Vilnius Airport, Lithuania’s main international gateway, is undergoing a remarkable transformation  redefining passenger experience while strengthening the country’s position as a dynamic aviation hub in the Baltic region.

Managed by Lithuanian Airports Group, which also operates Kaunas and Palanga airports, the network welcomed 7 million passengers last year, with Vilnius alone handling around 5 million. Together, the three airports connect Lithuania to nearly 100 destinations worldwide, a network that continues to expand as demand for air travel grows.

Expanding Connectivity

During the 2025 summer season, flights from Vilnius Airport serve 47 destinations, operated by major carriers including airBaltic, Wizz Air, SAS, Ryanair, LOT Polish Airlines, and Finnair.

Seasonal and charter operations also play a key role in the airport’s network. Summer routes connect Vilnius with popular holiday destinations such as Alanya, Bodrum, Burgas, Antalya, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Rhodes, Madeira, and Tenerife.

When it comes to Türkiye, Turkish Airlines remains the only carrier offering direct scheduled flights to Istanbul, linking Lithuania with Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. In addition, airBaltic provides one-stop options to Istanbul via Riga, while Antalya continues to be one of the top leisure destinations served by frequent charter flights.

Infrastructure and Modernization

The most visible symbol of Lithuania’s aviation renewal is the new departures terminal at Vilnius Airport, inaugurated in February 2025. The project represents the airport’s largest infrastructure investment in decades, significantly expanding capacity and improving operational efficiency.

In summer 2025, the airport also began the reconstruction of its old terminals, part of a wider transformation program set to continue until the end of 2026. The renovation covers every detail  from structure and energy systems to passenger areas  and will introduce new commercial zones, including a walk-through duty free shop in the former departures hall.

A design competition is also underway for a new arrivals terminal, reinforcing Vilnius Airport’s long-term development vision.

Key upgrades include:

• New departures terminal (opened February 2025)

• Self-service check-in and baggage drop facilities

• Advanced baggage handling systems

• Next-generation C3 security scanners for faster, safer screening

Retail and Passenger Experience

Passenger comfort and commercial experience are central to the airport’s modernization plan.

• Phase 1 of the new retail and duty free area is set for completion in May 2025.

• Non-Schengen and passport control areas will be ready by October 2026.

• A tender for the new business lounge and duty free operator will be launched this October, with openings planned for May 2026.

These upgrades aim to create a more seamless, traveler-oriented environment, blending modern design with Lithuanian hospitality.

On the ground, BGS and Litcargus remain the airport’s key ground handling partners, supporting growing flight operations with efficient and reliable services.

Vilnius Airport’s ongoing transformation clearly reflects Lithuania’s broader ambition — to deliver a modern, sustainable, and passenger-focused air transport system. With continuous investment, improved connectivity, and a strong focus on service quality, Vilnius Airport is not only renewing its terminals but also redefining its role as the renewed gateway to Lithuania and the wider Baltic region

Lithuanian Airports Maintain Strong Growth Momentum Through 2025

Lithuanian Airports (LTOU),  the operator of Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga airports continues to demonstrate impressive operational and financial growth in 2025, supported by major infrastructure investments and a strong commitment to sustainability.

In September 2025, the Lithuanian airport network handled over 670,000 passengers, marking an increase of almost 6% compared to the same month last year. Kaunas and Palanga Airports achieved particularly dynamic results, with passenger traffic growing by 10% and 19%, respectively. Vilnius Airport, the largest hub in the country, also posted a 4% year-on-year increase, serving nearly 490,000 passengers.

The total number of flights across the three airports reached 5,507, up 3% from September 2024. Public satisfaction with Lithuanian air transport remains exceptionally high — a recent nationwide survey showed that nine out of ten citizens believe air travel quality has improved, thanks to greater route diversity, convenient flight schedules, and more reliable service.

Steady Growth Reflected in Strong Financial Performance

The positive operational trends seen in September reflect the broader growth trajectory observed throughout the first half of 2025. According to unaudited results, Lithuanian Airports generated revenues of €33.8 million, representing a 9.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Passenger traffic in the first six months of the year reached 3.3 million, up by nearly 9%, while total flights grew by 6% to 28,500 operations.

Aviation-related activities generated around two-thirds of total revenues, reaching €22.3 million, while non-aviation revenues increased to €11.5 million, despite ongoing reconstruction and modernization projects. The company’s adjusted EBITDA for the first half of the year remained stable at €11.1 million, underlining its effective cost management amid rising passenger volumes.

Major Infrastructure Projects Underway

Lithuanian Airports invested approximately €15 million in infrastructure during the first half of 2025. The new departures terminal at Vilnius Airport, inaugurated in February, stands as the largest aviation infrastructure project in Lithuania in decades. Its design and operational concepts are now being applied to the reconstruction of Kaunas Airport’s terminal, set for completion in October 2025, which will expand both arrival and departure areas and increase handling capacity from four to six flights per hour.

Further investments include a new multi-storey car park at Kaunas Airport and the modernisation of airport vehicles. In Vilnius, the reconstruction of the old terminal continues, alongside preparations for a new arrivals terminal designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, whose proposal won an international design competition