At the beginning of the week, the first construction fences were erected, whereas on Wednesday, reconstruction of the central zone of the departures terminal officially began. During reconstruction, old partitions, floors, and escalators will be disassembled. New flooring, engineering systems, partitions, and elevators will be installed while a passport-checking area is set for renewal and expansion. Moreover, additional space will become available for shops and cafés.
Construction company “Irdaiva” will take on this task in the next couple of months. Previously, the company built a fire-fighting station at the capital’s airport and renovated its toilets last year. During the reconstruction period, the airport’s shops and restaurants will continue to work as usual.
“Following the launch of reconstruction works, passenger movement course towards the A7-A10 gates facilitating the non-Schengen flights will be adjusted. From now on, the gates will be accessible through the five temporary checkpoints of the State Border Guard Service, located near the Narvesen bookstore.
In addition, access to the terminal’s second floor has changed. The entrance to the Airport Business Club, Heineken Bar, and EXPO Centre will now be located on the left side of the Aviation Security Check Area. Heineken bar can also be reached by stairs located in front of Gate A11,” states Indrė Baltrušaitienė, Head of Communications at Lithuanian Airports.
She also added that passengers should find it easier to follow the newest developments with the help of information boards placed throughout the airport. “We ask passengers to stay attentive and follow the signs. In case they are any questions, they should not hesitate to ask the airport staff that is always ready to help and answer any questions. We apologise for any temporary inconvenience,” added Indrė Baltrušaitienė.
These first steps mark the beginning of a four-year-long reconstruction period of the Vilnius Airport. In addition to the reconstruction of the central area of departures terminal that is already underway, it is also planned to reconstruct the airport apron and taxiways, reorganise the airport’s infrastructure, and reconstruct other areas of the passenger terminal. Following the reconstruction in Lithuania’s largest airport, customer service level and the terminal’s functionality will improve, while passengers will enjoy a departures terminal renewed in accordance with the latest modern trends.
About Vilnius Airport
Vilnius Airport belongs to the Lithuanian airport network that manages three airports in Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga. During 2017, they serviced 5.2 million passengers and 55 thousand flights. During the winter season, 15 airlines organize flights in 65 directions to 56 cities in 26 countries. Based on data of the Airports Council International (ACI Europe), Lithuanian Airports contribute to the Lithuania’s GDP by 2.5 percent.
