Lithuanian Airports Set a New Milestone: 6.6 Million Passengers Handled in 2024
Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) reached a record-breaking 6.6 million passengers in 2024, an increase of nearly 10% compared to 2023. This result not only surpassed last year’s figures but also exceeded the previous record set in 2019, when 6.5 million passengers were served.
"The results for 2024 demonstrate that Lithuanian Airports adapt flexibly to changing circumstances and ensure sustainable growth, even with significant changes in flight geography. Today, all routes are reoriented towards the West, North, and South, and passenger flows show that these decisions were successful. We continue with a clear strategic development path and are increasing our contribution to the country’s economy. At the same time, we are already planning for 2025, with expected growth across the network to approximately 6.85 million passengers," said LTOU CEO Simonas Bartkus.
According to Bartkus, one notable achievement of the past year was the number of routes between Lithuanian airports and major German cities, which grew to ten and significantly contributed to passenger growth and enhanced connectivity. Overall, passenger traffic between Lithuania and Germany increased by more than 20% last year.
It is emphasized that the strongest growth last year came from traditional (“legacy”) airlines operating within the LTOU network.
Growth Driven by General Trends and New Partnerships
Balanced growth was achieved across all three airports in 2024. Compared to 2023, passenger numbers at Vilnius Airport grew by 9% to 4.8 million, Kaunas Airport saw a nearly 10% increase to 1.4 million, and Palanga Airport experienced an impressive 23% growth, reaching 378,000 passengers.
Bartkus attributed this consistent growth to several key factors. First, demand for travel increased globally, in Europe, and within Lithuania. Second, improved financial conditions for major airlines opened new collaboration opportunities and facilitated operational expansion in Lithuania. Third, new airlines and routes, along with successfully implemented incentive models, including risk-sharing models, actively supported growth.
Nearly 57,000 Flights Served
According to LTOU, the number of flights in 2024 was 7% higher than in 2023, with over 56,800 flights served compared to more than 53,000 in 2023. Vilnius Airport handled the majority, approximately 41,000 flights (6% more than in 2023), compared to 38,600 the previous year. Kaunas Airport served nearly 11,500 flights, up 7%, while Palanga Airport recorded a double-digit growth of over 15%, serving 4,300 flights.
Significant Cargo Growth
Cargo transportation also saw notable growth. In 2024, Lithuanian Airports handled more than 22,000 tons of cargo, nearly 10% more than in 2023. The largest increase (in tons) was at Vilnius Airport, where cargo volumes rose to 16,300 tons. Kaunas Airport also showed positive dynamics, handling 5,200 tons of cargo. Palanga Airport experienced the most significant percentage growth, with 472 tons of cargo transported—a 44% increase compared to 2023.
Completion of Historic Projects
Bartkus noted that growth momentum this year will be positively impacted by the completion of critical infrastructure projects. Early in the year, the new departures terminal at Vilnius Airport will open, and in the fall, the expansion of Kaunas Airport will be completed, doubling its capacity to serve passengers while increasing convenience and space for additional services.
"Today, we see balanced growth and the smooth implementation of historic infrastructure projects, confirming that we are moving in the right direction," Bartkus emphasized, adding that these record-breaking results were achieved despite significant market challenges.
Like other airports in the region, LTOU is actively investing in infrastructure upgrades and expansions while ensuring that ongoing work does not disrupt daily operations.