Vilnius International Airport in Lithuania is undergoing a major expansion, including the construction of a new departure terminal to serve increasing passenger traffic.
The airport is expected to handle approximately ten million passengers by 2030. The primary goal of the project is to expand capacity to serve the increasing number of passengers while introducing new technologies.
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The construction of the new departure terminal began in February 2023 and the terminal is expected to commence operations in February 2025.
The expansion project will contribute to a smoother travel experience and increased efficiency in airport operations. It will meet the projected growth in passenger numbers as the airport will serve new destinations, including Zaporizhia, Yerevan, Hamburg, Zurich, Gothenburg, Dubrovnik and Rijeka.
The new departure terminal will be A++ energy class and internationally “BREEAM Good” certified. It will be the most advanced not just in the Lithuanian Airports’ network, but also in the entire Baltic area.
Vilnius International Airport expansion details
The new departure terminal at Vilnius International Airport will be a two-storey building spread over 14,400m² of space and feature two new airbridges.
The total area of the terminal is expected to increase by 33% and the handling capacity will grow from 1,200 passengers per hour to 2,400 upon completion of the expansion project.
The terminal will be situated between the existing passenger terminal and a new VIP terminal under construction. It will feature engineering systems, baggage screening and sorting at the centre of the building.
A self-service check-in area for passengers will be created on the ground floor. The building will also feature shared public spaces, cafes, airline offices and other commercial areas.
The second floor of the departure terminal will be equipped with a security screening area and a departure gate to serve passengers from the Schengen area. A spacious walkway will connect the new terminal to the existing passenger terminal.
The expansion project will also involve the reorganisation of transport access to the airport at the front end. It will include the upgrade of engineering networks, replacement of pavements, development of improved transport scheme, and installation of canopies.
Sustainable features at Vilnius Airport
Up to 35% of the terminal building’s exteriors will include transparent glass, which will allow natural light and heat into the building thereby reducing energy consumption.
The opaque portions of the building will feature high thermal resistance lumber that will trap heat and reduce the energy required to keep the building warm.
The new terminal at Vilnius will be equipped with solar power plant modules that will provide up to 30% of the new terminal’s electricity needs.
The 488kW double-acting solar power plant module system will cover an area of approximately 5,000m², which is approximately 70% of the terminal roof area. The installation works for the solar power plant modules are planned to be carried out between May and August 2024.
The terminal roof will also be covered by white roofing to reduce heat absorption and allow the cooling systems of the indoor premises to work more effectively.
Contractors involved
Lithuanian construction company Eikos Statyba was selected to construct the new terminal with a contract valued at $45.1m. The company was also responsible for building the VIP terminal at the airport.
Civinity Engineering, an engineering system design and installation company, was contracted by Eikos Statyba to install heating, sewage, plumbing, cooling and ventilation systems at the new terminal.
The architectural design for the new terminal was provided by Vilniaus Architekturos Studija, who also designed the underground area of the VIP building.
