Preparations for the works lasted several years, but within 10 months, during which two contractor companies carried out demolition works, the areas in the northern and southern parts of Kaunas Airport were developed — 73 old buildings were demolished. All of them were military structures built in the Soviet era and completely abandoned; they were a public health hazard, harmful to the environment, had no function or had not been adapted for any other purposes.
According to Dainius Čiuplys, Head of the Operations and Infrastructure Department of Lithuanian Airports, it was necessary to carry out demolition works primarily for the safety of the community: abandoned buildings were a source of danger and visiting them was prohibited due to security requirements. The site management project was implemented in accordance with the principles of efficient asset management and public benefit creation. After development of the abandoned area, its infrastructure became more adapted to the establishment of businesses.
“To provide these territories with a second life, adaptation of appropriate infrastructure was essential. We have no doubt that the developed land area will serve a variety of companies and business representatives with an interest in establishing themselves in the attractive airport access location. The services they provide would benefit not only the people living in the surrounding area, but also create added value for the entire region of Kaunas,” said Mr Čiuplys.
The local communities also looked forward to the area management project near Kaunas Airport; representatives of the airport meet periodically with them and discuss plans for the development of the airport and the surrounding area.
About Lithuanian Airports
The network of Lithuanian airports includes three air gates in Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga. In 2020, Lithuanian airports served 1.8 million passengers and 30 thousand flights.
