Lufthansa Opens Hangar One To The Public – See Two Legendary Propliners Up Close – Airport Spotting

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From 1 August 2026, Lufthansa Group’s new Hangar One visitor and conference centre at Frankfurt Airport will welcome the public for the first time, offering a fascinating journey through a century of aviation history. At its heart are two beautifully restored classic airliners: a Junkers Ju 52 and a Lockheed L-1649A Super Star, both preserved in historic Lufthansa colours.

The new attraction has been created to celebrate the Lufthansa Group’s 100th anniversary, combining aviation heritage with interactive exhibits, flight simulation and event spaces in a modern facility just minutes from one of Europe’s busiest airports.

A Century Of Lufthansa History

Spread across more than 6,000 square metres, Hangar One tells the story of both Lufthansa and commercial aviation over the past century.

Visitors can explore interactive displays covering the airline’s development from the original Deutsche Luft Hansa of the 1920s through to today’s Lufthansa Group, including its airlines, engineering, cargo operations and future sustainability ambitions. Audio guides, including a child-friendly version, are available via visitors’ smartphones. The exhibition also examines Lufthansa’s role during the National Socialist era, providing historical context alongside the company’s technological achievements.

Two Historic Airliners Take Centre Stage

For most AirportSpotting readers, however, the real stars of Hangar One will be the aircraft themselves.

Junkers Ju 52 D-AQUI

Known affectionately as “Tante Ju” (Aunt Ju), Lufthansa’s corrugated tri-motor Junkers Ju 52 represents the pioneering years of European airline travel.

Built in 1936, D-AQUI served with Lufthansa’s heritage fleet for decades before being retired in 2018. It has since undergone an extensive restoration before being dismantled, transported to Frankfurt and painstakingly reassembled inside Hangar One. During selected special events, visitors will even be able to step inside the aircraft.

Lockheed L-1649A Super Star D-ALAN

Sharing the spotlight is the magnificent Lockheed L-1649A Super Star, a variant of one of the most elegant piston-engined airliners ever built.

Although the aircraft now carries the registration D-ALAN, it actually began life with Trans World Airlines before becoming the focus of Lufthansa’s ambitious restoration programme. Originally intended to return to flying condition, the project eventually became a static restoration after costs escalated, with more than €150 million invested over many years.

Now restored to its glorious 1950s Lufthansa “Flying Crane” livery, the aircraft symbolises the airline’s rebirth after World War II and the golden age of long-range propeller-driven air travel. Visitors are expected to be able to explore its beautifully restored interior later this year, while its distinctive onboard bar is planned to become available for private events from 2027.

More Than A Museum

Hangar One is designed as much more than a traditional aviation museum.

Visitors can also enjoy:

• Interactive multimedia exhibits
• A Diamond DA42 flight simulator using the aircraft’s original cockpit
• The aviation-themed Follow-me Bar
• A shop selling exclusive Lufthansa heritage merchandise and collector’s items
• Seven conference rooms and event spaces available for hire.

Visiting Hangar One

Hangar One is located close to Frankfurt Airport, just off the A3 motorway (Airportring, Building 367).

The visitor attraction opens to the public from 1 August 2026.

Opening hours are:

• Thursday: 08:00–18:00
• Friday: 08:00–18:00
• Saturday: 10:00–16:00

Opening is subject to private event bookings.

Admission costs €8 for adults, with concessions available. Tickets can be booked in advance through the Hangar One website, and advance booking is recommended, particularly for opening weekend. The café and shop remain open throughout visiting hours.