Lithuanian Airports sees capacity of up to 8 mln passengers after terminal upgrade

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Airports CEO Simonas Bartkus said on Tuesday the renovated old departure terminal will now be capable of handling up to 8 million departing passengers.

"Most guests do not even recognise this as the old departure hall (...) passengers will have more space, and more commercial partners will be established here," Bartkus told reporters at the opening of a new retail area.

He said the entire departure zone, combined with the new terminal, is designed to accommodate a flow of up to 8 million travellers.

According to Bartkus, in addition to the "VNO Plaza" shopping area, a new passport control zone has been installed on the site of the former terminal. The departure sector for Schengen countries is expected to be renovated within four months.

Nearly 10,000 square metres of the old terminal have been reconstructed, with about 3,000 square metres allocated to the new "VNO Plaza" retail space. The area hosts various retail and catering operators, as well as a central duty-free zone. A new passport control area has been established in the former hall, while the Schengen zone sector will be completed in the coming months.

Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas said the opened spaces mark a significant part of the airport's transformation, though the project remains ongoing. He identified the next critical phase as the expansion of a new arrivals terminal, scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.

Six operators are active in "VNO Plaza," with the largest unit - a 1,300-square-metre duty-free shop - managed by German company Gebr. Heinemann. The Lithuanian Airports chief said security checks were conducted regarding the company's operations in Lithuania, resulting in a permit to continue activities.

Heinemann has faced media scrutiny over supplies to Russia and Belarus. However, the company says it complies with all sanctions and that its retail operations are separate from its supply chains. It also says it does not conduct retail business in Russia and has never operated in Belarus.

According to representatives from Lithuanian Airports and the Vilnius municipality, commercial services in the new terminal space will continue to expand, including Lithuanian brands and catering services.