Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3: Airlines & Access

A lot changed at Frankfurt Airport in 2026: with Terminal 3, a completely new terminal came into operation in the south of the airport, taking over the airlines from the closed Terminal 2. If you’ve flown via Frankfurt in recent years, there’s a good chance your flight now leaves from here. Let me explain which airlines are in Terminal 3, how it’s laid out and how to get to and from it.

Why Terminal 3 exists

Terminal 3 opened on 22 April 2026, with regular flight operations starting on 23 April 2026. The background: the old Terminal 2 has been closed since June 2026 for a years-long major refurbishment. Between 23 April and 9 June 2026, 57 airlines moved in several waves from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3. The new terminal is initially designed for up to 19 million passengers per year.

Which airlines fly from Terminal 3?

In Terminal 3 you’ll mainly find airlines that used to be in Terminal 2 — many international carriers outside the Lufthansa/Star Alliance world (which still departs from Terminal 1). These include, among others:

• Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways
• Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines
• Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines

and many more. The most important advice: don’t rely on old habits. Check your ticket or your airline for which terminal your flight leaves from — anyone who used to “always fly from Terminal 2” now very likely departs from Terminal 3.

Layout: concourses G, H and J

At the start, Terminal 3 is divided into concourses G, H and J. Your boarding pass shows the letter of your gate — that’s your most important guide. The terminal is modern and spacious, with its own check-in areas, security checks, dining and shops. The Car Rental Center is here too, in Hall J.

Access: how to get to Terminal 3

• Sky Line train: the driverless elevated railway connects Terminal 3 directly with Terminal 1. From Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 the trip takes around 8 to 10 minutes, the train runs roughly every 2 minutes and is free.
• Rail: there is no dedicated station right at Terminal 3. If you arrive by S-Bahn (regional station) or ICE (long-distance station), get off at Terminal 1 and then take the Sky Line to Terminal 3.
• Car: Terminal 3 has its own parking and a direct motorway connection in the south of the airport.
• Bus: there are also bus connections, for example as an alternative to the Sky Line.

Important when arriving by rail: allow extra time for the way from the station via the Sky Line into Terminal 3 — a few minutes more depending on operation. If you’re pressed for time, budget generously.

Transferring to or from Terminal 3

If you’re transferring at Frankfurt and have to switch between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, use the Sky Line. A few pointers:

• Allow enough time: including the walks, any repeat checks and buffer, factor in sufficient transfer time.
• Clarify your luggage: check whether your baggage is checked through or whether you have to carry it yourself.
• Follow the signs: the routes to the Sky Line are signposted; if in doubt, the information desk can help.

Practical tips

• Check the terminal on your ticket: Terminal 3 instead of the old Terminal 2 — that’s the key change.
• Be there early: a new terminal with still-settling routines — come with a buffer.
• Into the city: first take the Sky Line to Terminal 1, then the S-Bahn (S8/S9) into the centre.
• Rental car: pickup/return for Terminal 3 at the Car Rental Center in Hall J.

Conclusion

Terminal 3 is the big new addition at Frankfurt Airport and the replacement for the closed Terminal 2. If you’re flying with an international airline outside the Lufthansa world, you’ll very likely depart from here. Remember two things above all: check the terminal on your ticket, and allow enough time for the Sky Line between terminals. Then the new Terminal 3 is no cause for concern, but simply a modern, comfortable place to fly from.