Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has been announced as the winner of the international design competition for the new Arrivals Terminal at Vilnius Airport, Lithuania’s largest and busiest air hub.
This milestone project is more than a striking new gateway to the country—it’s a symbol of modern Lithuania’s ambition: to blend sustainable innovation with cultural identity while preparing for long-term growth in global connectivity.
A New Era for Baltic Aviation
Currently operating at full capacity, Vilnius Airport has faced growing pressure to expand its infrastructure. The new terminal—slated to complement the recently inaugurated Departures building—is a core part of Lithuania’s strategy to increase total passenger capacity to 10.6 million annually.
“This terminal forms visitors’ first impression of our country,” said Eugenijus Sabutis, Minister of Transport and Communications. “It must reflect our ambitions. ZHA’s concept is a modern, adaptable, and culturally respectful solution.”
As Lithuania strengthens its position as a Northern European logistics and tourism hub, the terminal will become a powerful new symbol—welcoming millions with a structure that is at once deeply rooted and future-facing.
Where Tradition Meets Technology
Zaha Hadid Architects is known worldwide for its visionary, organic designs. In Vilnius, the firm’s approach embraces traditional Lithuanian culture while delivering on cutting-edge sustainability and smart infrastructure.
The new terminal’s structure draws inspiration from the rhombus—a geometric motif common in Baltic folklore and crafts. This theme is echoed in the building’s pleated timber roof, which includes skylights shaped as rhomboids and triangles to flood the space with natural light.
Inside, the terminal’s sculptural forms reference sodai—traditional hanging straw ornaments recognized by UNESCO as part of Lithuania’s intangible cultural heritage. These intricate, geometric mobiles symbolize harmony and prosperity, offering a sense of place rarely found in modern transport design.
“The design speaks both of innovation and heritage,” said Ludovico Lombardi, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects. “It’s about fluid connectivity—architectural and human.”
Sustainability at Every Level
The new terminal also aims to achieve an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM sustainability rating, with features that set a new benchmark for green infrastructure in Lithuania:
Solar panels covering over 13,000 m² of roof area
Passive climate control and natural ventilation through intelligent airflow design
Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems for reduced water use
Modular architecture supporting future expansions and smart system upgrades
Tyréns Group, a Swedish engineering consultancy, contributed to the structural planning and sustainability solutions. Their role includes aligning the terminal with Vilnius Airport’s 30-year masterplan for multimodal transport integration and environmental resilience.
A Gateway Beyond Aviation
The new terminal won’t operate in isolation. It’s part of a much broader vision for Airport Plaza—a future multimodal transit hub integrating air, rail, road, and even cycling infrastructure. Seamless links to Rail Baltica, regional trains, buses, and pedestrian routes will position Vilnius as one of the most connected cities in Northern Europe.
By re-centering the historic Terminal 1 between new arrivals and departures facilities, the airport also maintains architectural continuity while modernizing its infrastructure. It’s a nod to the past—and a bold step forward.
A First Impression That Lasts
“We’re designing more than just an airport,” said Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports. “We’re creating a place where visitors begin their Lithuanian journey. It needs to feel intuitive, inspiring, and uniquely ours.”
That traveler experience was central to the competition brief. The winning concept includes:
Clear, natural orientation cues
Barrier-free access for all travelers
Intuitive navigation through thoughtful spatial planning
City views and moments of calm amid the travel flow
The result is a terminal designed not only for efficiency—but also for emotion.
Shaping the Future of Travel in the Baltics
For Vilnius City CEO Laura Kairienė, this project reflects a broader shift in the region’s architectural aspirations. “It’s a confident and respectful design for public infrastructure,” she noted. “It sets a new standard for civic architecture in the capital.”
From efficient mobility to cultural storytelling, the new terminal stands at the intersection of technology, tradition, and design excellence. It sends a message: Lithuania is ready for the world—and ready to welcome it.
Construction is expected to begin following final approvals later this year, with an opening projected for late 2028.
