Swissport to operate the new business lounge at Vilnius Airport

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As part of its ongoing renewal, Vilnius Airport is stepping into the top tier of international business lounges – starting from mid-2026, the new business lounge will be operated by the global company Swissport International Ltd. An eight-year agreement has been signed with the Swiss company’s subsidiary, Swissport Aspire Lithuania, entrusting the future lounge to the Aspire brand. Aspire lounges already operate at airports in London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Zurich, and many other destinations across Europe and worldwide.

“As the old terminals of the capital’s airport are being reconstructed, the new business lounge will open in a completely renewed area – twice the size of the current one – and will offer a full range of high-quality services. The transformation will be ensured by a partner with extensive experience, managing over 80 business lounges in various countries,” says Gintarė Norvilaitė-Tautevičė, Director of the Commercial Department at Lithuanian Airports (LTOU).

Norvilaitė-Tautevičė believes that having an international operator in Vilnius will allow the implementation of best global practices, creating a passenger experience that meets the high international standards expected by frequent travelers.

“With over three decades of experience operating lounges across the world, we pride ourselves on our ability to curate an industry-leading and elevated experience for our guests. This is an exciting time to be working with Vilnius Airport as it undergoes modernization and expansion, and we look forward to delivering a new lounge that will showcase the best of Lithuanian culture, design, and gastronomy,” says Dirk Goovaerts, Swissport’s CEO for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The new business lounge is scheduled to open in mid-2026 in the reconstructed terminal spaces of Vilnius Airport.

A new departures terminal paved the way for change

This new partnership aligns with the airport’s ongoing development and renewal. Such a transformation would not have been possible before – the recently opened new departures terminal has freed up significant space in the old terminal. These areas can now be redesigned to enhance passenger comfort, expand commercial zones, and include the new business lounge.

The project foresees several functional areas within the lounge – some dedicated to work, others to relaxation and dining. There will be shower facilities, a separate smoking area, and an upgraded children’s zone. Overall, the lounge will double in size to 750 square meters, accommodating around 150 seats for passengers.

The interior and design solutions of the new lounge will be developed by the Dutch design company D/DOCK.

A new management model

The business lounge operator was selected through a public lease tender for state property. According to Lithuanian Airports, the international tender was held following market consultations and attracted active participation.

Norvilaitė-Tautevičė notes that the number and quality of proposals demonstrated Vilnius Airport’s visibility in the aviation business world – operators recognize and believe in Lithuania’s potential. She adds that Swissport’s proposal stood out due to its operational experience, management processes, and vision for the new business lounge.

One of the key aims of this partnership, she explains, is to change the lounge management model. Until now, the business lounge was operated internally by Vilnius Airport staff. Lithuanian Airports decided to introduce a new model to leverage the advantages of a private operator, especially its economies of scale and expertise.

Swissport International Ltd., headquartered in Switzerland, is a well-known global aviation services company. Beyond lounge operations, Swissport also provides cargo handling and ground services, operating at more than 280 airports worldwide.

In the hospitality sector, Swissport’s Aspire brand has been active for 35 years, managing over 80 business lounges in 19 countries, including Denmark (Copenhagen Airport), the United Kingdom (London Heathrow Airport), and the Netherlands (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport), among others.