Frankfurt Airport: Lufthansa and Fraport open a test 'Gate of the Future' at A16 in Terminal 1

Lufthansa and Fraport have officially opened a redesigned departure gate at Frankfurt Airport, the so-called Gate of the Future, at gate A16 in Terminal 1, the Lufthansa Group announced on 27 October 2026. The two companies will use it to test new services in everyday operation and decide which ones could be applied at other gates and locations.

The gate has large wall monitors and 360-degree displays showing departure time, boarding status, hand luggage information and live gate changes. QR codes give direct access to self-services, including the Lufthansa app. There is no fixed counter: boarding staff move around the gate area with tablets that give them access to several boarding systems through one interface, so they can help with seat reservations, upgrades and rebookings, and announcements can be issued centrally. The waiting area has lounge-style furniture, including sofas and selected artworks, and flexible work cubes for more privacy and quiet.

Francesco Sciortino, Board Member of Lufthansa Airlines and Hub Manager Frankfurt, said the gate shows how future-proof processes can make the start of a journey more pleasant and efficient. Fraport's Chief Operating Officer, Dietmar Focke, said the aim is greater passenger comfort, optimised processes and a stronger competitive position for Frankfurt as a hub. For passengers departing from A16, the change is mainly how information and help are delivered at the gate.

The announcement does not say which flights will use gate A16, how long the trial will last or when, if at all, any of the features will be extended to other gates. Passengers should continue to follow their boarding pass, the airport displays and the Lufthansa app for their actual departure gate.