Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) has announced that the shortlist of the best architectural concepts for the new Vilnius Airport arrivals terminal has been finalized.
A jury of international experts, consisting of airport representatives and renowned architects from Lithuania and abroad, selected five top ideas, with first place awarded to the globally renowned architectural studio Zaha Hadid Architects.
A total of 11 submissions met all the competition requirements.
The jury noted a strong level of competition and a high number of quality entries. According to LTOU, both Lithuanian and international architectural teams participated in the competition, recognizing the strategic importance of the new arrivals terminal for Lithuania’s aviation sector and economic growth.
The goal is for the terminal to be completed by the end of 2028.
Eugenijus Sabutis, Minister of Transport and Communications said: “The Vilnius Airport arrivals terminal must evolve — it no longer meets current needs or future ambitions.
“This terminal is the gateway to Lithuania and forms every visitor’s first impression.
“I’m pleased that the competition attracted a large number of high-quality and creative ideas, and the top-ranked projects offer modern, convenient, and future-proof solutions.”
The jury ranked the top five architectural teams as follows:
Zaha Hadid Architects (United Kingdom)
UAB Aplan (Lithuania)
MB SYRUSAS, operating as IMPLMNT architects (Lithuania)
One Works (Italy)
UAB Baltic Engineers (Lithuania)
Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports said: “Our key objectives are functionality and an outstanding passenger experience.
“We’re glad that the winning architectural concept reflects these priorities while introducing original solutions.
“The proposed design subtly blends modern, future-oriented infrastructure with Lithuanian cultural identity. We see this terminal as a strong symbol and welcoming gateway for visitors.”
Construction procurement for the new terminal is expected to begin in early 2027.
Laura Kairienė, Chief Architect of Vilnius City commented: “I’m pleased that a mature and professional architectural solution has been selected for such a large-scale public infrastructure project.
“It’s a design that boldly looks to the future while respecting its context and surroundings.
“I believe the new terminal will ensure both functionality and comfort for passengers and become a benchmark of sustainable, high-quality architectural development in Vilnius.”
According to the winning architects, their proposal for the new arrivals terminal aims to integrate all Vilnius Airport terminals into a single cohesive complex with a clear and modern identity. The new terminal would form a symmetrical extension of the existing terminals.
A major focus is on connectivity – the terminal will be designed to smoothly integrate with train, bus, bicycle, and other transportation modes.