Vienna Airport in Austria has begun work its €420m ($452m) terminal expansion project that will increase retail options and expand security at the airport across a new 70,000m² area. 

The Southern Terminal Expansion began preparation in July 2023 and will now begin the “intensive construction” phase, with the project expected to be complete in 2027 when passengers will be able to access the building through the existing Terminal 3. 

The expansion will add 10,000m² of retail and catering space featuring 30 outlets, 6,000m² of new and expanded lounge space, increased transfer connections between gates, and a new centralised security checkpoint. 

Julian Jäger, joint member of the management board of airport operating company Flughafen Wien, said: “Our airport is growing, passenger volume is increasing, and we are continuously among the best globally in terms of our service quality. Now we are also upgrading our terminal infrastructure to be top-notch internationally. 

“Thanks to the new Southern Expansion project, we are laying the groundwork for Vienna Airport to join the ranks of the top airports and achieve 5-Star status.” 

The airport has lots of room for expansion. Credit: Flughafen Wien

The significant expansion builds on Vienna’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic travel restrictions, the airport recorded its second highest passenger volume ever in 2023 with around 29.5m passengers, above the expected 26 – 27 million set out in 2022. 

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Funding for the expansion will come from future cash flows according to Flughafen Wien, avoiding the need for loans, in line with the construction management reorganisation carried out by the company in 2012. 

Construction of the new building will be aided by the use of a digital twin that has mapped out all aspects of the project, including wiring and connections, to provide a comprehensive overview of the expansion as it is built. 

Michael Ludwig, mayor and governor of Vienna, said: “Vienna is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the world, and 2023 turned out to be the second-best year for tourism with new record revenues from overnight stays. 

“Many of our guests come by plane, and thus Vienna Airport is an important calling card for the city. For this reason, I welcome the further development and expansion of the terminal infrastructure.”