Dubrovnik resumes €225 million expansion, plans new terminal

Dubrovnik Airport has resumed its expansion project this week valued at 225 million euros, following a busy summer season. The airport has begun the second phase of its runway and taxiway overhaul, which will somewhat limit traffic in the coming period. "We began work on the central part of the runway on November 8. We plan to complete it by December 9, but considering possible adverse weather conditions we expect for everything to be done by December 15. This is part of the year when we have the least traffic, which is the reason we chose to undertake this part of the project now", Dubrovnik Airport's General Services Manager, Luko Vuletić, said.

Other airside improvements will include the construction of two new rapid exit taxiways, the expansion of the western apron, as well as the construction of a new commercial aviation apron on the western side, a new east apron for general aviation, a small general aviation terminal and the development of aircraft maintenance and operation facilities, in addition to hangars. "We will also begin work on a multi-level car park next winter with the capacity to handle 700 vehicles. This will become an additional source of income for the airport and I believe we will begin tender procedures for its construction in the coming months", Mr Vuletić said. The airport will also build a housing area with its own maintenance and operations premises for domestic operators and a new aviation fuel tank, including an underground pit system for fuel filling, two internal gas stations and solar systems. Furthermore, it will reconstruct the substation and facades to attain energy-efficiency. All construction work is scheduled for completion in 2020.

The project comes following the successful conclusion of its first phase which saw the construction of a new Terminal C building that was opened for commercial use last year. The airport's major upgrade is being funded by a grant from the Croatian government, the airport itself and funds provided by the European Commission's Juncker Plan investment scheme. Dubrovnik Airport's long-term plans also entail the construction of a new terminal building, which would be used only during the summer season. "Current capacity is at five million passengers and I believe this will be sufficient for some time. As a result, we will not require any significant investments following the completion of this project. However, we do have plans for a new seasonal terminal to the west of the car park, although construction should begin in 2025 or 2026", Mr Vuletić concluded.