full Operation
With Terminal 3 now open, the focus shifts to operations. Passenger volumes will build up gradually as airlines relocate, and the commercial performance of the terminal will become clearer over time. 57 airlines are set to relocate from Terminal 2 in phases through early June.
Retail and food are concentrated in high-traffic areas, with the marketplace acting as the central point of interaction. How this translates into spend per passenger will depend on how quickly traffic stabilizes and how passengers respond in daily operation.
