New departures terminal at Vilnius Airport opens, doubling capacity and enhancing passenger experience

Credit: Vilnius International Airport

Vilnius Airport (VNO) has officially opened its new departures terminal, significantly increasing capacity and improving Lithuania’s connectivity. The development marks a technological breakthrough for VNO, doubling the airport’s ability to serve passengers.

During the opening ceremony, top officials celebrated the milestone. Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas stated:

“As passenger flows grow, along with the need for a more convenient and modern departure terminal, Vilnius Airport is evolving to meet these expectations, focusing on an overall improved and higher-quality travel experience. This is just the beginning of major changes, the benefits and convenience of which will soon be evident to everyone passing through Lithuania’s main air gateway.”

Minister of Transport and Communications Eugenijus Sabutis highlighted the project’s significance:

“The opening of the new departure terminal is a historic day for Lithuanian aviation. It is also a natural response to the rapidly increasing passenger flows and the ever-growing expectations of society.”

A new era for Lithuanian aviation

VNO’s CEO Simonas Bartkus emphasised the project’s importance in setting new industry standards:

“By providing passengers with a higher level of comfort, we are also enhancing competencies of our teams and raising service and air travel standards.”

The new terminal introduces advanced systems, including self-service innovations and enhanced safety measures, streamlining operations and reducing human error. It is expected to foster partnerships with airlines and strengthen Vilnius’ position as a travel hub.

Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas underscored the airport’s role in shaping visitors’ perceptions:

“I have no doubt that the new departure terminal will ensure that the experience of Vilnius remains modern, welcoming, and comfortable until the very last moment, leaving every visitor with the thought of returning.”

Key features and future plans

Spanning 14,400 square metres, the two-storey terminal includes check-in areas, self-service baggage drop-off stations, cafés, airline offices, security screening, and boarding gates. It also features two new passenger boarding bridges and is seamlessly connected to the old terminal.

Infrastructure improvements include upgraded road surfaces, modernised engineering networks, and an improved traffic system to enhance accessibility.

Future projects include the redevelopment of old terminals from summer 2024 to expand commercial services, set for completion by 2026. Additionally, a new arrivals terminal is planned, with completion expected by 2028.