LTOU LTOU

We simplify your air travel

News

Palanga Airport installs advanced drone detection system: residents are urged to respect rules
  1. News
Palanga Airport installs advanced drone detection system: residents are urged to respect rules Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) have announced that a new advanced drone detection system has been installed at Palanga Airport. The new equipment was installed as the airport welcomes record passenger flows and an increasing number of flights. Palanga Airport invites residents and visitors of the city to obey rules and cooperate, but warns that violators will face fines. A similar system will soon start operating at Kaunas and Vilnius airports.   The established drone control zone of the airport, where drone flights not coordinated with the respective services are prohibited, includes not only Palanga Airport and its surroundings, but also adjacent inhabited areas, such as Kunigiškiai, the northern part of Palanga, as well as the territories north of Palanga Airport towards Šventoji. It should be emphasized that the corresponding part of the seaside (beach) also falls into this zone. No-fly zones for drones have been formed taking into account the take-off and landing paths of aircraft at various altitudes in order to ensure the highest level of aviation safety. This year, 37 unauthorized drone flights have already been recorded in the airport's aircraft control area.   The exact boundaries of the zone can be checked here: https://utm.ans.lt/avm/#p=7.59/55.159/23.825   "Unmanned aerial vehicles pose a new type of threat to aviation safety and security. In order to maintain the highest standards of aviation security while the airport is serving record passenger flows, we have installed the latest generation drone detection system, which allows us to detect unauthorized activities with extreme accuracy. We encourage the residents and guests of Palanga to enjoy the seaside with their own eyes, and if they see the drone – to report by phone 112. Aviation safety is in the common interest of all of us, but we warn that violators will be identified, and unauthorized activities will result in liability," says Vidas Kšanas, Director of the Safety, Security and Resilience at Lithuanian Airports.   "Drone users still underestimate the risks and legal requirements. Our response is prompt and principled, especially at the approaches to airports and other strategic objects. We remind all that a reckless drone flight can cause serious consequences for air traffic safety," says General Viktoras Grabauskas, Commander of the Public Security Service.   Drone detection system – highly advanced and accurate   The system monitors the airspace with the help of antennas and detects the scattering of radio signals. Within the boundaries of the aerodrome and its protection zones, monitoring is carried out around the clock throughout the year. The technical capabilities of the new system allow to determine the location, direction of movement, altitude, time and other identification parameters of the drone, as well as the geographical location of the drone operator. During the development of the new system, response algorithms have been established in interaction with aviation security partners – the Public Security Service (VST) and local police. In order to ensure airspace safety and flight safety, decisions are made together with the air navigation services provider on the possible suspension of air traffic, and VST forces are sent to detect the violator.   In all cases when an unauthorised drone flight takes place in the prohibited zone, the drone detection system "Drone Radar" notifies the Head of Aviation Security of Palanga Airport, the Head of the Public Security Service Forces protecting this important state object, the Klaipėda County Police watchmen and the Senior Officer of the Joint Operations Centre of the Public Security Service.   Upon receipt of a notification from the system, the crews of the Public Security Service and the police immediately react to the violation of the prohibited zone of Palanga Airport, and the interaction of the response between the forces responding to the violations is ensured and coordinated by the Joint Operations Centre of the Public Security Service.   Significant fines for violators   Administrative proceedings against the detained offender are carried out by the officers of the Public Security Service. Since the activation of the system for piloting drones in the prohibited zone of Palanga Airport without permission, the Public Security Service has already brought 5 persons to administrative responsibility.   It should be noted that piloting drones in prohibited zones without a permit, in accordance with Article 393 (4) of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Lithuania, incurs a fine from 400 to 800 euros and confiscation of the drone may be imposed. If such a violation is committed repeatedly, a fine from 800 to 1200 euros would be threatened, with mandatory confiscation of the drone.   Safe drone control is everyone's shared responsibility   The Public Security Service and Lithuanian Airports remind that before using an unmanned aircraft (drone), it is mandatory to make sure that the place where it is located does not fall into the prohibited territory and that the prior consent of the legal entity of that territory is required. This can be checked: https://utm.ans.lt/avm/#p=7.59/55.159/23.825   If the drone has a camera, the operator must obtain a certificate from the Transport Competence Agency: https://tka.lt/katalogas/bendra-informacija-2  It should be emphasized that drone manufacturers do not assume responsibility for automatic warnings and unauthorized use and all responsibility with consequences lies with the drone operator. Liability for violations of the rules of procedure for the use of drones is provided for in Article 393 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Lithuania. https://www.infolex.lt/ta/336765:str393  More information about the requirements for the use of drones: https://ltsa.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys/oro-transportas-1/bepilociai-orlaiviai/ The no-fly zone for drones is informed by the warning signs on the perimeter fence of Palanga Airport. After the implementation of the latest detection system, an information campaign will be carried out for residents and guests of the city in order to educate about emerging threats, the boundaries of the no-fly zone, as well as fines for violators of the rules.   It is reminded that all information for those seeking to legally and safely operate an unmanned aircraft (drone) near Lithuanian airports is provided www.ltou.lt/dronai   In the record year 2025, Palanga Airport served almost 448.4 thousand passengers – 18.7 per cent more than in 2024. Palanga Airport also sets records at the beginning of 2026 – the number of passengers grew in both January and February.
More Palanga Airport installs advanced drone detection system: residents are urged to respect rules
Vilnius Airport becomes Vilnius Pinkternational Beetport for annual Pink Soup Fest
  1. News
Vilnius Airport becomes Vilnius Pinkternational Beetport for annual Pink Soup Fest Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) have announced that Vilnius Airport is joining the annual Vilnius Pink Soup Fest and temporarily rebranding as Vilnius Pinkternational Beetport. With its new name and decorated in pink, the airport has become the gateway to the festival, which is being organized for the fourth time and will run for three days.   Cold beetroot soup, pink soup, or “šaltibarščiai” in Lithuanian, is a traditional Lithuanian cold soup made mainly from kefir, cooked grated beets, cucumbers, dill, hard-boiled eggs, and green onions. It’s famous for its bright pink colour and is usually served chilled with hot boiled potatoes on the side. It’s especially popular in summer because it’s refreshing, tangy, and light.   The façade of the Departures terminal of Vilnius Airport has been decorated with the new name, Vilnius Pinkternational Beetport, in the check-in hall and in the Arrivals terminal, travellers are greeted by the main ingredients of cold beetroot soup, and in the corridor connecting the terminals stretches the river of cold beetroot soup, which flows towards the cafes, restaurants and shops all united for this pink festival. In addition, the sign VILNIUS, located on the façade of the Arrivals terminal, glows in pink day and night, thus greeting all fans of the dish.    “The city of Vilnius has already turned pink and is waiting for thousands of fans of cold beetroot soup, some of whom will fly in from abroad. We are the gateway to Vilnius – the capital of “šaltibarščiai”, so this year we are not only welcoming travellers with a special pink mood, but also with an appropriate name. We invite everyone to start and continue the festival at the airport, where we will create a pink soup mood for passengers together with our partners,” says Nerilė Mažeikienė, Director of Passenger Experience and Digitalization at Lithuanian Airports.   For the fourth edition of the festival, which will for the first time last three days, Vilnius Airport welcomes passengers with an updated name, pink decorations and installations inviting passengers to take pictures, join and celebrate the most unique festival in the region. Cafes and restaurants located at Vilnius Airport will serve cold beetroot soup on their menus, tastings and special offers will take place, and pink soup merchandise, clothes and souvenirs will be available in stores. The festively decorated airport will remain so until the end of Vilnius Pink Soup Fest on May 31.   In the first four months of this year, Vilnius Airport reached a new record and served just over one and a half million pink soup fans, or on average a tenth more than in the same period last year.
More Vilnius Airport becomes Vilnius Pinkternational Beetport for annual Pink Soup Fest
Arkia Israeli Airlines launches Vilnius-Tel Aviv flights
  1. News
Arkia Israeli Airlines launches Vilnius-Tel Aviv flights Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) announced that on 21 May, a new airline – Arkia Israeli Airlines – started operations at Vilnius Airport. One of Israel's largest airlines, which will operate regular flights in Lithuania for the first time, will further improve air connectivity between Vilnius and Tel Aviv. The airline plans to operate flights from Vilnius to Tel Aviv during the aviation summer season – until October 4. Direct regular flights will take place three times a week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Direct flights between Vilnius and Tel Aviv will take almost four hours. "We are consistently strengthening Lithuania's connectivity and openness to the world. Every new carrier and new direct flight is a clear signal that we are visible, reliable and attractive to international partners. We are pleased to welcome the first flight of one of Israel's largest airlines – Arkia. This further broadens opportunities to travel, cooperate, and strengthen ties," says Minister of Transport and Communications, Juras Taminskas. "The opening of the Tel Aviv-Vilnius route reflects our commitment to developing new destinations serving several market segments. This air connection will benefit Israeli travellers and provide Lithuanian residents with a direct flight to Israel, strengthening tourism, business and people-to-people relations between the two countries," says Oz Berlowitz, CEO of Arkia Israeli Airlines. "We congratulate the second airline from Israel at Vilnius Airport. We are glad that Arkia has chosen to establish flights to Vilnius for its development. With the rapid growth of the number of tourists from Israel in Lithuania, a new carrier and additional direct flights will create even more favourable conditions not only to discover Lithuania, but also to reach Tel Aviv. Last year, more than 70 thousand passengers flew between Lithuania and Israel – almost three times more than in 2024, so we are pleased with Arkia's decision to enter our growing and promising market," says Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports. Catalyst for inbound tourism The arrival of a new carrier reflects the growing interest of tourists from Israel in Lithuania. The main tourism partner of the airline Arkia on this route is the Israeli tour operator Overseas. In the past, the tour operator's customers used to reach Lithuania on charter flights. "As the first Israeli tour operator to recognize the immense potential of Lithuania for the Israeli travelers, we are thrilled to kick off our third consecutive season of operations this time with Arkia Airlines who are launching their direct route from Tel Aviv to Vilnius. This year we are launching three weekly flights and will reach a peak of five weekly flights during the high season, bringing us almost to a daily service. This incredible growth reflects the strong demand and the deep connection Israeli travelers have formed with Lithuania, a destination we are proud to have pioneered in our market," says Pini Krainer, Co-CEO or Overseas. "Reaching our third year of successful operations in Lithuania is a milestone that would not have been possible without our exceptional partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Lithuanian Tourism Board, the airport authorities and our dedicated local suppliers. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in positioning Lithuania as a major and highly valued destination for the Israeli market. We look forward to another phenomenal season running through early October, as we continue to strengthen the tourism bridge between our countries," says Vered Schwartz, Co-CEO of Overseas. The company's first flight to Vilnius The first Arkia aircraft was greeted at Vilnius Airport by a traditional water arch formed by the Fire Rescue Division of Vilnius Airport, and the first passengers were greeted at the official opening ceremony at the boarding gate by representatives of the airline, the airport, the Israeli and Lithuanian embassies. Arkia Israeli Airlines is one of Israel's largest airlines, which started operating in 1949. The company, which has a base at Tel Aviv Airport, offers both domestic flights in Israel and international routes to various countries – not only in Europe and the Mediterranean, but also to the USA and Asia. The flight to Vilnius will be the first route of Arkia to Lithuania. Flight tickets and flight schedule can be found on the airline's official website www.arkia.co.il
More Arkia Israeli Airlines launches Vilnius-Tel Aviv flights
Tel Aviv flights resume at Vilnius Airport
  1. News
Tel Aviv flights resume at Vilnius Airport On the evening of 14 May, the airline Israir resumed direct regular flights between Vilnius and Tel Aviv in Israel. The airline’s flights will be operated three times a week during the aviation summer season. On 21 May, a new airline in Lithuania – Arkia – is scheduled to start flights between Vilnius and Tel Aviv. The company's flights will be operated three times a week during the aviation summer season. Wizz Air plans to resume flights between Vilnius and Tel Aviv in September. Tickets and the latest flight schedules can be found on the websites of the respective airlines: www.israirairlines.com, www.arkia.co.il and www.wizzair.com. Direct scheduled flights between Vilnius and Tel Aviv were temporarily suspended due to the conflict in the Middle East.
More Tel Aviv flights resume at Vilnius Airport
airBaltic Introduces Direct Vilnius-Geneva Flights for Upcoming Winter Season
  1. News
airBaltic Introduces Direct Vilnius-Geneva Flights for Upcoming Winter Season Information prepared by airBaltic:   The Latvian airline airBaltic will launch a new direct route between Vilnius and Geneva (Switzerland) during the upcoming winter season, operating from January 2 to March 20, 2027. The service will run once weekly on Saturdays, with an estimated flight time of around 2 hours and 50 minutes.   Mantas Vrubliauskas, Vice President Network Management at airBaltic: “The new route from our Vilnius to Geneva will provide broader connectivity with Switzerland, especially during the winter season, when a wide range of winter activities and attractions in the snow-covered Alps draw significant traveler interest. It also strengthens our network in Switzerland by introducing a second direct destination alongside our recently launched Zurich route, offering passengers flexibility and more travel options.”   Simonas Bartkus, Chief Executive Officer at Lithuanain Airports: “We are grateful to our long-standing aviation partner for further improving direct connectivity with Switzerland, which is now at historic heights. Geneva, alongside the airline’s recently launched route to Zurich, will cater to the needs of our passengers. I am hopeful that travel demand will encourage airBaltic to extend the route into next summer.”   This winter, the airline will operate a total of 12 direct routes from Vilnius, while continuing to provide direct services from Palanga to Riga (Latvia), Amsterdam (the Netherlands), and Tenerife (Spain). During the summer season, airBaltic also offers direct flights from Vilnius to Zurich twice a week. Both destinations in Switzerland provide convenient transfer opportunities through our codeshare partner SWISS, which offers extensive connectivity across its wider network.   The airline is the largest in the Baltics, operating one of Europe’s youngest fleets of modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft, and is the first European carrier to offer free high-speed SpaceX Starlink internet on its flights, with more than half of its fleet already equipped with this service.   airBaltic is the leading airline in the Baltics, connecting the region with 80 destinations across Europe and beyond. A complete schedule of airBaltic flights and tickets is available on the company’s homepage at www.airbaltic.com.
More airBaltic Introduces Direct Vilnius-Geneva Flights for Upcoming Winter Season
Vilnius Airport Turned Into a Marathon Track as LEMON GYM Opens Movement Space
  1. News
Vilnius Airport Turned Into a Marathon Track as LEMON GYM Opens Movement Space Instead of waiting at the boarding gate, passengers at Vilnius Airport were invited to step onto a marathon track. The newly opened LEMON GYM active movement zone near the departure gates turned into a symbolic marathon route where every passenger waiting for their flight could participate. Every meter completed on the treadmill became part of a shared goal – completing the full 42.195 km marathon distance together. “We wanted to create an experience that would both surprise and inspire people. The marathon here is symbolic – it shows that even a small movement or just a few active minutes can make a difference,” said the organizers of the initiative. Exercise is not limited to the gym “Sport is not only about a place or a specific time – it is a habit that can begin anywhere, even at the airport while waiting for a flight. For some, it may be a few stretching exercises, for others – a minute of running. The most important thing is to move according to your abilities and to do it as often as possible,” said Lithuanian long-distance runner and Olympian Diana Lobačevskė. The symbolic marathon also marked the opening of the new LEMON GYM active movement zone for passengers at Vilnius Airport, which D. Lobačevskė herself also tried out. From now on, the space is open to all travellers waiting for their flights. One of the participants of the airport marathon, Ieva, shared that the initiative was a great opportunity to move before her flight. At the same time, it was also a unique experience she could try right there in Vilnius.Ieva spoke very positively about the new active movement zone. According to her, it is a great space both for adults wanting to stay active before a flight and for children to move and play. “Encouraging people to rethink active movement is a very important step forward,” she said.Another participant, Raimonda, described both the movement zone and the airport marathon as a truly exciting idea. Although this was the first marathon of its kind she had ever joined, she admitted she now dreams of participating in the Rotterdam Marathon with her family in the future. A few active minutes before your flight According to Greta Radzevičienė, the initiative was created to encourage active and healthy habits in everyday situations and to remind people that even short moments can be used for movement. “At the beginning of a journey, opportunities to move are often limited – passengers spend time waiting in security lines or near boarding gates. However, even a short physical activity can help not only use time more actively, but also improve well-being. We want to remind people that sometimes just a few minutes of movement are enough to feel better,” said G. Radzevičienė. That is why a free 24/7 active movement zone has been installed at Vilnius Airport. The LEMON GYM active movement zone is located near gates A16 and A17. “As Vilnius Airport continues to welcome record passenger numbers, our goal is not only to ensure the best travel experience, but also to contribute to healthier habits. In the LEMON GYM training space, passengers are invited to move and begin their journey in a great mood. We are happy to offer an activity that promotes physical movement and allows travelers to spend their waiting time meaningfully,” said Nerilė Mažeikienė, director of passenger experience and digitalization at Lithuanian Airports. A space designed for travellers of all ages The active movement zone includes an interactive and playful area for both children and adults. A reaction game encourages movement and engagement for visitors of all ages. Travelers can also use modern training equipment designed to allow movement while working on a computer – particularly useful during business trips. In addition, the space includes an area where passengers can warm up or do stretching exercises before a flight, even in just a few minutes. According to the head of LEMON GYM, the key goals behind the space were simplicity and accessibility. Movement should not require special sportswear or a lot of time – first and foremost, it requires willingness to move.In recent years, LEMON GYM has been actively expanding, and while the airport training zone is smaller than a traditional gym club, it symbolically becomes another part of the network. “We say this is our 19th club in Vilnius and 34th in the Baltics – just a little different and open to all passengers at Vilnius Airport. Everyone is welcome here to move and stay active,” emphasized G. Radzevičienė. According to G. Radzevičienė, LEMON GYM continues its active expansion and is planning new openings and renovated clubs. Having nearly doubled the number of clubs over the past two years, the network plans to maintain its growth pace, with additional openings already planned for this autumn.
More Vilnius Airport Turned Into a Marathon Track as LEMON GYM Opens Movement Space
Wizz Air launches flights between Vilnius and Gdansk
  1. News
Wizz Air launches flights between Vilnius and Gdansk On 5 May, Wizz Air launched direct regular flights between Vilnius and Gdansk. The airline’s flights to the Polish port city will be operated all year round – four times a week during the aviation summer season, and three times a week during the aviation winter season. Gdansk is one of the most picturesque cities in Poland, famous for its maritime heritage, colourful architecture and beautiful Baltic beaches. Here, travellers can walk through the historic Old Town, visit the impressive St. Peter's Church. St. Mary's Church, visit the European Solidarity Centre or enjoy relaxation in the seaside resorts of Sopot and Gdynia. Gdansk has become the third Polish route from Vilnius Airport. In addition to the port city, year-round flights are also operated to Warsaw and Krakow. Flight tickets for this and other routes are sold on the airline’s official website – www.wizzair.com
More Wizz Air launches flights between Vilnius and Gdansk
Lithuanian Airports reach yet another passenger record in April
  1. News
Lithuanian Airports reach yet another passenger record in April In April, passenger flows at Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) continued to grow and exceeded 652 thousand, reaching another all-time monthly record. The first full month of the aviation summer season was active at all three airports – Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga – which ensure a variety of destinations and convenient air connectivity with important European aviation hubs. Having served 542.2 thousand passengers in March, the network of Lithuanian Airports continued growth trends and provided services to 652.5 thousand passengers in April. According to LTOU, passenger flows in April this year were 8.2 percent higher compared to the previous record in April 2025. "The aviation summer season, which got into full swing in April, brought another all-time record for this month to Lithuanian Airports. Amid geopolitical challenges, route optimisations, airline strikes, and general uncertainty – passenger flows, which continued to grow by a tenth, continued demonstrating the resilience of our market and the unfading desire to travel. I believe that new and returning routes and more frequent flights as the weather warms up will further encourage people to travel by air and get to know the world," says Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports. In total, 3.2 percent more flights took place in the LTOU network in April 2026 than in the same month in 2025. In April of this year, LTOU served almost 5,300 flights. In April, the volume of cargo transported in the LTOU network also grew – almost 1,800 tonnes were transported, or 4.9 per cent more than in the same month last year. A recent study showed that about half (49 percent) of the country's population is planning at least one trip by aircraft this year. Most of the air travel plans were related to flights to Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Greece and Turkey.
More Lithuanian Airports reach yet another passenger record in April
airBaltic launches direct flights between Vilnius and Zurich
  1. News
airBaltic launches direct flights between Vilnius and Zurich Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) have announced that on May 3rd, air carrier airBaltic started direct regular flights between Vilnius and Zurich. The airline’s flights to Switzerland's largest airport will be operated two times a week in May, and three times a week for the rest of the aviation summer season. “A wider choice of flights to Zurich means more flexibility for passengers and even more convenient connectivity to one of Europe's most important financial and aviation centres. Such routes strengthen Lithuania's relations with international partners, provide more opportunities for business, and open air gates to the farthest corners of the world for passengers,” says Roderikas Žiobakas, Vice-Minister of Transport and Communications. “The new route between Vilnius and Zurich marks an important step in further expanding airBaltic’s network from Lithuania. Zurich is a key European financial and business hub, and this connection will offer passengers convenient access to Switzerland while also enabling seamless onward travel across our wider network. We continue to see strong demand from the Lithuanian market, and this new route underlines our commitment to providing more direct travel options and improving connectivity from Vilnius,” says Mantas Vrubliauskas, Vice President Network Management of airBaltic. “We are pleased with the decision of our long-term aviation partner to improve connectivity with Switzerland. These flights will not only provide additional flexibility for those travelling to Zurich for work, leisure, or to visit loved ones, but will also strengthen connectivity with one of the region’s most-important hubs. I believe this new route will also encourage more Swiss tourist to visit our country in the summer,” says Simonas Bartkus, CEO at Lithuanian Airports. Zurich Airport is not only the largest in Switzerland, but also an important flight hub, offering connecting flights to cities in Europe, Asia and the US. Direct flights to Zurich from Vilnius are now offered by two airlines. Flight tickets for this and other routes of the airline are sold on its official website www.airbaltic.com In the first quarter of this year, Vilnius Airport reached a new record and served just over one million passengers, or approx. 10% more than during the same period last year.
More airBaltic launches direct flights between Vilnius and Zurich
All news

7,1 M

travelers per year

59 K

flights per year

22,4 K

tons of cargo per year

103

directions

Lithuanian airports

Vilnius airport
Vilnius Airport is the largest civil airport in Lithuania, having served a record 5 million passengers in 2019 and 5.1 million passengers in 2025. The airport covers an area of 326 hectares, with a perimeter of 10.54 km. The runway is 2,515 m long and 50 m wide (PCN 83/F/D/X/T); it has a Category II landing system and is equipped with a Siemens runway lighting system. Located just 7 km from the city center, the airport is situated on a plateau in the southern part of Vilnius. The airport can be reached by car from the city center in 15 minutes. The airport provides aviation and non-aviation services to local and foreign legal entities and individuals.
Kaunas airport
Kaunas Airport served 1.1 million passengers in 2019 and is projected to serve 1.5 million passengers in 2025. The main activities at Kaunas Airport include low-cost airlines, aircraft repair and maintenance companies based at the airport, as well as cargo airlines. Kaunas Airport is the second-largest civil airport in Lithuania after Vilnius and the fourth-largest in the Baltic states. The airport is located in the central part of the country, 14 km from the center of Kaunas and 100 km from the capital, Vilnius.
Palanga airport
Palanga Airport served 338,000 passengers in 2019 and 448,000 passengers in 2025. Palanga Airport is a regional airport located in western Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, 35 km north of Klaipėda—a seaport and the third-largest city in Lithuania. The airport has well-developed road connections to the region’s major cities and neighboring countries.