Frankfurt passenger numbers increase

Frankfurt airport, one of Germany's major travel hubs, has handled more passengers so far this year than in 2006.

Airport operator Fraport, which runs Frankfurt airport, Germany's busiest travel hub, has said that its key indicators for the period from January to September this year point to continued growth.

Despite capacity constraints at Frankfurt, passenger figures climbed by 2.1 per cent in the first nine months of this year compared to the same period of 2006.

Fraport's profit increased by nine per cent this year and the group raised its forecasts for 2007 accordingly.

Dr Wilhelm Bender, chairman of Fraport's executive board, said that passenger figures are expected to increase by around two per cent this year compared to 2006, despite the strong positive effect of the World Cup last year.

"We continue to see the group developing very positively for the entire 2007 year," Dr Bender said.

The chairman also said that Fraport has achieved success in modernising and expanding its operation at Frankfurt this year, with five A380-compatible docking areas and superjumbo gates now in place at the airport.

In the next few weeks, preparations will begin for construction of pier A0 at Frankfurt's first terminal, which will provide capacity for another six million passengers per year by the end of 2011.

Airport Lounges - Escape the hustle and bustle of the Airport Terminal and relax in first class comfort for up to three hours before your flight.