Fraport provides assistance program for transit passengers during the suspension of flights

Fraport AG, the owner and manager of FRA, has implemented a comprehensive special assistance program to cater to the needs of passengers stranded in the airport's transit area: approximately 500 passengers still (as of Monday afternoon). The range of hot and cold food and drinks offered from the onset has been expanded to include vegetarian as well as Asian and African meals. International English, French, Russian and Arab language TV programs are being provided via monitors at the departure gates.

Street artists have been hired to entertain the children. Even drawing and painting kits and toys have been distributed to keep the kids busy. Thanks to a non-bureaucratic agreement reached with the authorities passengers are allowed to leave the transit area to get some fresh air and enjoy the sunny high pressure weather which has been keeping the volcanic ash over Europe. Fraport has set up tables and chairs outside the terminal so passengers can stay outdoors. Furthermore, transit passengers can take a shuttle bus to FRA's gym where they will find additional shower facilities. Towels and underwear are being provided. Whenever necessary, extra clothes are being made available. Fraport's popular Airport Bus Tours are being offered to transit passengers who want to get a behind-the-scenes look at Europe's leading transfer hub where more than 50 percent of all passengers connect to other flights.

With the closure of airspace and the resulting shutdown of flight traffic, Fraport is taking the opportunity to carry out more ongoing maintenance work at the airport. Fraport can now intensify maintenance that usually is only done during night-time hours or that is otherwise difficult to organize during busy operations. Examples include FRA's baggage conveyor system - with approximately 73 kilometers of guide ways - and automotive passenger steps for aircraft boarding.

DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, the German Air Navigation Services company, is responsible for German airspace under the authority of the German Ministry of Transport. For updates on the status of the flight restrictions at FRA and other German airports due to the volcanic ash situation, please visit their Web site at: www.dfs.de.

The Frankfurt Airport Web site has further useful information for passengers: www.frankfurt-airport.com.