Munich Airport officially launched the Oktoberfest season with Bavarian Minister of State Michaela Kaniber, Airport CEO Jost Lammers, and Lufthansa Hub Manager Heiko Reitz. Festivities at Terminal 2 featured traditional costume groups and Lufthansa’s famous traditional costume crew, setting the tone for the 190th Wiesn.

This year, the Lufthansa traditional costume crew will operate flights to Shanghai (Sept 20) and Seoul (Sept 29), alongside several European destinations. The tradition, first revived in 2006, dates back to 1957 and has since reached over 30 destinations worldwide. During Oktoberfest, Lufthansa offers Bavarian specialties in business class and lounges.

Over the 16-day festival, Munich Airport expects around 16,000 takeoffs and landings, handling 2.3 million passengers—a 4% increase from last year. Visitors are advised to allow extra time for travel formalities.

Guests arriving at Terminal 2 will be welcomed with gingerbread hearts and roasted almonds, while traditional costume groups perform both landside and airside. Pop-up shops from Trachtendealer and Bavarian Caps will offer festive items, and Airbräu will host weekend celebrations featuring live music and the 20th tapping of its festival beer Gaudium from September 20.