The new Vilnius International Airport departure terminal T4

As passenger traffic grew, Vilnius Airport was no longer able to deliver the quality services and expectations of travellers. The space and technology of the old terminal, built decades ago, was no longer up to current needs.

As Lithuania has become an increasingly attractive travel destination, the need to expand has also arisen. So the modern, wing-shaped new T4 terminal was built next to the old terminal, covering 14,400 square metres and ready to handle twice as many passengers as before.

The terminal is expected to double its capacity per hour to 2,400 people and will be able to handle up to 8 million passengers per year.

The ground floor includes a check-in area with a self-service area and other commercial spaces. As soon as you walk through the door, there are 34 check-in desks and huge information boards. There are also 10 self-check-in stations. However, not all airlines offer self-check-in immediately after opening, but about half of them do. There is also a 35th check-in counter for oversized baggage.

The second floor houses the security screening area. After scanning your ticket, you enter a 700 metre "snake" for security screening. The main change from what was previously in place is the installation of a new standard, state-of-the-art CT scanner, which produces a 3D image of the contents of the baggage, thus facilitating the work of security staff. It is also equipped with 6 automated screening box return lines, ensuring a smoother and faster screening process.

The security screening area is the most stressful place for people, which is why special attention has been paid to human-friendly interior solutions in the construction of the terminal. The interior is rich in naturalness, Lithuanian accents, light colours and wooden details, all of which help to create a calmer and more comfortable environment.

Passengers in the new terminal pass through security screening and enter the spacious departure and arrival areas for Schengen passengers. The terminal has two new galleries (commonly known as "sleeves"), which will allow some passengers to board directly. The other departure gates are on the ground floor, so passengers will be able to walk or take buses to the aircraft.

Terminal T4 is connected to the old terminal by a spacious gallery, allowing passengers to move easily between the two terminals. The old terminal will be fully operational, with more space for passenger convenience after the luggage systems and check-in desks have been raised.

One of the key innovations is a four-level security management system for checked-in baggage. It ensures that baggage is continuously tracked from the start of check-in. Baggage is subject to a very thorough screening process, with two large explosives detection units that use artificial intelligence to decide in an automated way whether baggage is safe or needs further screening. Additional checkpoints on the baggage conveyor belts aim to reduce the risk of lost baggage, while the new 5 baggage carousels allow for a higher passenger volume.

The transport access to the airport has also been upgraded. The pavement has been resurfaced, the utilities upgraded, and shelters have been installed to protect against precipitation and solar heat. A much more permeable traffic scheme for circular traffic has been created. Widened access to the departure terminal to a short-term parking area or a kiss and fly short stop to drop off or pick up passengers. Bicycle storage, scooter sharing areas, electric vehicle charging stations, a zone for buses and official airport taxis.

The new Terminal T4 is not only a technological leap for Vilnius Airport, but also a major step forward in improving the traveller experience. Passengers move faster and more comfortably, waiting times are reduced and modern systems reduce the likelihood of mistakes.

The journey begins and ends at the airport, so it is important that the experience there is as pleasant as the journey itself.

Tagoo wishes you pleasant flights!