Ljubljana Airport unveils future plans


Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is targeting the launch of new routes in four markets and is preparing for the construction of its new terminal building by year's end. The airport's General Manager, Zmago Skobir, told "Airport Business", "We are constantly working on the Gulf area, so we are very active in this respect. It is one of the most important goals not just for Fraport and the Slovenian National Tourism Board, but also for the country and the airport itself. The more direct lines, the more investors there will be, as well as more tourists. So, the Gulf is our priority, but we would also like to add more flights from Italy, Spain and Scandinavia to our network”. He added, "Germany is also one of the most important countries for Slovenia, as our biggest export partner. That’s the reason why Adria Airways and other carriers will introduce flights to the northern part of Germany, while easyJet will commence services from Berlin Tegel this summer”. Starting tomorrow, Japan's largest carrier, All Nippon Airways, will resume its summer charter flights to the Slovenian capital, deploying its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for the first time. "Even though Slovenia is a small country, it is the best place for travellers from Asia to start their journey and continue to our neighbouring countries", Mr Skobir said.

Last year, the airport launched a new expansion project, centred around the extension of the existing passenger terminal, in order to avoid a capacity-crunch, caused by a growing number of passengers and a changed traffic structure. One of the biggest challenges is completing the new terminal extension by the 2020 summer season. “The new terminal will allow us to serve peak traffic periods better, as well as future-proofing the airport for the next fifteen to twenty years, resulting in an improved experience for passengers and airlines", Mr Skobir said. A total of 10.000 square metres will be added, including a new departure hall with 22 check-in counters, five security lanes, three baggage reclaim carousels, a new baggage sorting area, a large duty free shop, a new premium lounge, as well as an overhaul of food and beverage and promotional areas. This will significantly increase capacity from 500 to 1.280 passengers per hour. Currently, the terminal is in the final stages of its design, and a tender call for the facility's construction is expected this year. Mr Skobir is positive that work on the new terminal will start by the end of 2018.

Ljubljana Airport also plans to put a greater emphasis on cargo flights in the coming period. “Our airport is becoming an increasingly important logistics hub. Novartis, one of the biggest pharmaceutical producers, is finalising its European warehouse here. Cargo-partner has started building a big warehouse near the airport. Other international companies are also recognising this area as a future potential hub and consolidating centre”, the General Manager noted. In March, American Airlines Cargo added Slovenia as a new offline market whereby cargo is trucked from Ljubljana Airport to nearby European destinations already operated by American Airlines. “There is decent tonnage from Slovenia, with a range of exports including pharmaceuticals, gambling machines and other electrical goods. Slovenia is a little hi-tech bubble", American Airlines' Cargo Regional Sales Manager, Richard Hartmann, said.

During the January - May period, Ljubljana Airport welcomed 654.411 travellers through its doors, an increase of 15.4%. Movements were up 3.1% to 13.687, while the amount of processed cargo stood at 5.032 tons, up 9.1%.

Comments

  1. Anonymous08:24

    If flights to the Gulf are so important why haven't they secured them yet. It can't be THAT difficult. I mean if Podgorica has flights to Dubai so can Ljubljana.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous08:26

      Maybe they are in talks with Emirates :)

      Delete
    2. Anonymous08:59

      @AnonymousJune 22, 2018 at 8:26 AM

      You're now just trolling !!!

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:07

      You never know

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:10

      They are in talks with Flydubai. It has already been reported.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous09:45

      Why not Emirates? :)
      Qatar would be great for its service.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous10:00

      Not even BEG managed to get Emirates so I doubt LJU will get them before first.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous10:57

      Ljubljana is much richer market.
      Belgrade is now stuck with lots of departures from all three major players but no main Emirates product. I suppose it will all depend on whether Etihad survives.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous12:20

      It's nice to dream of big players, but I would be happy to get Flydubai.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous19:52

      There's no chance of Emirates to come anywhere in Ex-Yu, they've chosen Zagreb for a reason, naturism and business demand.

      Ljubljana will get Fly Dubai, and it might not happen this year, but next or 2020, definitely.


      Slovenia is a small well to do country, with relatively well to do living standard, average pay of around €1100 per month, around €220 more than average Croatian NET pay or €650 more than average Serbian NET pay.

      Slovenia is also popular tourist destination with over 3.5 million foreign visitors.
      Not to forget, it is also next door to Croatia, Italy and Austria, 3 major EU tourist destinations, with over 100 million visitors between these 3 nations.

      FlyDubai and perhaps even Qatar airways would be smart to start flights to Slovenia, however
      it'll all depend in Zagreb demand is more important for Qatar airways. Right now Qatar Airways see Zagreb as most important destination in the region, and this keeps them out of Ljubljana, however if demand for Slovenia goes up, they might initiate 3-5 weekly flights to Ljubljana with A320, perhaps in 2020.

      Emirates won't be flying anywhere else in the region, they first need to add Stuttgart, Bucharest and Helsinki.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous08:46

      "reason, naturism and business demand."
      Naturism?! :D

      Delete
  2. Anonymous08:26

    Great work Ljubljana

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous08:27

    Hopefully 1.9 million passengers for Ljubljana this year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous08:47

      This is realistic now. But very good. 2mio could be with 22% growth from June - Dec.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:09

      2 million is very possible the way the trends are going now.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:21

      no chance for 2mil .. even with 7 new routes the growth is max 19% even less so in May 14%

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:26

      Any indication how things are going in June?

      Delete
  4. Anonymous08:28

    "That’s the reason why Adria Airways and other carriers will introduce flights to the northern part of Germany"

    Which other carriers?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous08:31

      Eurowings? They were supposed to start flights this year but cancelled plans. Maybe they will start flights after all.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:46

      Easyjet to Berlin

      Delete
  5. Anonymous08:30

    well done Ljubljana. I think it will be the big surprise this year.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous08:32

    Anyone know what time ANA will be landing tomorrow at LJU?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous08:35

      17.35 from Fukuoka

      Delete
    2. Anonymous08:41

      B787-9 :)

      Delete
    3. Anonymous08:46

      Nice

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:15

      Hopefully there will be some spotters to take pics

      Delete
    5. Anonymous09:17

      Will the aircraft be parked at the gate or remote stand?

      Delete
    6. Anonymous09:47

      I think it will be parked at the apron.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous10:01

      Last year they had only two flights. This year it's 5 which is nice to see.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous10:29

      They are considering scheduled flights.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous12:18

      Either Ljubljana or Zagreb. We'll see.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous08:35

    Great news for Ljubljana Airport. I'm glad things are finally picking up with new airlines and routes, plans for a terminal expansion and passenger numbers growing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous08:40

      LJU is really moving forward this year! Good luck, Slovenia!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous08:47

      It's good to see some positive news coming from Slovenia again with both Adria and Ljubljana Airport recovering.

      Delete
  8. Anonymous08:36

    Question is will all these new Adria routes be kept after summer. I know DBV and BWK are seasonal bu the rest are planned as year round. But let's see if there is enough demand.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous08:40

      All of the routes are on sale for winter (except DBV and BWK)

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:18

      I'm getting a bit repetitive but anyone know which new route is performing best?

      Delete
    3. JU520 BEGLAX09:22

      From the mgt there is no information how routings are performing. The mgt anyway does not really communicate well. Wiuld be so important, especially in this difficult times

      Delete
    4. Anonymous14:23

      Unfortunately HAM is in my opinion performing really bad. Flights are often cancelled (same as Geneva), next week for example 3 out of 4 scheduled flights have been cancelled. I often fly on this route and only once it happened that there was around 70 passengers on the way to HAM. Usually there is around 35 passengers, so 50% load. Today I flew from HAM to LJU and only 25 passengers was boarded. This cannot go forward long term.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous16:30

      Shame to hear that!
      Hamburg is a fantastic city to visit. They should have invested some money in promoting destinations.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous13:35

      I heard HAM is to top performing route, but is being cancelled due to pilot shortage.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous08:40

    Like i said.. next year we will have flights to LED,ARN,OSL,MAD,BCN

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous08:40

      That would be fantastic! All by Adria?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous08:44

      It makes sense. A few weeks ago Adria said it was looking at Italy and Spain.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous08:46

      Any chance for Athens?

      Delete
    4. Anonymous08:49

      There is a huge demand for scandinavia in summer but i dont know about Italy

      And JP will get additional 3 crj jets next year... and for this summer they will lease erj145

      Delete
    5. Anonymous09:01

      The erj will just be a wetlease to replace carpatair fokker.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous09:04

      Are you sure?
      Fokker is in the system for all summer season and it has 100 seats wich are mostly completly full
      And erj145 has only 50seats

      Delete
    7. Anonymous09:06

      When is the ERJ joining the fleet?

      Delete
    8. Anonymous09:14

      Substitute for Saabs?

      Delete
    9. Anonymous09:29

      You forgot Italy.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous09:37

      @8.46 Maybe Adria will reconsider Athens next year.

      Delete
    11. Anonymous09:39

      It's a real shame the airport didn't try more to keep Aegean Airlines when they started flights in 2016.

      Delete
    12. Anonymous09:42

      If there was no demand what could the airport have done?

      Delete
    13. Anonymous09:46

      ERJ pride naslednji mesec, 8.7 gre v Bukarešto

      Delete
    14. ERJ will be leased from who?

      Delete
    15. Anonymous09:47

      Sporočim ko pride

      Delete
    16. Anonymous19:38

      BMI pride

      Delete
  10. Anonymous08:43

    You are fast today! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous09:00

    It will be a great year for LJU! Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous09:08

    Liverpool please.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:13

      Considering how many flights there are to London, I think it could work.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:48

      Liverpool of all places :)

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:30

      Manchester would make more sense.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous11:00

      Adria's Manchester service has been cut in half. For those in the UK nowhere near London and Luton getting to Slovenia is no easy feat.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous11:44

      This only shows how badly LCCs are needed in Ljubljana. They would create a completely new market and category of visitors.

      Delete
    6. JU520 BEGLAX12:45

      Slovenia is not necessarily interested in LCC tourists and masses of drunked brits

      Delete
    7. Anonymous13:35

      I have never met masses of drunken Brits who go to Bohinj for hiking and nature. As sweeping statements and generalisations go, yours is up there with the most brainless.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous15:12

      comments a la "Slovenia is not interested in LCC tourists" and "ZAG does not need LCCs" r utterly petit bourgeois
      Probably written by people who still live in their parents' houses basements

      Delete
    9. Anonymous16:31

      @anon 3:12
      Spot on! Commenting like they are multi millioner grannies with palaces on Grand Canal in Venezia!

      Delete
    10. I don't like drunk Britts (or any other drunk idiot) in Slovenia either, but to say that LCC tourists are mostly drunk Brits is just stupid and primitive.

      Delete
  13. Anonymous09:17

    Expansion of the terminal can't come soon enough.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:28

      So the renders that were presented by the airport are not the final design?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:35

      Seems like it. It says:

      Currently, the terminal is in the final stages of its design~

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:18

      There were no renders presented by the airport. Architecture firm posted work in progress pics few months ago, but they had to remove it by request from the airport.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous11:21

      What about this?

      https://www.exyuaviation.com/2017/04/ljubljana-to-outline-terminal-expansion.html

      Delete
    5. Anonymous11:33

      This was a concept rendering. Final design will be considerably different.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous11:36

      Great, thanks :)

      Delete
  14. Anonymous09:37

    I was expecting that more and more airlines would launch flights to LJU after Fraport took over but so far not too much action. I really hope things change. I'm happy Easy Jet will start new flights.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:40

      True. If you exclude Adria, there have been just 4 new routes by foreign airlines.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:53

      I don't understand how Wizz does not see potential to launch new routes from LJU.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:01

      Too expensive?

      Delete
  15. Anonymous10:03

    Hope the construction of the new terminal goes to schedule and that it results in some new airlines like in Zagreb.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous10:08

    Norwegian please considers some of those Scandinavia routes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:13

      They said ages ago they were interested in flying to LJU but since then nothing.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:40

      And I'm hopiung Vueling for Spain.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:42

      I agree. I think Spain is underserved from Ljubljana and I also think there is potential for more flights to the Scandinavian market.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous11:19

      Adria and Vueling already flew to Spain and it didn't work out.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous11:44

      I am surprised for Vueling! What went wrong?

      Delete
    6. JU520 BEGLAX12:47

      Too large plane. A320 for LJU is not so easy to fill and it pays off only if flights are at around 90-95% loadfactor

      Delete
    7. Anonymous16:32

      Shame! Barcelona is 2 mil market.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous10:24

    The good results are mostly down to Adria and Slovenia's booming economy. Not because of the actions of Fraport.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous10:34

    LJU is getting close to SKP with their numbers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:37

      No way of LJU surpassing SKP.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:34

      They will do it next year.

      Delete
  19. Anonymous10:38

    Just a few years ago Adria used to serve all those markets Skobir is talking about.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:41

      I don't recall them flying to Italy.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:01

      They flew LJU to FCO scheduled plus they had charter from Trieste to Greece

      Delete
  20. Anonymous11:27

    They announced new terminal in April 2017 and they will start construction in December 2018 which will ne done in March 2020. Too long.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:31

      I agree, why are they waiting to start construction until the end of the year?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:35

      Because Fraport probably calculated they don't need it before 2020.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:47

      No, it's just simply not possible to start any sooner due to all of the documentation and permits they need to obtain.

      Last month they got a clearance from ARSO but they're still waiting for the building permit. Then they are obligated to run a public tender.

      So to start by the end of 2018 is pretty optimistic.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous13:30

      Why on earth is a privat company obliged to run a public tender?

      Delete
    5. Anonymous15:00

      It's required by law for all private companies that provide a public service

      Delete
  21. Anonymous11:39

    Any chance for something more exotic next year, like INI or VAR?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:55

      The most exotic i think it is LED or LPL

      They could fly to INI if they get any help from local goverment like OU for mostar

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:15

      VAR is definitely worth it. I am sure they can compete easily with TK, W6, OS and FB.
      Sadly, it never worked well for JU, I think because of the schedule.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous16:34

      Exotic? :)
      INI would be a fantastic opportunity for Adria to put a foot on before they completely shut new arrivals.

      Delete
  22. Anonymous12:45

    Any news what happened with this news from 1.6.2018:
    "This week, the no frills easyJet, which maintains flights from London's Gatwick and Stansted airports to Ljubljana, upgraded its upcoming new three weekly service from Berlin from the initially planned seasonal operations to year-round flights."

    Thicket are still sold only till end of October.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous13:00

    LJU has a bright future.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous13:10

    So new and old terminal combined will be around 22000sqm. I can see there's room for more expansion further down the line,

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous15:19

    Wizzair is deploying A321 for Saturday flights Luton-Ljubljana and changing hours from evenings to mornings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous15:28

      Good. Didn't they initially give up on those plans?

      Talking of Wizz, they should open a base in PUY.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous20:57

      Saturdays will be busy, AF sending their E190, TK will send A320. Nice!!!

      Delete
  26. Anonymous19:49

    LJU should get connections with: LED,LIS,MAD,BCN,MXP,DUB
    More flights with MAN and TLV

    ReplyDelete

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