Lithuanian Airports signs a contract with Zaha Hadid Architects: design of the new Vilnius Airport Arrivals Terminal begins

Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) has signed a design contract for the future Vilnius Airport Arrivals Terminal with the international architecture firm Zaha Hadid Architects. This marks one of the most important preparatory milestones in the new arrivals terminal project. The new terminal is expected to open to passengers by the end of 2028.

A symbolic signing ceremony took place at Vilnius Airport, attended by the Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, the Head of Zaha Hadid Architects, and representatives from Lithuanian Airports and the Vilnius City Municipality. The event was held at the symbolic location where the new terminal will eventually rise, replacing the existing building on site.

“It is not only about how we bid farewell, but also how we welcome. The arrivals terminal is the country’s calling card – the first impression of Lithuania. We want arriving passengers to be greeted by a Lithuania that is modern, contemporary, and rapidly developing. Equally important is that this terminal will become a key part of Lithuania’s wider mobility system, connecting air, rail, bus, bicycle and other transport links, ensuring smooth travel for everyone. Thus, the new arrivals terminal will transform not only Vilnius Airport’s face but the entire mobility ecosystem around it,” said Minister of Transport and Communications Juras Taminskas.

The first design phase, valued at EUR 5.74 million (including VAT), will cover the creation of a spacious and modern baggage claim hall, an arrivals area, new access roads, and redesigned public spaces.

“We are continuing the systematic expansion of Vilnius Airport’s passenger infrastructure – a strategic step outlined both in our long-term master plan and the Government programme. We are delighted that world-renowned architects Zaha Hadid Architects will be leading this project. The concept for the new arrivals terminal seeks to create a harmonious airport complex where functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability meet. It’s another major step toward more modern, convenient, and sustainable travel experiences in Lithuania,” said Arnas Dūmanas, Director of the Infrastructure Department at Lithuanian Airports.

“It is a great honor for us to design the new arrivals terminal in Vilnius. Expanding capacity within an operational airport requires precise coordination with existing structures and systems – it is an architectural dialogue between the new terminal’s unique design and the established infrastructure. Our experience from developing some of the world’s most advanced passenger terminals – in Beijing, Sydney, and Mumbai – will ensure that the new Vilnius terminal meets the highest standards of passenger comfort and experience,” said Ludovico Lombardi, Head of Zaha Hadid Architects.

The new Vilnius Airport Arrivals Terminal will focus on functionality and world-class passenger experience. The contractor selection for construction works is planned for the first half of 2027.

Inside the new terminal: offices, retail, and a modern baggage claim area

The total area of the future terminal will exceed 12,500 square metres. It will include approximately 2,500 square metres of new retail, food, and service areas, a 3,800-square-metre baggage claim hall, and a 1,200-square-metre arrivals area. The upper floors will house 2,100 square metres of office space for Lithuanian Airports employees.

In front of the building, a new 2,500-square-metre public square will be created, while the surrounding area will feature a redesigned traffic scheme to improve accessibility for arriving passengers and those greeting them.

Architectural concept by Zaha Hadid Architects

The architectural concept proposed by Zaha Hadid Architects aims to unify all Vilnius Airport terminals into a cohesive complex. The new building will form a symmetrical extension of the existing terminals.

The design will integrate connections between rail, bus, bicycle, and pedestrian networks, ensuring convenient access for all travellers, including people with reduced mobility. The project will feature sustainable solutions, such as rainwater harvesting systems, green landscaping, and the use of natural materials. Visual transparency, clear wayfinding, and spacious public areas will enhance orientation and overall passenger experience.

The architectural idea reflects Lithuania’s cultural identity through modern design – with the building’s geometry inspired by traditional Lithuanian diamond and triangle patterns. The terminals and the future public square will form a unified whole that meets current needs while allowing for flexible future expansion.

Winner selected through an international architectural competition

Lithuanian Airports reminds that the architectural competition for the new arrivals terminal, held in mid-2025, attracted 11 proposals. The international evaluation committee, composed of airport representatives and renowned Lithuanian and foreign architects, shortlisted five concepts. The winning proposal came from Zaha Hadid Architects.

The jury included Laura Kairienė (Chief Architect of Vilnius City), Mariia Grachova (Director, Chapman & Taylor Brussels Studio, UK), Tom Holtmann (Partner and Project Director, Nordic Office of Architecture, Norway), and representatives of Lithuanian Airports.

The top teams shared a €120,000 prize fund.