Future of Munich Airport: Responsible investments for sustainability!

Future of Munich Airport: Responsible investments for sustainability!

On July 16, 2025, Flughafen München GmbH (FMG) will present its latest integrated report entitled “WE. CREATE VALUES”. The report covers the successes and challenges of the past year and offers a comprehensive overview of the economic, environmental and social aspects of the airport's activities. The 15th edition of this report is particularly spectacular, this time not only available in printed form but also as a multimedia work. Printed in an environmentally friendly manner, the print version meets the requirements of the “Blue Angel” and is expected to appear in mid-August. For those who like things a little faster, the online version is available at report2024.munich-airport.de and report2024.munich-airport.com.

The focus is on investments to secure the future of Munich Airport, responsibility towards employees and the protective attitude towards the environment and the region. Planned projects such as the expansion and modernization of Terminal 1 with a new gate are on the agenda, as is the promotion of digitalization and the recruitment of new employees. In the area of ​​climate protection, the airport relies on CO₂ saving measures and the promotion of regional projects - there is something to be said!

Sustainability at the center

But what about sustainability at the airport? The first public hydrogen filling station was opened in 1999, and the people of Munich have been trying to make their fleet sustainable ever since. There are currently 135 cars and vans as well as 366 electric handling and special devices in use. By 2030, the majority of vehicles will be electrically powered. This is particularly important as the proportion of electric vehicles in the handling area will have already risen to 37 percent in 2023. There are also ambitious plans to expand the charging infrastructure by several thousand points by 2030. According to bericht2023.munich-airport.de, the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport is financing the conversion to up to 72 electrically powered passenger buses with 24 million euros.

The airport's energy management department, headed by Korbinian Nachtmann, has big goals: CO₂-neutral operations should be guaranteed by 2030 at the latest. To this end, investments are planned, among other things, in new drives for ventilation systems and the expansion of renewable energies, such as photovoltaic systems on buildings. Nachtmann, himself a committed environmentalist, wants to leave the earth a little better for his children. “If we take action, we can significantly reduce our emissions,” he emphasizes.

Environmental monitoring and air quality

Another important point is the air quality around the airport. If the nitrogen dioxide content in the air returned to a typical suburban value despite increasing air traffic after the Covid-19 pandemic, the strategy appears to be working. In 2023, all legal limits for air pollutants were significantly exceeded. The mobile and two stationary measuring stations continuously monitor nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. For Munich residents, this means an improvement in the quality of life and shows that the airport is aware of its responsibility.

In summary, the FMG report impressively shows that the focus is not only on growth, but also on sustainability. With comprehensive investments and strategies, Munich Airport is well on its way to becoming a pioneer in environmentally friendly aviation. A good hand with a clear goal of recognizing and actively advancing one's own responsibility towards nature and future generations.