The new passenger terminal at Zagreb Airport, Croatia, is due to open in March, with a series of tests currently under way to ensure everything is up to standard. According to a regional newspaper, the Večernji List, the airport has been enlisting the help of volunteers to act out various passenger scenarios, testing the facilities and the staff.
Everything from jet bridges to aircraft boarding procedures has been given a challenge to overcome. According to the newspaper, the airport management have organized 17 tests so far, involving more than 700 volunteers.
More tests will be held before the terminal opens. Two dates are planned toward the end of January using 200 volunteers each, testing the arrival procedures for passengers and baggage. A final test in February will involve 400 volunteers. There is still time to apply to be a part of the remaining tests, with all of the details online. Transportation will be available to all volunteers, with reserved parking for those arriving by car.
The new terminal is designed to handle 3.5 million passengers a year, while the capacity of the building is 5 million. Features include 30 check-in counters, which can be increased to 60, with three carousels for luggage, upgradeable to five. Total cost of the new terminal is more than US$355m.
Written by Chris Anderson