Kaunas Airport (KUN/EYKA) – Lithuania’s Dynamic Cargo and Low-Cost Aviation Hub
Kaunas International Airport (KUN) is the second-busiest airport in Lithuania and a vital economic pillar for the country. Strategically located near the city of Kaunas, KUN has cemented its reputation as a crucial operating base for low-cost carriers and a leading Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center in the Baltic region. Its ongoing infrastructure developments are set to significantly enhance its passenger and cargo handling capabilities.
General Information and Strategic Role of Kaunas Airport (KUN)
KUN’s location and specialization make it an important gateway for both leisure travel and logistics operations across the Baltics.
- Location: The airport is situated in Karmėlava, approximately 14 km (8.7 miles) northeast of the Kaunas city center.
- Regional Significance: KUN is recognized as Lithuania’s second-largest airport and ranks as the fourth-busiest in the Baltic states, consistently serving a growing volume of air traffic.
- Traffic Performance: The airport successfully served 1.4 million passengers in 2024, demonstrating strong recovery and growth, primarily driven by low-cost European travel.
- Key Roles: KUN serves as a major operating base for Ryanair, a significant European air cargo hub, and a leading center for specialized Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services.
- Cargo and Logistics: The airport plays a strategic part in international air cargo logistics and is a dedicated hub for NATO cargo movements in the region.
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Experience
Kaunas Airport operates a modern, single terminal complex that is undergoing a major expansion to improve passenger flow and increase capacity.
- Terminal Structure: The airport utilizes a single terminal, which is divided into Hall A and Hall B for streamlined operations.
- Major Expansion Project: A critical terminal expansion is scheduled for completion in the autumn of 2025. This project will add 4,400 m² of new space, substantially boosting the airport’s annual passenger processing capacity to 2 million.
- Aircraft Servicing: The 2025 expansion will also allow the airport to service up to six aircraft simultaneously, significantly improving turnaround efficiency.
- Passenger Services:
- Connectivity: Passengers have access to complimentary Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
- Retail & Dining: The terminal features duty-free shopping areas, various cafés, and essential services like currency exchange.
- Car Rental: International car rental services are readily available, including Sixt, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Europcar, and Budget.
- Sustainability: Electric vehicle charging stations are provided, reflecting the airport’s commitment to modern infrastructure.
- MRO Hub Status: Kaunas is a major MRO center, hosting key industry players like Ryanair’s Kaunas Aircraft Maintenance Services, FL Technics, DAT, and MAAS Aviation. Ryanair’s maintenance hangar is also undergoing a substantial €1.6 million expansion in 2025.
- Lost Property: For lost property inquiries, travelers should contact UAB Litcargus at +370 614 12881.
- Currency and Visa: All airport transactions are conducted in Euros (EUR). Travelers from certain countries must ensure they have a valid Schengen visa for entry.
- Accommodation: Convenient hotel options near the airport include the Green Hotel Kaunas and Air Hotel.
Airlines and Extensive Low-Cost Network (2025 Focus)
Kaunas Airport’s route network is strongly focused on low-cost European connections, providing affordable travel to key cities and holiday destinations.
- Main Operators: The airport is primarily serviced by major budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air, alongside codeshare flights operated by LOT Polish Airlines.
- Destination Count: KUN currently connects passengers to approximately 30 destinations as of 2025.
- Key International Routes: The network covers major European regions:
- UK & Ireland: London (Stansted, Luton), Dublin, Manchester.
- Germany & Central Europe: Berlin.
- Southern Europe: Routes to popular holiday and city-break destinations like Pisa, Milan, Rome (Fiumicino, Ciampino), and the new, continuing route to Zadar (Croatia) launched in 2024.
- Spain: Madrid, Barcelona.
- Scandinavia: Stavanger, Bergen, Alesund (Norway).
Efficient Ground Transportation Options
Travelers benefit from multiple quick and affordable transportation links between the airport and Kaunas City, as well as the capital, Vilnius.
- Bus to Kaunas: City bus lines 29 and 29E provide frequent connections to the Kaunas city center in roughly 30 minutes. Tickets are a nominal 1 EUR and can be purchased with cash or via the Kauno Autobusai mobile app.
- Bus to Vilnius: A convenient direct bus service runs to the capital city, Vilnius, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours. Tickets cost around 10 EUR (e.g., via Infobus).
- Taxi and Ride-Sharing: A taxi ride to the Kaunas city center typically takes about 20 minutes, with fares estimated between 15-20 EUR. The Bolt application is highly recommended for easy booking.
- Road Access: The airport is easily accessible via the A6 motorway for those driving or utilizing rental cars.
Infrastructure Development: Northern Apron Expansion
Kaunas Airport is actively investing in its airside infrastructure to support its growing role as a cargo and MRO hub.
- Project Scope: The Northern Apron is undergoing a significant expansion that will more than double the number of available aircraft parking stands.
- Timeline and Scale: The new apron area will exceed 35,000 sq. meters and is scheduled to be fully operational by 2025.
- New Facilities: The expanded apron will feature additional aircraft parking spots and crucial, dedicated engine testing areas, supporting the MRO cluster.