International airports in Germany form one of the most advanced and efficient aviation networks in the world, connecting the country not only to every major European destination but also to almost every continent, making Germany one of the most important global travel hubs for tourism, business, education, and trade. With its central location in Europe, Germany has long been regarded as a gateway to both Western and Eastern Europe, and its airports serve millions of international travelers each year who arrive to explore historic cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne, or to attend world-class universities, global business events, and cultural festivals. Air travel is also vital for the German economy, as it strengthens its position as one of the largest exporters in the world and supports the mobility of international students and professionals who rely heavily on efficient airport infrastructure. Let’s highlight the full list of International Airports in Germany.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- List of International Airports in Germany
- Major International Airports in Germany
- Accessibility and Transportation
- Role of Airports in German Tourism and Economy
- Top 10 Busiest Airports in Germany
- Airlines and Global Connectivity
- International Airports in Germany by Region
- Frequently Asked Questions on airports in Germany
- Conclusion
List of International Airports in Germany
Germany is home to more than 15 international airports that serve as major entry points for travelers from around the globe. Below is a table of the most important ones:
| Airport Name | City | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt Airport (FRA) | Frankfurt | Hesse |
| Munich Airport (MUC) | Munich | Bavaria |
| Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) | Berlin | Brandenburg |
| Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) | Düsseldorf | North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Hamburg Airport (HAM) | Hamburg | Hamburg |
| Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) | Cologne/Bonn | North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Stuttgart Airport (STR) | Stuttgart | Baden-Württemberg |
| Hanover Airport (HAJ) | Hanover | Lower Saxony |
| Nuremberg Airport (NUE) | Nuremberg | Bavaria |
| Bremen Airport (BRE) | Bremen | Bremen |
| Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) | Leipzig/Halle | Saxony/Saxony-Anhalt |
| Dortmund Airport (DTM) | Dortmund | North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Memmingen Airport (FMM) | Memmingen | Bavaria |
| Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB) | Karlsruhe | Baden-Württemberg |
| Münster Osnabrück Airport (FMO) | Münster | North Rhine-Westphalia |
Major International Airports in Germany
1. Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Frankfurt Airport is not only the busiest international airport in Germany but also one of the busiest in the world, handling over 60 million passengers annually. It serves as the primary hub of Lufthansa and a vital gateway for long-haul travel to the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. With two large passenger terminals, extensive cargo operations, and one of the largest airport train stations in Europe, Frankfurt plays a key role in connecting Germany to global destinations.
2. Munich Airport (MUC)
Munich Airport, located in Bavaria, is the second busiest in Germany and is widely recognized for its efficiency, modern architecture, and passenger services. It is another major hub for Lufthansa and a key entry point for travelers heading to southern Germany, including the Bavarian Alps, Salzburg, and cultural cities such as Nuremberg and Regensburg.
3. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Berlin Brandenburg, which replaced the city’s former Tegel and Schönefeld airports, is the main international gateway for the capital. Despite a delayed opening, it now offers modern facilities and growing global connectivity, making it essential for both political visitors and tourists coming to explore Berlin’s cultural and historical attractions.
4. Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
Düsseldorf Airport is the third-largest in terms of passenger numbers and an important hub for western Germany. Its proximity to Cologne, the Ruhr industrial region, and business cities such as Bonn makes it particularly significant for corporate travelers, while also serving holiday destinations across Europe and beyond.
5. Hamburg Airport (HAM)
Hamburg Airport is the oldest operational airport in Germany and serves northern Germany with a strong mix of business and leisure traffic. It offers flights to most European destinations as well as long-haul services to major international hubs.
6. Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)
Located between the cities of Cologne and Bonn, this airport is both a passenger hub and one of the largest cargo airports in Germany. It is a major base for Eurowings and an important airport for low-cost carriers, making it popular with budget travelers.
7. Stuttgart Airport (STR)
Serving the state of Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart Airport is vital for travelers to southwestern Germany, particularly those visiting Stuttgart’s automotive industries, universities, and cultural sites.
Accessibility and Transportation
Germany’s airports are renowned for being extremely well connected to city centers through high-speed trains, regional rail, trams, buses, and motorways. Frankfurt Airport, for example, has one of the largest airport railway stations in Europe, while Munich offers direct rail links to the city center. Berlin Brandenburg has regional and suburban rail connections, and other major airports such as Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and Cologne Bonn also have seamless transportation networks that make transfers efficient for travelers.
Role of Airports in German Tourism and Economy
International airports in Germany are crucial for supporting both tourism and the country’s strong export-driven economy. Millions of tourists arrive each year to visit world-famous attractions like Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, Munich’s Oktoberfest, and Cologne Cathedral, while business travelers rely on airports for global trade and industry events. German airports also play an essential role in academic mobility, as thousands of international students studying at German universities depend on these airports for access to their home countries.
Top 10 Busiest Airports in Germany
| Rank | Airport | Passengers (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfurt Airport (FRA) | 60+ million |
| 2 | Munich Airport (MUC) | 48+ million |
| 3 | Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) | 25+ million |
| 4 | Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) | 24+ million |
| 5 | Hamburg Airport (HAM) | 17+ million |
| 6 | Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) | 12+ million |
| 7 | Stuttgart Airport (STR) | 12+ million |
| 8 | Hanover Airport (HAJ) | 6+ million |
| 9 | Nuremberg Airport (NUE) | 4+ million |
| 10 | Bremen Airport (BRE) | 3+ million |
Airlines and Global Connectivity
Lufthansa is Germany’s largest airline and the flag carrier, with its hubs at Frankfurt and Munich. Other important airlines include Eurowings, Condor, and TUIfly, as well as numerous international carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and Air France. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air also play a strong role, especially at Berlin, Cologne Bonn, and secondary airports like Memmingen and Dortmund.
International Airports in Germany by Region
- Southern Germany: Munich, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Memmingen.
- Western Germany: Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Cologne Bonn, Dortmund, Münster Osnabrück.
- Northern Germany: Hamburg, Bremen, Hanover.
- Eastern Germany: Berlin Brandenburg, Leipzig/Halle, Dresden.
This regional distribution ensures that no matter where travelers plan to go in Germany, an international airport is never too far away, making domestic and international connections highly convenient.
READ ALSO: List of Airlines in Germany: International and Domestic Airlines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – List of International Airports in Germany
1. How many international airports are there in Germany?
Germany has over 15 major international airports, with Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin Brandenburg being the largest hubs.
2. Which is the biggest international airport in Germany?
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the biggest and busiest airport in Germany, handling over 60 million passengers annually.
3. Which airport is best for traveling to Berlin?
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the main international gateway to Berlin, serving both European and long-haul routes.
4. Which airport is closest to Munich city center?
Munich Airport (MUC) is about 30 kilometers northeast of Munich, connected to the city by direct train and bus services.
5. Which is the busiest airport in Germany after Frankfurt?
Munich Airport (MUC) is the second busiest, with nearly 50 million passengers each year and strong long-haul connections.
6. Are German airports well connected to city centers?
Yes, most major German airports have excellent transport links, including high-speed trains, regional rail, buses, and highways.
7. What is the best airport for business travelers to western Germany?
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) is ideal for western Germany, especially the Rhine-Ruhr industrial region, and has extensive business connections.
8. Which airlines operate the most flights in Germany?
Lufthansa is the largest carrier, with hubs at Frankfurt and Munich. Other key airlines include Eurowings, Condor, Ryanair, and EasyJet.
9. Are there international airports in Northern Germany?
Yes, Hamburg, Bremen, and Hanover are the main international airports serving northern Germany.
10. Which airport should I use for the Cologne and Bonn region?
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is the main international gateway for Cologne, Bonn, and the surrounding areas, offering both low-cost and full-service flights.
SEE ALSO: List of Cities and Towns in Germany with Facts and Attractions
Conclusion – List of International Airports in Germany
International airports in Germany are not only vital for connecting the country to the world but also serve as engines of economic growth, cultural exchange, and tourism. With major hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin Brandenburg, supported by a strong network of regional airports, Germany offers one of the most efficient and passenger-friendly aviation systems in Europe. Whether travelers are coming for business, education, or leisure, the accessibility and global connectivity of German airports make the country a true international gateway.