Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has won the international architectural competition to design the new arrivals terminal at Vilnius Airport, marking a key step in Lithuania’s long-term infrastructure strategy. The project aligns with the country’s ambition to expand regional air connectivity and reshape the airport into a high-capacity, multimodal gateway for the Baltic region.
Currently operating at full capacity, Vilnius Airport is undergoing major expansion, with the new arrivals terminal following the recent completion of its departures counterpart. Once operational, the terminal will enable the airport to handle up to 10.6 million passengers per year. Lithuanian authorities see this as a pivotal investment in both aviation infrastructure and national economic development. “The terminal creates the first impression for everyone arriving into the country,” said Lithuania’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Eugenijus Sabutis, underscoring the symbolic and functional significance of the project.
ZHA’s winning proposal draws deeply from Lithuanian cultural heritage, translating traditional symbols into architectural form. The design’s modular geometry originates from the rhombus, a shape with enduring importance in Baltic folklore. The terminal’s roof, formed by a series of pleated timber surfaces, reflects the geometry of sodai, traditional hanging straw ornaments recognized by UNESCO. Rhomboid and triangular skylights punctuate the structure, allowing natural light to animate the space while also emphasizing the building’s modular rhythm.
Inside, the terminal aims to deliver a passenger experience rooted in ease, efficiency, and atmosphere. Wayfinding is intuitive, driven by natural light and open views toward the city. Every area has been designed for universal accessibility, with seamless transitions between interior zones and clear spatial orientation. The terminal’s location adjacent to Terminal 1 and its alignment with the Vilnius Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan ensures strong integration with the city’s evolving transport infrastructure. This includes the future Rail Baltica high-speed line, regional rail, local buses, and pedestrian and cycling routes that will converge at the Airport Plaza.
The project also sets ambitious sustainability goals. Targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, the terminal will feature 13,000 m² of solar panels, a double-insulated glazing system, hybrid natural ventilation, and smart building systems that respond dynamically to passenger flow. Water systems include rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, managed through natural filtration and storage. These elements are supported by structural and sustainable engineering consultancy Tyréns Group, whose multidisciplinary role spans masterplanning, traffic flow, and technical design.
“The terminal’s design offers a seamless passenger experience and directly connects with the city’s transport network,” said Ludovico Lombardi, Director at ZHA. For Laura Kairienė, Vilnius City’s Chief Executive Officer, the project also reflects the city’s aspirations for architectural quality and sustainable development: “It boldly steps into the future but maintains respect for its location and the environment.”
Set to anchor the city’s long-term development strategy, the new arrivals terminal will help reposition Vilnius Airport not only as a transit hub but as a meaningful public space, one that welcomes, connects, and represents Lithuania on an international stage.
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
Design: Patrik Schumacher
ZHA Project Directors: Gianluca Racana, Ludovico Lombardi, Michele Salvi, Cristiano Ceccato (Aviation Director)
ZHA Project Associate: Davide Del Giudice
ZHA Project Architects: Luca Ruggeri, Cristina Barrios Cabrera (ZHA Aviation team)
ZHA Project Team: Maria Lagging, Gizem Muhtaroglu, Louai Jaber, Sevval Alp
ZHA Sustainability Team: Bahaa Alnassrallah, Abhilash Menon, Aleksander Mastalski, Jing Xu, Shibani Choudhury, Disha Shetty, Aditya Ambare
ZHA Space Planning Team: Ulrich Blum, Danial Haziq Hamdan
ZHA Modelmaker: Adam Twigger
ZHA Acquisitions: Marcella Fedele, Lenie Metse
Engineering: Tyrens Lithuania, Tyrens Sweden, Tyrens group (international)
Airport Operation: NACO
Visuals: Negativ – Brano Marsalek
