Vilnius Airport announces tender for new passenger terminal contract

Credit: Vilnius Airport

Vilnius Airport (VNO), which is a part of the Lithuanian Airport network, has launched an international public call for tenders as it begins looking for a contractor to construct a new module of a passenger departures terminal in the northern part of the airport. After the construction of this terminal with an area of 14.4 thousand square metres is complete, the total area of all passenger terminals at Vilnius Airport will increase by a third, and passenger throughput will double – from 1,200 passengers per hour to 2,400.

The reconstruction of the ground accessibility system in front of Vilnius Airport will be carried out simultaneously with the construction of the new terminal: the engineering networks will be renovated, the pavement will be replaced, and a new much more efficient transport scheme will be developed. Vilnius Airport has already launched a public call for tenders for the implementation of all these works and is currently looking for the most suitable partner.

Credit: Vilnius Airport

Arnas Dūmanas, Head of Project Management at Lithuanian Airports, commented on the conditions of the public tender procedure that has been announced, “The new building will be of A ++ energy class. Sustainable construction leads to better operational parameters, greater long-term returns, responsible approach to the environment and human health. Our goal is to ensure that the new terminal building is BREEAM Good certified. The airport is an unconventional place that requires special safety and attention. For this reason, the relevant conditions are set for the construction contractor. It will be necessary to ensure, during the construction, the uninterrupted operation of the current terminal and of the infrastructure and appropriate comfort of the passengers. The construction quality and deadlines are among the essential objectives of the project. Therefore, we aim to create competitive conditions for the selection of the market professionals and to ensure the participation of experienced engineering personnel in the organisation and supervision of the construction work.”

The new passenger departures terminal will sit between the existing departures and the VIP Terminal and Conference centre.

The new building will be two-storied. On its ground floor, there will be a passenger check-in area with a self-service zone where passengers will be able to check in independently both themselves and their luggage for the flight. The building will also be equipped with common public spaces, cafes and other commercial areas, and airline offices.

Credit: Vilnius Airport

Technical areas, such as luggage screening and sorting facilities, rooms for engineering systems are being designed in the eastern part of the building. The latest, most modern equipment will be installed. A cosy aviation security screening area, as well as departure and arrival gates for Schengen passengers are planned to be situated on the second floor. The new terminal will be connected to the existing passenger terminal by a spacious walkway, which will ensure comfortable connection between the terminals. The new terminal will also have two new airbridges, through which it will be possible to board passengers directly onto the planes.

It is said that the exact amount of investment required to implement the project will be known after the end of the procurement procedure.

Credit: Vilnius Airport

According to Dainius Čiuplys, Head of Operations and Infrastructure at Lithuanian Airports, the construction of the new terminal is one of the stages in the reconstruction of the airport, which is necessary in order to accommodate the growing passenger flows, improve passenger experience, and increase the capacity of the airport.

“Already before the COVID-19 pandemic, Vilnius Airport had reached its capacity limits. Therefore, this development is very important both for us and the passengers. The new terminal will expand the operational and technological possibilities of the airport, which are related to the direct activities, and will allow to increase the range of non-aviation services. In the longer term, we will be able to easily initiate qualitative changes and introduce new enhancements in the existing terminal,” said Čiuplys.

Vilnius Airport plans to select a contractor for the construction of a new terminal through the international public tender procedure by the middle of 2022 and to start works immediately.

After works are complete, passengers could be welcomed into the new terminal as early as H2 2024.