Lithuania has no plans to expand its airport network, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said Thursday, rejecting a proposal to integrate Šiauliai Airport into the national system and develop it into a fourth international hub.
“I have heard the initiative by the mayor of Šiauliai to have a fourth airport. Lithuania today has enough with three airports,” Ruginienė told lawmakers during a government session in the Seimas.
She said the government is focused on strengthening existing infrastructure, pointing to ongoing investments in the country’s main airports.
“We are moving in the right direction – we have already upgraded Kaunas and Vilnius airports. We must continue to focus on ensuring that our three airports can accommodate as many flights as possible and meet the highest international standards,” she said.
Transport Minister Juras Taminskas also dismissed the idea of converting Šiauliai Airport into a civilian facility.
“It is not in our plans, and we will not turn it into a civil airport or operate flights there,” he told parliament, citing the high cost of infrastructure and operational requirements.
He added that the airport’s dual use with military aviation would pose significant challenges in ensuring separation and security.
“Given Lithuania’s size, three airports are more than sufficient. Investing in Šiauliai Airport at this stage would not be a rational decision,” the minister said.
Šiauliai Mayor Artūras Visockas has argued that integrating the airport into the Lithuanian Airports network could improve the use of aviation infrastructure, boost regional economic potential and contribute to national security.
He has proposed that Šiauliai Airport specialise in cargo operations and aircraft maintenance, repair and servicing, easing pressure on airports in Vilnius and Kaunas.
However, the Defence Ministry has said it will not extend the lease of the airport’s passenger terminal building beyond March 2027, as the facility is needed for the development of the Air Force Aviation Base and for use by Lithuanian and NATO allied forces.
Lithuania currently operates three civilian airports, located in Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga.
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