Palanga International Airport

Palanga International Airport (PLQ/EYPA): Western Lithuania’s Modern Gateway to the Baltic Sea Coast

Palanga International Airport (PLQ/EYPA) stands as the crucial regional air hub for Western Lithuania, providing seamless connectivity to the nation’s most famous seaside resort, Palanga, and the major port city of Klaipėda. The airport has recently demonstrated exceptional performance, being part of the Lithuanian Airports network that hit a record 3.3 million passengers in the first half of 2025. PLQ itself saw robust traffic, peaking significantly during the summer season, underscoring its role as a vital gateway for both tourism and business along the Baltic Sea coast.

General Information and Strategic Location

Strategically situated just 7 km north of Palanga city centre and approximately 35 km from Klaipėda, PLQ is essential for the region’s accessibility. Its coordinates are 55° 57′ 0” N, 21° 4′ 59” E. Palanga is celebrated globally for its stunning beaches, amber heritage—epitomized by the Amber Museum—and its vibrant, growing tourism sector, particularly during the peak summer months.

The airport’s infrastructure underwent a major modernization in 2021 (runway, taxiway, and apron reconstruction) to meet the highest international safety and efficiency standards, ensuring safe and faster aircraft servicing for the next two decades.

Terminal Modernization and Enhanced Passenger Services

The airport operates a single, efficient, and recently modernized terminal designed to enhance the passenger experience.

Recent Infrastructure Enhancements (2025)

• In early 2025, the airport completed a €750,000 modernization investment focusing on improving passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
• Key improvements included a full upgrade of the terminal’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, ensuring optimal indoor comfort year-round.
• New automated façade blinds were installed to regulate heat and light inside the terminal, preventing sun glare and contributing to energy efficiency.
• A newly installed glass canopy at the main terminal entrance provides shelter for arriving passengers against wind and precipitation, while also reducing heat loss.
• An environmentally friendly de-icing facility was successfully integrated into operations in 2024.

Amenities at PLQ

• Free high-speed Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal.
• A duty-free shop and a café offering refreshments.
• Disabled access facilities and dedicated assistance services.
• Car rental services from international brands including Avis, Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar.
• All payments are accepted in Euro (EUR).
• Travelers can utilize the Eddy Travels AI assistant for convenient travel planning.

Airlines, Destinations, and 2025-2026 Route Updates

Palanga Airport is served by several major European and low-cost carriers, expanding Western Lithuania’s connectivity to key northern and central European hubs, as well as popular leisure destinations.

Main Operating Airlines: airBaltic, SAS, Norwegian, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.

Year-Round and Scheduled Routes:

• Riga (RIX): airBaltic
• Amsterdam (AMS): airBaltic (increased to twice-weekly flights in 2025)
• Copenhagen (CPH): SAS
• Oslo (OSL): Norwegian and Wizz Air (Wizz Air route launched in December 2025, operating twice-weekly in winter).
• London–Stansted (STN): Ryanair

Seasonal, New, and Charter Flights:

• Bergen (BGO): Norwegian (Flights are scheduled to commence on March 31, 2026).
• Dublin (DUB): Ryanair (Seasonal route).
• Turkey & Egypt Charters: Charter services to popular resort areas. Flights to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) and Hurghada (HRG) began in September 2025, alongside seasonal charters to Antalya (AYT) operated by Mavi Gök Airlines.

Industry Note: While new routes have been added, Ryanair announced in October 2025 that it would not be expanding its operations in Lithuania due to rising airport fees at Vilnius and Palanga, indicating a stabilized, yet competitive, environment for route development.

Commitment to Sustainability and Green Goals

Palanga Airport, as part of the Lithuanian Airports network, is a leader in sustainable aviation practices:

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): The airport network has fully committed to using SAF for all departing flights, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
• Carbon Neutrality by 2030: PLQ is actively on track to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming a carbon-neutral organization by the year 2030 (NET ZERO goal).
• Solar Park Project: Design work for a 0.4 MW solar park at PLQ is underway (slated for completion by late 2025), which is expected to generate approximately 40% of the airport’s total electricity demand.

Transportation and Access

Access to the airport is straightforward via the E272 road, offering excellent connections to the region.

• Local Bus Services:
  • Palanga Centre: 15 minutes, with a ticket price of approximately 1 EUR.
  • Klaipėda: 30 minutes, with a ticket price of approximately 2 EUR.
• Taxi Services: A rapid 10-minute taxi ride to Palanga typically costs between 10-15 EUR. Bolt is a popular and recommended ride-sharing provider in the area.
• Parking: The airport features a 200-space car park. Free short-term parking is available for passenger pick-up and drop-off.

Traveler Quick Guide and Contact Information

Travelers are advised to book early, especially during the busy summer season, as PLQ’s popularity as a Baltic resort gateway leads to high passenger volumes.

• Visa Requirement: A Schengen visa is generally required for most non-EU/EEA passport holders.
• Peak Season: Summer (June-August) is the busiest time.

For operational inquiries or specific services, use the following details: