list of airports in Lithuania
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Lithuania, a beautiful Baltic nation with a rich history and growing tourism industry, boasts a network of airports serving both domestic and international travelers. While relatively small, these airports play a crucial role in connecting Lithuania to the rest of the world. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in Lithuania, covering their locations, services, and what you can expect when flying in or out.
Overview of Lithuanian Aviation
Lithuania’s aviation sector has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the rise of low-cost carriers and increasing business travel. The majority of international flights are handled by Vilnius Airport, the country’s largest and busiest. However, Kaunas and Klaipėda Airports are also important hubs, particularly for cargo and regional connections. The country is actively working to modernize its aviation infrastructure to accommodate future growth and enhance the passenger experience.
List of Airports in Lithuania
Here’s a detailed look at the airports currently operating in Lithuania:
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code | Length of Runway (m) | Primarily Serves | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vilnius International Airport | Vilnius | VNO | EYVI | 2530 | International & Domestic Passenger & Cargo | https://vilnius-airport.lt/ |
| Kaunas Airport | Kaunas | KUN | EYKA | 2200 | International & Domestic Passenger & Cargo (Significant Ryanair base) | https://kaunas-airport.lt/ |
| Klaipėda International Airport | Klaipėda | KLP | EYKL | 1800 | Domestic & International Passenger & Cargo | https://klaipeda-airport.lt/ |
| Šiauliai Airport | Šiauliai | SQL | EYSS | 2100 | Primarily Military, some Civilian (limited scheduled flights) | https://siauliuaeroclub.lt/en/ |
| Palanga Airport | Palanga | PLQ | EYPA | 2190 | Seasonal Charter Flights, some limited scheduled services | https://palanga-airport.lt/ |
| Panevėžys Airport | Panevėžys | PNV | EYPN | 1600 | General Aviation, Agricultural Aviation, limited scheduled flights | No official website |
| Tauragė Airport | Tauragė | TVG | EYTG | 1400 | General Aviation, Agricultural Aviation | No official website |
| Skuodas Airport | Skuodas | SKD | EYSD | 800 | General Aviation, Agricultural Aviation | No official website |
Vilnius International Airport (VNO): The Main Gateway
As the largest airport in Lithuania, Vilnius Airport handles the vast majority of international passenger traffic. Located just 5.9 km (3.7 miles) south of Vilnius city center, it’s easily accessible by bus, taxi, and car.
Key Features:
- Terminals: One main terminal building.
- Airlines: Serves a wide range of airlines, including national carrier flyLTL (charter), Ryanair, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and others.
- Destinations: Offers connections to numerous European cities, as well as destinations further afield.
- Services: Passengers can enjoy a variety of services including duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, car rental, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi. VIP lounges are also available.
- Recent Developments: Ongoing modernization projects are improving the airport’s capacity and passenger experience.
Kaunas Airport (KUN): A Rising Star
Kaunas Airport has become increasingly important in recent years, particularly as a base for Ryanair. Situated 15 km (9.3 miles) east of Kaunas city center, it provides a convenient alternative to Vilnius, especially for travelers in central Lithuania.
Key Features:
- Terminals: A single, modern terminal.
- Airlines: Primarily served by Ryanair, with some seasonal and charter flights from other carriers.
- Destinations: Focuses on budget-friendly routes to popular European destinations.
- Services: Offers essential services like check-in, security, baggage claim, car rental, and a cafe.
- Growth Potential: Kaunas Airport is actively seeking to attract more airlines and expand its route network.
Klaipėda International Airport (KLP): Coastal Connections
Located in the port city of Klaipėda, this airport primarily serves domestic and regional international flights. It’s a convenient option for travelers visiting the Lithuanian coast and the Curonian Spit.
Key Features:
- Terminals: A small, efficient terminal.
- Airlines: Operates flights with various regional airlines and handles charter services.
- Destinations: Offers connections to other Baltic Sea cities and seasonal routes to leisure destinations.
- Services: Provides basic passenger services, including check-in, security, and baggage claim.
- Strategic Location: Its coastal location makes it ideal for serving tourism and maritime industries.
Smaller Airports & General Aviation
Šiauliai, Palanga, Panevėžys, Tauragė, and Skuodas Airports cater to a different segment of aviation. Šiauliai is primarily a military base with limited civilian access. Palanga sees seasonal charter traffic. Panevėžys, Tauragė, and Skuodas are mainly used for general aviation, agricultural purposes, and flight training. These airports are vital for local economies and support various aviation activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which is the main international airport in Lithuania?
A: Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is the main international airport.
Q: Is it easy to get from Kaunas Airport to Vilnius?
A: Yes, a direct bus service connects Kaunas Airport to Vilnius, taking approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.
Q: Does Lithuania have many low-cost flight options?
A: Yes, Ryanair and Wizz Air both operate extensively from Lithuanian airports, offering numerous low-cost routes.
Q: Are there direct flights from the US to Lithuania?
A: Currently, there are no direct flights from the US to Lithuania. Flights typically involve connections in European hubs.
Q: What is the best way to travel between cities if I fly into Klaipėda?
A: Buses and trains are readily available to connect Klaipėda to other major cities in Lithuania, such as Vilnius and Kaunas.
Resources
- Lithuanian Airports: https://www.lithuanianairports.lt/
- Vilnius International Airport: https://vilnius-airport.lt/
- Kaunas Airport: https://kaunas-airport.lt/
- Klaipėda International Airport: https://klaipeda-airport.lt/
- flyLTL: https://flyltl.aero/
- Ryanair: https://www.ryanair.com/
- Wizz Air: https://wizzair.com/