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Welcome to Lithuanian Airports newsletter with the overview of the most important news from the last quarter of 2023 and annual statistics.

Aviation flows of the Lithuanian Airports were on the rise in 2023: more than 6 million passengers were serviced

The Lithuanian Airports serviced more than 6 million passengers within the year 2023, i.e. even 12 percent more than in the year 2022. It is recorded that the number of flights also increased in 2023: it was 4.5 percent higher than in the previous year and exceeded 53 thousand.

“If we compare not the total number but passenger flows particularly to western countries in 2023 with those taken to the same destination in 2019: we have already surpassed scope before pandemic. 

The general image of aviation in our region has strongly changed in previous several years; flights to the eastern destinations are not conducted, so it is now difficult to compare situation in the previous year with, for instance, situation in 2019 and its total indices. In summary, the rate of growth is really seen and will only become stronger in 2024”, Tomas Zitikis, the Route Development Manager of the Lithuanian Airports, says.

Lithuanian Airports has outlined a visionary roadmap - master plans for infrastructure development extending until 2052

These plans have been crafted in collaboration with international expert team from Royal HaskoningDHV (NACO) company.

The expert team, leveraging data from diverse business and aviation sectors, conducted a thorough analysis. They modeled various scenarios, considering the distinctive strengths and potential challenges inherent in Lithuanian airports. The objective is to proactively address challenges, thereby unlocking new vistas for the advancement of both aviation and non-aviation operations.

The immediate focus of the plans centers on overcoming existing airports' infrastructure constraints. This initiative aims to elevate the network's annual passenger capacity to 10 million by 2030.

Master plans aim to expand the airports' abilities to handle 17 million passengers across all three Lithuanian Airports by 2052. This strategic vision is designed to keep up with the changing trends in the aviation industry.

The master plan for Vilnius Airport (VNO) can be viewed and accessed here: Vilnius airport Master plan.

Kaunas Airport Passenger Terminal Expansion: Construction Set to Begin in Early 2024

Lithuanian Airports has signed a contract with INFES, which has won a public tender and will carry out the expansion of the Kaunas Airport passenger terminal. The contractor is expected to start work in the first quarter of 2024 and finish in mid-2025.

"Kaunas Airport is demonstrating very strong passenger growth rates that far exceed the design capacity of the existing terminal building, so expansion is essential. The expanded terminal will be able to handle twice as many passengers - around 2 million travelers per year in total. This will respond to current travel trends and future growth prospects. Passengers will have more space and more technological advances, which means faster procedures and more comfortable waiting for flights," says Arnas Dūmanas, Director of the Development Department of Lithuanian Airports.

Kaunas Airport Takes the Lead Among Baltic Airports with the Debut of Next-Gen Aviation Security Scanners

In late October, Kaunas Airport began installing next-gen aviation security scanners and baggage handling lines. By November, all three CT scanners in the departures zone will be in place, with testing planned during December. 

Starting January 2024, departing passengers will enjoy the benefits of this cutting-edge technology.

Lithuanian Airports to Expand Electric Vehicle Charging on Aprons with Dozens of New Stations Planned 

Lithuanian Airports has entered a EUR 38,000 (excluding VAT) contract with Stuart Energy to design electric charging stations at aprons of Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga airports. 

Stuart Energy, the winner of the public tender, will strategically plan the development stages of charging technology. 

The project's goal is to ensure the future usability of these stations by airport employees and partners, aligning with Lithuanian Airports' commitment to sustainable transportation and environmental responsibility.