Airports have become much more than transit points. They are intricate ecosystems where technology, safety, sustainability, and customer experience intersect. As the sector evolves, airport operations must balance efficiency with environmental responsibility and resilience. This continuous transformation challenges established processes but also opens up exciting possibilities for innovation and learning.

On 17 November 2025, our enthusiastic students from the course “Airport Management” had the chance to experience these dynamics first-hand during an exclusive visit to Frankfurt (Main) Airport. Guided by visiting lecturer Michaela Schultheiß-Münch and her colleague from the visitor service, and our research associate Ren Kajiyama, they explored one of Europe’s busiest hubs from behind the scenes, discovering what truly keeps such a massive system running.

From bustling terminals to the choreography of take-offs and landings, every moment offered valuable insights into the precision and coordination that define modern airport management. A particular highlight? The visit to the cargo section, where students learned how aircraft maintenance, loading procedures, and logistics come together to ensure smooth global connectivity.