Cologne Bonn Airport receives prestigious international quality rating.
First-ever audit confirms high standards in quality, comfort, and travel experience.
New security checkpoints and passenger lounges are particularly impressive.
Four stars for Cologne Bonn Airport: For the first time, the international rating organization Skytrax has audited Cologne Bonn Airport and awarded it the global “4-Star Regional Airport Rating.” The rating is based on a comprehensive, multi-day quality assessment conducted in June, during which Skytrax examined, among other things, the infrastructure, digital offerings, and service quality for travelers at every stage of their stay at the airport. Skytrax evaluates airports worldwide and, with its quality ratings, is considered one of the most important institutions in the aviation industry.
“The four-star rating is a fantastic result and an important confirmation that we are on the right track,” says Thilo Schmid, CEO of Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH. “With our ‘Next Chapter’ program, we are making targeted investments in the airport’s future viability. The rating shows that these changes are visible and noticeable. For us, this is both recognition and motivation.”
The new central security checkpoint, the modernized gate areas in Terminal 2, the digital services and offerings, and the user-friendly design of the website received particularly positive reviews. The airport’s dining options, as well as its connectivity and accessibility, were also rated as very good.
“Our goal is to continuously improve processes at the airport to make travel even easier, more comfortable, and more customer-friendly for our passengers and to steadily enhance their travel experience,” says Managing Director Cenk Özöztürk. “The Skytrax rating shows that we have succeeded in many areas – we’re very pleased about this, and it’s a great source of motivation.”
At the heart of “Next Chapter” is the entire passenger journey – from arrival through check-in and security screening to the time spent in the terminal and boarding. The program encompasses four key areas: the modernization and automation of processes, the further development of security screening, an enhanced quality of the passenger experience, and new dining, retail, and lounge offerings.
A key project is the security checkpoint equipped with modern CT technology. By the start of summer vacation, all security checkpoints will be equipped with this new technology. As a result, liquid containers holding up to two liters and electronic devices can remain in carry-on luggage. In its audit, Skytrax describes the new security checkpoint as “groundbreaking” and particularly highlights its bright, spacious design, clearly marked pathways, and well-structured processes.
The quality of the passenger experience in the terminals has also been further improved as part of the “Next Chapter” initiative. In Terminal 2, new seating and waiting areas have been created with an appealing design, numerous power outlets, plants, and an open layout. Skytrax rates the new concept as particularly successful. The design concept is inspired by the Rhine and aims to offer passengers a modern, regional, and pleasant atmosphere.
In addition, the airport has further automated and simplified the check-in and baggage drop-off processes. Among other things, passengers have access to 20 self-service baggage tagging kiosks and 16 self-service baggage drop-off counters. This offering will continue to be expanded in the future.
The dining options have also been comprehensively revamped. Together with its partner Autogrill, the airport has created 18 new restaurants and cafés featuring a variety of dining concepts. New shopping options, modernized duty-free areas, and a new lounge concept round out these enhancements.
