Ljubljana Airport inaugurates new terminal

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport’s new terminal building has been opened at a ceremony yesterday, with passenger services to move to the new facility on July 1. Operator Fraport Slovenija has invested some 21 million euros into the ultra-modern building, which has been under construction since 2019. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, General Manager, Zmago Skobir, said, “I got a lot of questions about why we are building during the pandemic and the bankruptcy of our national airline. We continued because we know our business and believe in it. The pandemic has really shaken our business, but the world needs air transport and it will come to life again. Global aviation will be partially transformed, but traffic will return. We continued because we believe in Slovenia, its tourist, economic and market value. Slovenia needs air connectivity and we are the basic platform that enables it. We continued because airport infrastructure needs to be planned and built for the long run. We will be ready for traffic growth. We also continued because we value our passengers, employees and consumers”.

Fraport’s Executive Board member, Dr Pierre Dominique Prumm, stressed, “We are confident the terminal will strengthen Ljubljana Airport’s competitive position both in the region and internationally. This terminal is a symbol of stepping forward into a new future”. He added, “In short, this customer-oriented terminal will significantly enhance the travel experience at Ljubljana Airport”. Dr Prumm also emphasised that the building is ready just in time for the start of Slovenia’s six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union at the beginning of July - when “Ljubljana will be on the European centre stage welcoming visitors from other European capitals”.

Ljubljana Airport’s new facility features 10.000 square meters for flexible operations and increased services. Its terminal capacity has now doubled to serve more than 1.200 passengers per hour. Along with more space and comfort, the terminal will feature a greater choice of shops, restaurants and other amenities - with over 1.200 square meters available for retailing initially. The terminal’s minimalist design is a spacious fusion of concrete, metal, wood and glass. It features oak wood panelling, while the check-in desks are made out of anthracite material. Part of the floor at the entrance is covered by an art installation presenting Slovenian rivers and landscapes. Pebbles from Slovenian rivers have been used in the walls to partition certain area. The glass building has a lot of natural light with views of nearby mountains. It boasts fourteen check-in desks, in addition to the eight at the existing terminal, as well as a special counter for bulky baggage, up to five security lanes, two baggage carousels with enough space for a third should it be required in the future, a new luggage sorting facility, large duty free shop, as well as a new premium lounge with a balcony overlooking the apron and runway. Four new restaurants will be opened and two stores selling Slovenian products. The facility is connected to the existing 13.000 square metre terminal, which will be reorganised and partially used by low cost carriers starting July 1.

Premium lounge

Retail area

Slovenia’s Prime Minister, Janez Janša, noted, “Opening this magnificent passenger terminal, built at this time, was challenging. Nevertheless, you [Fraport] had vision and courage, you knew that this would not last forever and that the sun would shine. Thank you to Fraport, who invested in Slovenia. We see a big difference between what the airport was like before Fraport became its owner. Slovenia has high hopes for this airport. We are obliged to support and upgrade the plans you have”. He emphasised that the government was determined to build a high-speed rail link between Ljubljana and the airport.

Ljubljana Airport handled 42.058 passengers during the January - May period, down 78.1% on the same period last year, and 93.7% on 2019. The airport expects to welcome four new airlines this summer season, including Air Montenegro from Tivat, SunExpress from Antalya, Iberia from Madrid and Flydubai from Dubai.