List of Top 10 Busiest Airports in Germany

Germany is a powerhouse of air travel in Europe, with a network of bustling airports that connect the country to the world. These airports are vital to Germany’s economy, supporting tourism, business, and cargo transport with their modern facilities and renowned efficiency. In this article, we explore the top 10 busiest airports in Germany, ranked by passenger traffic based on data from 2023, offering insights into their significance and unique characteristics.

1. Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Location: Frankfurt, Hesse
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~70 million

Frankfurt Airport reigns as Germany’s busiest airport and one of Europe’s most significant aviation hubs. Handling over 70 million passengers in 2023, it features four runways and two expansive terminals, with a third under construction to meet rising demand. As Lufthansa’s primary hub, FRA connects to over 290 destinations worldwide, making it a global gateway. Since its opening in 1936, it has evolved into a multifaceted complex, boasting the Frankfurt Airport Museum and a major conference center. Its extensive cargo operations further solidify its status as a top-tier airport, handling millions of tons of goods annually.

2. Munich Airport (MUC)

Location: Munich, Bavaria
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~48 million

Munich Airport, Germany’s second busiest, welcomed around 48 million passengers in 2023. Located northeast of Munich, it stands out with its striking architectural design, including a glass-roofed central plaza that enhances the passenger experience. With two terminals, MUC serves as a secondary hub for Lufthansa and connects to 248 destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Frequently named “Europe’s Best Airport,” it offers unique amenities like an on-site brewery and spa, alongside eco-friendly initiatives such as renewable energy use, blending efficiency with sustainability.

Suggested Read- List of Top 10 Busiest Airports in Canada

3. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Location: Berlin
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~35 million

Berlin Brandenburg Airport, the third busiest in Germany, handled approximately 35 million passengers in 2023. Opened in 2020 after a famously delayed construction process, BER replaced the outdated Tegel and Schönefeld airports. Located just south of Berlin, it features three terminals and a sleek, modern design. As a hub for low-cost carriers like easyJet and Ryanair, it offers robust connectivity across Europe. Its integration with Berlin’s public transit system ensures easy access, marking it as a rising star in German aviation.

4. Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)

Location: Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~25 million

Düsseldorf Airport, serving 25 million passengers in 2023, ranks fourth among Germany’s busiest airports. With three terminals, it acts as a hub for Eurowings and connects to over 180 destinations. Located in the heart of the Rhine-Ruhr region, DUS is a vital link for business travelers, offering direct rail connections to Düsseldorf’s city center and beyond. Its efficient operations and strategic position make it a key player in western Germany’s aviation landscape.

5. Hamburg Airport (HAM)

Location: Hamburg
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~17 million

Hamburg Airport, with about 17 million passengers in 2023, holds the fifth spot. One of Germany’s oldest airports, operational since 1911, it features two terminals and serves over 120 destinations, primarily in Europe. As a hub for Eurowings, HAM is praised for its compact layout and quick processing times. Its sustainability efforts, including solar energy use, complement its reputation for reliability, making it a preferred choice for travelers in northern Germany.

Suggested Read- Top 10 Busiest Airports in the Middle East

6. Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)

Location: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~12 million

Cologne Bonn Airport, sixth on the list, saw around 12 million passengers in 2023. Positioned between Cologne and Bonn, it operates 24/7, doubling as a major cargo hub for UPS and FedEx alongside passenger services for Eurowings and Ryanair. With two terminals, CGN offers flights across Europe and beyond. Its dual role in cargo and passenger transport, plus a military airbase, underscores its versatility and importance in the region.

7. Stuttgart Airport (STR)

Location: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~10 million

Stuttgart Airport, handling 10 million passengers in 2023, is Germany’s seventh busiest. Its four terminals support flights to numerous European destinations, with Eurowings as a key operator. Located near the Stuttgart Trade Fair, it caters heavily to business travelers. Despite having only one runway, STR maintains modern facilities and efficient operations, though expansion plans face local resistance due to noise concerns.

8. Hannover Airport (HAJ)

Location: Hannover, Lower Saxony
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~6 million

Hannover Airport welcomed about 6 million passengers in 2023, securing eighth place. With three terminals and three runways, it offers efficient traffic management and flights to various European destinations via airlines like SunExpress and TUI fly. Its excellent public transit links to Hannover’s city center enhance accessibility, making it a convenient regional hub despite its smaller scale.

Suggested Read- Top 8 Busiest Airports in Switzerland

9. Nuremberg Airport (NUE)

Location: Nuremberg, Bavaria
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~4 million

Nuremberg Airport, ninth busiest, served approximately 4 million passengers in 2023. Its single terminal supports efficient operations for flights to European destinations, with Eurowings and Ryanair among its main carriers. Just 7 kilometers from Nuremberg’s city center, NUE is a vital link for the Franconian region, offering modern amenities and a streamlined travel experience.

10. Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ)

Location: Schkeuditz, Saxony
Passenger Traffic (2023): ~2.5 million

Leipzig/Halle Airport rounds out the top 10 with 2.5 million passengers in 2023. While its passenger numbers are modest, it excels as a cargo hub, ranking second in Germany and fifth in Europe, thanks to DHL’s major presence. With two terminals, LEJ serves leisure destinations in Europe while handling over 1.2 million tons of cargo annually, showcasing its dual-purpose significance.

Trends and Insights

Germany’s busiest airports reflect a mix of global hubs (Frankfurt, Munich) and regional powerhouses (Düsseldorf, Berlin). In 2024, passenger volumes grew by 5.8% across EU airports, with Germany’s hubs contributing significantly. Frankfurt and Munich, though still below pre-pandemic peaks, are driving recovery, while smaller airports like Bremen focus on niche markets. 

Sustainability is a growing priority, with airports adopting electric vehicles and renewable energy. Cargo operations, particularly at Cologne Bonn, highlight Germany’s logistical prowess. As 2025 progresses, expect modest growth, with Frankfurt potentially nearing 65 million passengers and Berlin expanding to meet rising demand.

Conclusion

Germany’s top 10 busiest airports form the backbone of its aviation network, facilitating millions of passenger journeys and vast cargo movements each year. From Frankfurt’s global dominance to Leipzig/Halle’s cargo prowess, these airports reflect Germany’s commitment to connectivity and innovation. As air travel demand grows, these hubs will continue to evolve, reinforcing their critical role in the nation’s economy, tourism, and infrastructure while upholding their reputation for excellence.

Image Credits- Frankfurt Airport