Nuremberg Airport is preparing for a massive increase in passenger numbers during the upcoming Toy Fair, which will take place from January 27 to 31, 2026. As the world's leading trade fair expects to attract trade visitors from over 60 countries, leading airlines have significantly increased their capacity and flight frequencies to Nuremberg. Lufthansa is increasing its connections to its Frankfurt hub to 32 weekly flights, deploying more Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft to meet the higher demand. Air France is expanding its service to 24 weekly rotations to Paris, offering improved connecting options, particularly for international passengers.
A particular logistical highlight is the deployment of wide-body aircraft by Turkish Airlines. The airline will operate the route to Istanbul twice during the trade fair using the Airbus A330-300. This deployment offers not only significantly higher seating capacity but also a more comfortable travel experience for overseas attendees. Further research into the airport's operations reveals that ground handling services have also been reinforced to ensure the smooth processing of trade visitors. Spielwarenmesse eG and the airport are working closely together to maintain the attractiveness of the location through exclusive discounts and coordinated flight schedules.
The economic importance of the trade fair is also reflected in the advertising presence at the airport. Well-known toy manufacturers have rented extensive advertising space, from baggage claim to the exterior areas, to reach industry representatives upon arrival. Airport CEO Dr. Michael Hupe pointed out that the trade fair week is one of the busiest periods of the year for the airport. The airport's excellent infrastructure connection to the exhibition center remains a significant competitive advantage: Visitors can reach the grounds quickly via the U2 subway line and a transfer to the U1, increasing efficiency for business travelers.
Industry experts emphasize that the Nuremberg Toy Fair aims to return to its international visitor record levels after overcoming the challenges of previous years. The cooperation with Turkish Airlines as a strategic partner underscores its global focus, as Istanbul serves as a key hub for visitors from Asia and the Middle East. The Nuremberg Toy Fair organizers anticipate strong participation from market leaders and numerous startups, transforming Nuremberg into the center of the global toy industry for five days.