Frankfurt's New Sky Line People Mover Resumes Operation
Frankfurt Airport's new Sky Line people mover has resumed operating between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 following comprehensive technical inspections, vehicle checks, and software updates that addressed the issues behind its temporary suspension.
The system is restarting with up to eight vehicles in operation, running at a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour. Siemens Mobility, responsible for the system's technical maintenance, worked closely with Fraport AG specialists to resolve the underlying problems. The shuttle bus service that replaced the people mover during the suspension has now been discontinued.
"Thanks to the technical adjustments carried out by Siemens Mobility, we're now able to ensure stable operation," said Alexander Heinrich, operations manager for the Sky Line. "We will be very closely monitoring the system during the coming days and weeks in order to commission any required additional adjustments. Despite the measures that have been taken, it still isn't possible to completely rule out occasional technical problems."
To allow for ongoing inspections and further vehicle improvements, Fraport will pause Sky Line operations nightly between 23:00 and 04:00 until further notice, with shuttle buses covering the route during that window.
The system was first taken out of service in late May after recurring technical issues emerged under increasing passenger loads that had not been anticipated during initial testing. The Sky Line links Frankfurt's three terminals along a 5.6-kilometer route and, in full operation, can carry up to 4,000 passengers per hour in each direction.