September 15, 2025, 3:31 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Frankfurt Airport plans to open a new terminal in spring 2026. Preparations at Germany’s largest airport are already in full swing–and now require the support of test passengers to go through the entire airport process. TRAVELBOOK reveals the current status of the new terminal and how interested “extras” can apply.
According to a press release from “Fraport AG,” the operator of Frankfurt Airport wants to find around 8,000 people to start trial operations for the new Terminal 3. The tests are set to begin in January 2026, with plans to open the terminal after the Easter holidays in 2026. So, anyone who wants to be part of Frankfurt Airport’s history now has the chance as a test person.
Test Passengers Wanted
The trial operation is scheduled to take place between January 27 and April 16, 2026. The organization “Ucm” (uCastMe GmbH) provides support with a nationwide talent pool for planning and management on-site. Test participants will go through the complete travel chain process: starting with arrival via the new Sky-Line train or by car, to check-in, security control, and boarding. Arrival and transfer experiences of incoming passengers will also be tested. Special situations are also a focus, such as terminal evacuation or a system failure of the baggage conveyor system.
The test days will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a maximum of 200 to 1,000 people per day. Participants can take part in up to two dates throughout the entire period. Up to 200 Fraport employees, service providers, and authorities will also be on-site.
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Registration Now Open
Those who wish to apply can do so online directly at “Ucm.” After registration, each participant is noted and then selected based on a set criteria catalog. The criteria take into account the passenger demographics of the entire Frankfurt Airport, as the selection of participants should be as diverse as possible. Once selected, further information about the trial days will follow. A feedback form is to be completed afterward.
As “Aerotelegraph” reports in an interview with a Fraport spokesperson, the compensation for each test person is 13.90 euros per hour. For a five- to six-hour assignment, the amount is between 69.50 and 83.40 euros. Meals on-site are also provided.
Terminal 3 in Final Construction Phase
The parking garage with 8,500 spaces and the G, H, and J gates are already completed in the terminal. The newly built Sky-Line train is expected to transport passengers to the terminal at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. The focus is now on completing technical systems in the main terminal building, including tests of fire alarm systems, smoke extraction, and evacuation systems.
Stefan Schulte, chairman of Fraport AG, emphasizes the importance of the test procedures: “The start of registration for trial operations with external test passengers marks another important milestone toward the opening of our new Terminal 3.” The test operation is part of the so-called ORAT process (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer), which mandates a general rehearsal before the opening of a new building.