This article is based on interviews with:

• Fritz Oswald — SVP, IT Infrastructure, Fraport AG
• Parm Sandhu — VP, Enterprise 5G, Edge Products & Services, NTT DATA
• Bernhard Kretschmer — CEO, Country Manager, NTT Germany AG

Why Fraport Needed Private 5G

Frankfurt Airport, operated by Fraport AG, faced significant limitations with its legacy connectivity infrastructure. Traditional cable-based connections were expensive to deploy across the airport’s expansive apron. Wi-Fi struggled with consistent coverage in dynamic environments, particularly near aircraft during ground operations. Meanwhile, public mobile networks — due to shared bandwidth and proximity to the highway — proved unreliable during periods of heavy traffic.

These issues impacted operational performance, prompting Fraport to seek a more controlled, scalable, and cost-effective solution. The introduction of licensed spectrum for private 5G in Germany opened the door to building an independent network — one that would give Fraport full control over data, devices, and connectivity performance.

The move was both tactical and strategic: in the short term, it helped eliminate the need for public telco SIM cards and reduce operational costs. In the long term, it supported Fraport’s broader vision of a fully connected airport where systems can exchange data reliably and in real time.

Designing a Secure, Scalable Network

Fraport’s 5G network design began with an initial architecture that included a Microsoft core and deployment partner Antius. However, following Microsoft’s exit from the private 5G space, the team pivoted to a solution built around Nokia.

The current deployment uses Nokia’s core and antennas as the backbone of the network, complemented by Cisco infrastructure. According to NTT, this configuration delivers high availability, strong performance, and easy manageability — all critical for airport operations where uptime is non-negotiable.

The Nokia MPW core also integrates seamlessly into Fraport’s enterprise IT landscape, supporting high bandwidth demands and future expansion.

This is one of the largest private 5G networks deployed globally, offering wide-area radio coverage across the airport’s sprawling layout. The architecture supports both current and emerging use cases — from real-time video to autonomous systems.

A Lifecycle Approach to Partnership

Fraport chose to maintain full operational control of its 5G network from day one, defining a model that excluded reliance on public network slicing or vendor-locked hardware. After evaluating several options, Fraport partnered with NTT due to its ability to combine global 5G deployment experience with local expertise in Frankfurt.

NTT took a vendor-neutral approach, guiding Fraport through architectural decisions and vendor changes. The collaboration emphasized trust, adaptability, and shared strategic goals. As a systems integrator, NTT also helped Fraport identify and prioritize the use cases that would offer the highest return on investment.

The teams co-developed a scalable solution with both operational independence and future-readiness in mind, using airport-specific experience from other global deployments, including in Japan.

Operational Improvements from the Initial Rollout

Even in the early phases of deployment, Fraport began seeing benefits across multiple dimensions:

• Cost Reduction: 5G-enabled surveillance cameras were installed in areas where cabling was too expensive or impractical. In vehicle fleets, multiple public SIMs were replaced with a single 5G router, simplifying management and cutting connectivity costs.
• Innovation: Early pilots demonstrated the potential of robotics, drones, and autonomous ground vehicles connected over 5G — helping build momentum internally and externally.
• Partner Engagement: Fraport’s vision extended beyond internal operations. The private network was designed to benefit the broader airport community, including airlines and ground handlers. Notably, Lufthansa has started using 5G-connected cameras for engine maintenance, highlighting the network’s immediate operational impact.
• Modernized Communication: The team tested and successfully integrated push-to-talk features into the 5G environment, allowing seamless communication between smart devices and existing radio systems.

Selecting the Right Use Cases for 5G

Fraport operates multiple communication technologies — including LoRaWAN for low-bandwidth IoT devices, cable networks, and Wi-Fi — so determining where 5G added distinct value was critical. The biggest opportunity was found in mobile applications. From autonomous vehicles to logistics robots, the airport needed a low-latency, highly stable connection that could support device movement across complex environments.

To support this, Fraport extended 5G coverage across the entire apron, major vehicle halls, and underground tunnels. Indoor areas, where movement is limited and Wi-Fi performs well, were left out of the initial 5G scope. This targeted approach ensures that 5G is applied where it delivers the most value: in fast-moving, safety-critical environments where other technologies fall short.

Enhancing Use Cases with AI and Edge Computing

Fraport’s vision of a connected airport extends beyond connectivity. The organization is combining private 5G with Edge Computing and AI to build a real-time operational environment. This architecture supports emerging use cases like predictive maintenance, perimeter security, and automated safety inspections — all powered by real-time analytics at the edge.

Autonomous vehicles, for instance, rely not just on connectivity but also on constant decision-making. Rather than equipping each unit with expensive sensors and complex hardware, Fraport uses existing systems — including computer vision and monitoring data — to feed intelligence to these connected devices. The goal is to create smart, data-driven systems without duplicating infrastructure or adding unnecessary complexity.

Delivering Value for Airport Partners

From the start, Fraport designed the network to benefit tenants and service partners, not just internal departments. Ground handling companies and airlines are being engaged to develop new use cases and integrate their operations into the private 5G infrastructure.

One compelling use case under evaluation is aircraft data offloading. By equipping aircraft with private 5G SIM cards, airlines could start transferring flight data as soon as the aircraft lands — and continue until it departs. This would drastically improve turnaround efficiency and enable real-time maintenance workflows.

However, this requires global collaboration. A private 5G roaming framework across airports would enable consistent connectivity no matter where an aircraft lands. Lufthansa, among others, has expressed interest in such a capability.

A Blueprint for the Smart Airport of the Future

Globally, private 5G adoption in airports is accelerating. Through international collaboration forums like ACI, airport CIOs are sharing knowledge and developing common frameworks. NTT is already working on global PLMN ID models to enable SIM interoperability across airports. Meanwhile, the ecosystem of private 5G-ready devices is expanding rapidly — from surveillance cameras to autonomous baggage carts.

Beyond operational efficiency, private 5G could also unlock new revenue streams for airports. Connected services in retail, parking, and security are all areas where enhanced connectivity could lead to value-added offerings. By investing in a purpose-built private 5G network, Fraport is laying the foundation for a smarter, safer, and more efficient airport — not just for its own operations, but for the entire ecosystem that supports global aviation.