Munich is only airport in Europe to receive five-star rating

‘I consider it particularly remarkable that we were able to maintain our high standards despite the many restrictions imposed by the pandemic,’ says airport chief

Munich airport (Getty Images)

Munich Airport is the only airport in Europe to have been awarded a five-star rating.

The German air transport hub maintained its top tier status for 2020 after an extensive audit by Skytrax, which presides over the World Airline and Airport Star Rating programme.

Germany’s second-largest airport was the first European airport to be awarded the top rating in 2015.

There are currently only six other five-star airports in the world, most of which are in Asia, according to Skytrax’s ratings.

These are Doha Hamad International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Seoul Incheon International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport and Tokyo Haneda Airport.

“This is a great and motivating signal in a difficult time,” said Jost Lammers, CEO of Flughafen München GmbH.  

“I consider it particularly remarkable that we were able to maintain our high standards despite the many restrictions imposed by the pandemic.  

“The fact that we will remain a five-star airport in the future strengthens our resolve to overcome the current crisis together as an airport community. Certainly there will be a time after the pandemic crisis and I am confident that our hub will then be able to build on the successes of previous years.”

According to Skytrax, Munich had not only maintained its high standards this year, but had even managed to extend them.

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: “Munich Airport has set new standards in the European airport landscape with the renewed confirmation of this seal of approval.  

“Munich Airport has not rested on its awards, but with many attractive innovations has ensured that passengers have an even more pleasant stay at Munich Airport. It is easy to see at this airport that the cooperation between all the partners on campus works perfectly well”.

The Airport Ratings are based on front-line airport products and services, with criteria including process efficiency, the comfort and cleanliness of the terminal, passenger facilities and staff service.  

Service ratings covers both official staff (immigration, police, security and customs) and general airport staff (shops, restaurants and cafes, help counters etc.).

Munich Airport was commended for its new lounges in Terminal 1, the redesigned arrivals area in Terminal 2, the upgraded security checkpoint in Terminal 2, the user-friendly online booking platform for parking customers, and Munich Airport’s new website, which was launched in 2017.