Kaunas Airport Doubles Capacity: New Terminal Opens With Expanded Space and Modern Systems
Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) has officially opened the newly expanded Kaunas Airport terminal. As of November 21, following a major development project, all primary passenger terminal areas are now fully accessible. The airport’s capacity has doubled from 400 to 800 passengers per hour, enabling Kaunas Airport to comfortably and efficiently serve 2 million passengers annually.
The opening event was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania Inga Ruginienė, Minister of Transport and Communications Juras Taminskas, representatives of Lithuanian Airports, Kaunas district municipality and other institutions.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė stated that the expansion is not only an investment in infrastructure but also in people, strengthening economic opportunities, boosting tourism growth and improving comfort for every traveler.
Minister of Transport and Communications Juras Taminskas highlighted that the expansion means less stress and more convenience for travelers, with additional boarding gates, check-in counters, service desks, faster baggage claim and shorter queues. According to him, Kaunas Airport is entering a new phase and raising the bar for the entire Lithuanian Airports network.
With the completion of major construction works, both arrivals and departures areas have been significantly expanded. The total terminal area has increased more than one and a half times, reaching about 4,400 square meters. Kaunas Airport now operates six boarding gates, up from four, increasing the airport’s capacity to handle up to six passenger flights per hour.
The airport is now more spacious and convenient for passengers: the check-in area has been expanded, additional check-in desks installed, both Schengen and non-Schengen zones enlarged, new waiting, dining and shopping spaces created, and baggage claim areas expanded. Car rental services have been moved inside the terminal, and two baggage claim belts are now in operation, compared to just one previously.
The construction works began in spring 2024 and were carried out by the contracting company Infes. The contract value amounts to 17.7 million euros (excluding VAT).
According to Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports (LTOU), record passenger flows in Kaunas have long exceeded the terminal’s previous capacity. The completed reconstruction will allow the airport to efficiently serve much larger passenger volumes and provide a higher-quality travel experience. He emphasized that the modernized airport strengthens Kaunas’ role as a key transport and logistics hub in the region and is aligned with the long-term development plan that runs until 2052.
During the expansion project, special attention was given to technology upgrades essential for increasing capacity and efficiency, including baggage handling and screening systems. Approximately 4.5 million euros (excluding VAT) were invested in these systems alone.
Passenger records expected
Simonas Bartkus revealed that in 2025 Kaunas is expected to reach a record 1.6 million passengers, while the long-term goal is to achieve 2 million passengers within the next three years, in line with the planned growth trajectory.
At the presentation event under the theme “We Grew Big,” a basketball court installed inside the terminal was revealed — a symbolic feature representing the uniqueness of Kaunas Airport and Lithuania’s passion for basketball.
Part of the terminal areas had already opened earlier
The reconstruction was carried out by Infes, which expanded the terminal building in both directions, adding new eastern and western sections. All three levels of the terminal were upgraded. After opening the terminal to passengers, the contractor continues internal finishing works.
Before completion of the full project, several areas on the ground floor had already been opened, including the Narvesen convenience store and Katpėdėlė restaurant, as well as the Duty Free zone. The expanded check-in hall and the Charlie Pizza restaurant in the Schengen departures lounge are also now open.
Modernization work at the P4 parking area was completed this summer. The area has been expanded to nearly 10,000 square meters, offering more than 370 parking spaces, including 14 electric vehicle charging points and 14 spaces for passengers with disabilities.
A new multi-storey car park is also under construction and expected to open in summer 2026, with capacity for over 900 vehicles, including 100 spaces for people with special needs and additional EV charging stations.
Kaunas strengthens its position in the international airport network
Simonas Bartkus noted that the development of infrastructure goes hand in hand with growing partnerships. Next spring, airBaltic will launch a new direct route from Kaunas to Riga, ensuring convenient connections to Latvia’s capital nearly every day.
With this new route and the existing 28 direct destinations, connecting flights via Riga will significantly improve access to Kaunas from across Europe.
These developments demonstrate that Kaunas Airport is becoming an increasingly important part of Lithuania’s airport network, offering travelers more choice and better connections. Higher passenger flows will generate direct and indirect economic benefits for the region, while improved accessibility contributes to a higher quality of life.