New Ljubljana terminal a long-term investment

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik is pushing ahead with the construction of its new passenger terminal despite the collapse in travel demand and financial revenue. General Manager Zmago Skobir believes the new facility will satisfy the airport’s needs over the next three decades. “We currently don’t need it and we won’t need it next year. We started building the terminal last year. It is important to note that it will suit our needs for the next thirty years. It is a strategic investment. Halting construction now and resuming work in two to three years would be an even greater financial burden for the company. We need the terminal in the long run. If we decommission it now, we would have big problems”, Mr Skobir told the “Večer” daily recently.

Construction of the terminal building is scheduled for completion at the start of next year, after which the facility will be tested and put into use during the summer of 2021 as Slovenia takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in June. However, Mr Skobir concedes the terminal’s completion may be delayed due to liquidity problems caused by the coronavirus. Operator Fraport Slovenija has halted all investments planned for this year, with exception to the terminal. Projects which have been shelved for the time being include the expansion of the apron and the development of a staff car park.

Stretching over 10.000 square metres, the new terminal will feature a new departures hall with 22 check-in counters, five security lanes, three baggage carousels, a new baggage sorting facility, a large duty free shop, a new premium lounge, as well as new food and beverage facilities. The existing passenger terminal, which stretches over 13.000 square metres, will also be partially renovated. The two facilities will then be joined to form a single functioning unit. The new terminal will be a spacious fusion of concrete, wood and glass, reflecting the nearby Kamnik-Savinja Alps.