Munich Airport saw a strong growth in airfreight in 2015 with tonnage up 8.9 per cent to more than 317,000 tonnes, which is a new annual record for the gateway.

This compares with the 291,475 tonnes that the airport handled in 2014.

Munich Airport president and chief executive officer, Dr. Michael Kerkloh reiterated the need of a third runway at the Bavarian hub: “Global mobility continues to grow and all traffic forecasts indicate substantial increases.

“In Munich we are already anticipating a significant rise in the number of aircraft movements with the start of the coming summer timetable period.

“Based on slot reservations to date, we can expect an increase of about four per cent in the number of take-offs and landings in 2016. That represents 15,000 additional aircraft movements.”