PHOTOS: Split Airport targets June terminal opening
The construction of Split Airport's new multi million euro terminal is progressing and scheduled to be completed in the coming months, so as to open its doors to the public in June. Upon completion, work will begin on the overhaul of the existing 11.000 square metre terminal building which will be joined with the new structure to form a single functioning unit. Split Airport, which recorded a gross profit of 20.2 million euros last year, will then begin airside expansion work. "We have been acquiring properties around the airport for some time as we have been preparing for long-term investments. Following work on the terminals, we will overhaul the runway, expand the apron and build a parallel taxiway to the runway", Split Airport's Deputy General Manager, Pero Bilas, said.
The new 35.000 square metre terminal structure has been made of reinforced concrete, laminated wood, structural steel and canvas. The arrival and departure areas have been separated to enable more operational flexibility and security control. The eastern part of the terminal is a compact glazed cube featuring a flat and partly glazed roof, while the western part has a basement and will be located next to the existing apron. A new automated baggage sorting area has also been created, along with a luggage inspection area compliant with the standard three explosives detection systems, as specified by new European Union regulation. "All of the new equipment has been installed, tested and is ready for use. We only have to clean it. Capacity is expected to reach 3.000 passengers per hour. Therefore, we will be able to handle at least five million travellers per year without a problem and this will satisfy our needs for the next ten to fifteen years", Mr Bilas said.
The new terminal will increase the airport’s total area to 105 hectares and significantly improve the quality of passenger services. It will also enable the application of EU standards for international border crossings in line with the Schengen agreement. The new building is a one-storey structure with a basement, ground floor, first floor and a gallery with roof height extending to 14.74 metres above the ground floor. It features six gates, a seating area for 1.200 people and an additional 500 seats in various food and beverage facilities. All duty free shops will be run by the airport itself. A new commercial parking area with 900 parking spaces for cars and buses has also been constructed as part of the expansion project. A bus terminal has been built linking with the passenger terminal through a closed pedestrian overpass.
Split Airport has started the new year off on a strong note by handling 36.360 passengers in January, representing an increase of 7.9% on last year. "The 15% to 20% annual growth we have witnessed are unlikely to continue in the coming years and we expect the usual 5% to 10% increase in passenger numbers. First and foremost we are looking out for the sustainability of the business", the Deputy General Manager noted. Split Airport will be served by some fifty airlines this summer season. A number of new carriers will introduce flights to Croatia's second largest city this year, including Air France, British Airways, Luxair, Ryanair and Laudamotion.
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