Vilnius Airport opens new passenger departure terminal: pictures

Airport Vilnius Airport new passenger departure terminal
AeroTime

Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) has opened a new passenger departure terminal at Vilnius Airport (VNO). 

Infrastructure development and modernization are set to help achieve new records and strategic goals, allowing the airport to serve twice as many travelers, Vilnius Airport representatives announced in a statement. Lithuanian Airports reported that 6.6 million passengers were served in 2024. 

The new terminal officially opened on February 4, 2025, at 09:00 local time in the presence of President of Parliament Saulius Skvernelis, Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, Minister of Transport and Communications Eugenijus Sabutis, Mayor of Vilnius Valdas Benkunskas, and CEO of Lithuanian Airports Simonas Bartkus. 

During the opening ceremony, Bartkus highlighted that the unique design of the departure terminal has provided valuable lessons for the future growth of Vilnius Airport. 

“A more spacious, brighter and doubly permeable departures terminal mark a new technological milestone: for the first time in the history of airports, dozens of new systems – from self-service innovations to safety and risk management solutions – have been integrated to minimize the possibility of human error,” Bartkus said. 

Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas said that in the past year, the country has collaborated with partners on a flight promotion program to help more travelers “discover and experience Vilnius”. 

“This experience includes many aspects, from easy transport options to interesting sights, but for many international travelers, it begins and ends at the airport,” Benkunskas added. “I have no doubt that the new departure terminal will ensure that the experience of getting to know Vilnius right up to their departure, and that everyone leaves with the idea of returning here again.” 

Features of the new terminal 

The first flights already took off from the new terminal on the opening day. The departure terminal covers an area of 14,400 square meters. The ground floor has a check-in area with self-service baggage claim, public spaces, cafes, and airline offices. The second-floor features security screening and gates for Schengen travelers. 

The terminal includes two new telescopic jet bridges, allowing passengers to board their flights directly. Additionally, it is linked to the old terminal by a large gallery, making transfers between the two easier.  

In 2024, the transport access in front of Vilnius Airport was improved during the terminal’s construction. Upgrades were made to engineering systems, the pavement was renewed, and shelters for passengers and vehicles were added. The traffic layout was simplified for better traffic flow. 

Bartkus added that renovation of the remaining old terminals is set to begin in the summer of 2025. The renovation is expected to continue until the end of 2026. Meanwhile, the planning and construction process for the new arrivals terminal is expected to start at the end of 2028. 

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