A tender for a departures terminal has been launched by Lithuanian Airport Network for Vilnius Airport.
The 14,400 sq m project in the northern part of the airport will double the hourly passenger throughput from 1,200 to 2,400.
A €25m tender for the departure terminal was originally awarded to Mitnija, Lithuania’s largest contractor, but was cancelled after building work was delayed by four months owing to the effect of Covid-19 on the aviation market.
The two-storey terminal will contain check-in areas on the ground floor, with departure and arrival gates on the second. It will be located between the existing departures and VIP terminal and a conference centre.
Work will continue in parallel on improving the accessibility of the airport, which includes the development of a more efficient transport system.
Lithuania’s Airport network says that the cost of the project will be decided after procurement.
Arnas Dūmanas, Lithuanian Airports’ head of project management, said: “The new building will be of A++ energy class. Sustainable construction leads to better operational parameters, greater long-term returns, responsible approach to the environment and human health.
“Our goal is to ensure that the new terminal building is BREEAM Good certified. The airport is an unconventional place that requires special safety and attention. Wwe aim to create competitive conditions for the selection of the market professionals and to ensure the participation of experienced engineering personnel in the organisation and supervision of the construction work.”
Dainius Čiuplys, Lithuanian Airports’ head of operations and infrastructure, said: “Already before the pandemic, Vilnius Airport had reached its capacity limits. Therefore, this development is very important both for us and the passengers.
“The terminal will expand the operational and technological possibilities of the airport, which are related to the direct activities, and will allow to increase the range of non-aviation services. In the longer term, we will be able to easily initiate qualitative changes and introduce new enhancements in the existing terminal.”
Construction on the project is due to begin after the deal is signed in mid-2022, with passengers estimated to be entering the terminal in 2024.
Images courtesy of Lithuanian Airport network
