On July 15, 2014, a decision was made to rename the airport to “Stuttgart Airport – Manfred Rommel Airport” in tribute to the former mayor of Stuttgart, Manfred Rommel, (Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH,
Serves: Stuttgart Metropolitan Region,
Location: Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Filderstadt and Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany).
The airport is managed by Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH (FSG), which traces its origins back to Luftverkehr Württemberg AG, founded in 1924, that initially operated Böblingen Airport.
Terminals.
Terminal 1 began operations in 1991 after five years of construction. This new building marked the first phase of a series of renovations and new structures, designed by architect Meinhard von Gerkan from the Hamburg firm gmp. Its functional layout is similar to that of Terminal 2 at Hamburg Airport, which was also designed by gmp. The goal was to create an airport with short distances and easy navigation. The architecture of the building has been widely praised and earned the German Steel Construction Prize in 1992. One of its most notable features is the distinctive supports that hold up the roof, which branch out multiple times, resembling trees—a design choice made by Gerkan, inspired by the prevalence of forests in Baden-Württemberg.
Terminal 1 West.
Terminal 1 West, also known as Terminal 0, was opened in 1998 to alleviate congestion during peak times. It includes nine check-in counters, while departures and arrivals are managed through the other terminals. Since the summer flight schedule of 2019, Terminal 1 West has been utilized by Laudamotion. Additionally, a security checkpoint dedicated to Terminal 1 West was established at the western end of the Terminal 1 gate area.
Terminal 2.
Terminal 2 was constructed between 1991 and 1993, drawing inspiration from the already completed Terminal 1, which it connects to via a narrow glass hall. This terminal features nine check-in counters, accommodating around 300,000 passengers annually. Notably, Terminal 2 lacks its own gates; instead, departures and arrivals are managed through Terminals 1 and 3. In addition to the standard security checkpoint, a fast lane is offered for passengers in specific booking classes or those with frequent flyer status. Since 2014, airlines such as Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and Swiss International Airlines have operated from Terminal 2.
Terminal 3.
The current Terminal 3 was built between 2000 and 2004, with architectural design influenced by the recently opened Terminal 1, also created by architect Meinard von Gerkan. However, due to evolving airport requirements, this terminal features a larger retail and catering space compared to Terminal 1. The terminal consists of a 190 × 40 meter airport hall that includes technical areas, as well as arrival and departure levels, which are complemented by a crossbar housing waiting rooms and restaurants on the air side. On Level 2, which connects to Terminal 1, passengers can find arrival facilities, baggage claim, and five gates for boarding apron buses.
Terminal 4.
Between January 1999 and April 2000, a former aircraft hangar built in 1955 was transformed into Terminal 4. This new facility was mainly created to ease congestion at Terminal 1 while Terminal 3 underwent renovations, focusing primarily on charter flights. On level 2, there are 17 check-in counters and 22 gates for boarding apron buses located in an extension at the front. Passenger arrival facilities are also situated on this level, with baggage claim located on Level 3.Terminal 4 accommodates around 340,000 departing passengers and 270,000 arriving passengers annually, with a design capacity for approximately two to three million passengers each year. It primarily serves flights to Turkey and caters to ethnic traffic. In the medium term, plans are in place to replace the building with a new structure.
General Aviation Terminal.
The General Aviation Terminal from the air
A dedicated terminal, constructed in 1998, is available for general aviation, particularly business aviation, as well as for pilots and passengers of private aircraft. Operated by Kurz Aviation Service GmbH, the terminal features conference rooms, lounges, and relaxation areas, along with two hangars that can accommodate up to 42 aircraft. It is home to the Aero-Beta and FFH flight schools, along with several other aviation companies. The design of the building aims to evoke the early days of aviation, featuring corrugated iron cladding, and it received an architecture award for “exemplary building” in the Esslingen district in 2001.