Terminal 2 at Germany's largest airport in Frankfurt was shuttered on Tuesday for an extensive multi-year refurbishment.
Operator Fraport is taking the facility out of service for renovation work, months after the opening of the airport's new Terminal 3.
"After more than 30 years of intensive use, Terminal 2 is in urgent need of refurbishment," the company said.
The terminal is forecast to reopen in the mid-2030s with a capacity of more than 10 million passengers per year.
Fraport estimates the investment at €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion).
"The modernized Terminal 2 will be a central component of our future hub system – with modern processes, high flexibility and a significantly improved travel experience for our guests," said Pierre Dominique Prümm, a member of Fraport’s executive board.
The main construction work is scheduled for 2030, with preparations and detailed construction planning under way in the intervening years.
Security-related systems and the building’s technical equipment are to be completely renewed. In addition, the infrastructure will be overhauled, including lifts and escalators as well as sanitary and office areas.
Fraport also intends to optimize security processes with centralized checks, more efficient passenger flow management and more flexible use of retail spaces.
The airlines previously based in Terminal 2 have already gradually moved to the new Terminal 3. However, certain key infrastructure areas have remained in operation, such as the baggage handling system, the underground car park and the Skyline station.
