Frankfurt Airport airlines and terminals are important to understand before you travel. This major European hub connects millions of passengers annually across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. Whether you fly with a full-service carrier or a low-cost airline, knowing which terminal to use will save time and reduce stress. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about airlines and terminals at Frankfurt Airport. Our insights will help you plan and navigate your trip efficiently.
Overview of Airlines and Terminals at Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Germany’s busiest airport and one of the largest in Europe. Located about 12 km southwest of the city center, it serves as the primary hub for Lufthansa and a vital connection point between Europe, Asia, and the Americas. There are two main passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, linked by the SkyLine people-mover and free shuttle buses. Clear signage in German and English makes navigating easy for all travelers.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the largest and oldest terminal, divided into Concourses A, B, C, and Z. It primarily handles Lufthansa and Star Alliance partners and manages a significant share of both Schengen and long-haul traffic. With an intuitive layout, Terminal 1 offers extensive shopping, dining, and lounge options for business and leisure travelers alike.
- Airlines: Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, ANA, LOT, TAP Air Portugal
- Lounges: Lufthansa Senator & Business Lounges, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
- Restaurants: Hausmann’s, Käfer’s, Starbucks, Deli Bros
- Shops: Frankfurt Duty Free, Hugo Boss, Montblanc, Relay
- Additional Services: Fast Track, luggage storage, free Wi-Fi, kids’ zones
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Airlines | Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, ANA, LOT, TAP |
| Lounges | Lufthansa Senator & Business Lounges, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge |
| Dining | Hausmann’s, Käfer’s, Starbucks, Deli Bros |
| Shopping | Frankfurt Duty Free, Hugo Boss, Montblanc, Relay |
| Other Services | Free Wi-Fi, Fast Track, luggage storage, pharmacies |
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is smaller, with Concourses D and E, and is home to many non–Star Alliance airlines, including leading carriers from SkyTeam and oneworld. Recently refreshed, it offers essential services and convenient connections to Terminal 1 via the SkyLine and shuttle buses.
- Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Air France, KLM
- Dining: McDonald’s, Marché Bistro, Coffee Fellows
- Shops: Duty Free Express, WHSmith, fashion & travel stores
- Services: Information desks, ATMs, baggage wrapping, car rentals
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Airlines | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, American Airlines, Delta, British Airways, Air France, KLM |
| Dining | McDonald’s, Marché Bistro, Coffee Fellows |
| Shopping | Duty Free Express, WHSmith, fashion & travel stores |
| Other Services | ATMs, baggage wrapping, information desks, and car rentals |
Airlines and Terminal Assignment Table
| Airline | Terminal |
|---|---|
| Lufthansa | Terminal 1 |
| SWISS | Terminal 1 |
| United Airlines | Terminal 1 |
| Singapore Airlines | Terminal 1 |
| Turkish Airlines | Terminal 1 |
| ANA | Terminal 1 |
| Emirates | Terminal 2 |
| Qatar Airways | Terminal 2 |
| Etihad Airways | Terminal 2 |
| British Airways | Terminal 2 |
| Air France | Terminal 2 |
| KLM | Terminal 2 |
Ground Transportation and Terminal Transfers
Move between terminals using the SkyLine people-mover or free shuttle buses operating every 5–10 minutes. Both terminals connect to Frankfurt city center and the wider region via regional S-Bahn trains, long-distance ICE/IC services, buses, and taxis. Clearly marked pick-up and drop-off zones and live information displays simplify onward travel.
- S-Bahn: Lines S8 and S9 link FRA with Frankfurt Hbf and the city center
- Long-distance rail: ICE, IC, and regional trains from the Fernbahnhof (long-distance station)
- Taxi: Approx. €35 to downtown (traffic dependent)
- Bus: Frequent local and regional services from both terminals
Top International Routes from Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport connects directly to hundreds of global destinations. Frequent routes include New York, London, Dubai, Singapore, Istanbul, and Tokyo. Many long-haul flights depart from Terminal 1 with Lufthansa and Star Alliance partners, while Terminal 2 serves leading global carriers from SkyTeam and oneworld. With efficient terminals and top-tier airlines, FRA supports millions of international journeys each year.
Lounges and Premium Services
FRA offers a wide selection of lounges across both terminals. Terminal 1 features multiple Lufthansa lounges, while Terminal 2 provides premium spaces operated by international airlines. Lounges typically include refreshments, Wi-Fi, workspaces, and showers—ideal for relaxing or catching up on work before your flight.
- Lufthansa Senator & Business Lounges (T1)
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (T1)
- Emirates Lounge (T2)
- Air France Lounge (T2)
Essential Travel Tips for Passengers
Confirm your airline and terminal in advance to streamline your airport experience. Check in online where possible, and arrive at least 2 hours before Schengen flights and 3 hours before long-haul departures. Peak seasons can mean longer queues for security and passport control. FRA accepts mobile boarding passes widely and provides multilingual assistance and digital flight displays throughout the terminals.
- Verify the terminal on your boarding pass or airline app
- Use the official Frankfurt Airport app for live updates
- Follow the signs for SkyLine and shuttle buses when transferring
- Fast Track security is available for eligible passengers
What to Know Before You Fly
Frankfurt Airport airlines and terminals are organized to serve international, regional, and budget travelers. Terminal 1 focuses on Star Alliance and long-haul services with extensive amenities, while Terminal 2 supports major global carriers from other alliances. Knowing your terminal ensures a smooth, stress-free start to your trip. With this guide, you’re ready to make the most of your time at Frankfurt Airport.