Key.Aero
Chris Smith
24 Mar 2026
Chris Smith details the new departures concourse at Vilnius Airport and its plans for the future in conversation with Simonas Bartkus, airport CEO. Speaking exclusively to Airliner World, Simonas Bartkus, CEO Lithuanian Airports, revealed the ingredients behind the success at this Baltic gateway.
The new departures concourse, situated to the north and connected to the existing terminal, comprises 34 check-in counters and two additional airbridge-equipped gates. During the construction phase, minimising disruption to passengers was paramount, and live monitoring of the passenger experience took place hourly to ensure that the extensive construction’s effects, such as noise, were dampened as much as possible. Bartkus explained: “Keeping the airport fully operational forced us to shift from a traditional project delivery mindset to a live-ecosystem approach.”
On the ground floor is the check-in area, while the first floor comprises the airside departure lounge, as well as a collection of retail outlets and airline offices. The internal finishings are rich with wood and natural light, and reflect regional architectural styling...
