Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport has inaugurated its new passenger terminal, which is due to open to the public at the start of July. Pierre Dominique Prümm, member of the Fraport AG executive board and executive director of aviation and infrastructure, responsible for the airport, emphasized that the new terminal is Slovenia’s gateway to the ‘New Future’: “Fraport AG is fully committed to Fraport Slovenija and our long-term partnership in Slovenia. Built on time and within budget, the ultra-modern terminal is truly a major achievement all Slovenians can be proud of. This customer-oriented terminal will significantly enhance the passenger experience at Ljubljana Airport. We are confident the new terminal will also strengthen the competitive position of the airport as well as Slovenia – in the region and internationally. Furthermore, this will stimulate growth opportunities at the airport, throughout Slovenia and the entire region.”
According to the airport, the new structure offers greater capacity and higher standards for passengers, other users and employees. The terminal gives the airport 10,000m² more floor space, including a new departure hall, 14 check-in desks (there will be 22 in total, counting those in the existing terminal), five lanes for security screening, two baggage claim carousels, a new baggage sorting area, a new business lounge and enhanced catering and retail amenities. Capacity has been increased from 500 to 1,250 passengers per hour. The new terminal is functionally linked with the existing areas by a connecting corridor, with new car parking, a coach terminus and a park right next to it.
Zmago Skobir, MD of Fraport Slovenija, welcomed the final delivery of the new terminal. “The vision of a new passenger terminal at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport goes back a long way. Unfortunately, the circumstances prevented the start of construction many times. But today we can say that our vision was good enough and our desire was strong enough to create a modern and efficient regional entry point – a heart of possibilities for individuals, society and a broader global community. We made it happen in spite of times of great uncertainty. We decided to continue with the construction because we believe in Slovenia, which needs air connectivity due to its tourist, economic and market value. And last but not least, because we value our passengers, our employees and other airport users. They all deserve quality services and good working conditions. We are ready for the returning growth of traffic, with enough space and attractive offer for our passengers and business partners.”
The architecture of the new building was designed by Plan B as a modern, airy space with an abundance of glass surfaces, affording views of the runway and the Julian Alps on one side and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps on the other. The new look is best summed up as a minimalist structure with a unique local touch that ties together exposed concrete, glass, metal and wood cladding. The structure was built by Gic Gradnje, which won a public contract that included construction, finishing jobs and installations, as well as preliminary and demolition work, the implementation of a new road grid and the reorganization of some of the maneuvering area.