The expansion will include the addition of a new passenger terminal building. Credit: Fraport AG.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Thessaloniki airport expansion project was held in September 2018. Credit: Fraport AG.
The project will also include the modernisation of the existing terminal. Credit: Fraport AG.
The estimated cost of the expansion project is €100m ($117.4m). Credit: Fraport AG.

Thessaloniki International Airport (IATA: SKG) is the second biggest airport in Greece. Located 14km away from the city centre of Thessaloniki, the airport is operated by Fraport Greece.

The airport initiated a major expansion involving the construction of a new terminal to cater to the growing passenger traffic at the airport. Passenger traffic at the airport is expected to surge by 48% by 2026.

The €100m ($117.4m) expansion project will also involve numerous upgrades to enhance the overall passenger experience at the airport. It is a part of Fraport Greece’s SKG development programme, which is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2021.

Construction on the new terminal began with a groundbreaking ceremony held in September 2018 and is scheduled for completion in 2020.

The airport handled 6.2 million passengers and witnessed 53,670 aircraft movements in 2017. It serves as a hub for Aegean Airlines, Astra Airlines, Ellinair, Olympic Air and Ryanair.

Thessaloniki International Airport features and background

Thessaloniki International Airport started commercial operations in 1948 and was known as Mikra Thessaloniki airport until it was renamed in 1993.

The airport is owned by the Greek Government and administered by Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority.

It has a passenger terminal, a cargo terminal and a fire-fighting station. It offers parking for 22 aircraft, apart from nine general aviation aircraft. It has an aviation club, which serves as an additional parking area for aircraft.

“The expansion will also involve the installation of 14 check-in desks, additional baggage claim belts, six security-check lanes, and eight departure gates.”

Airside facilities include two asphalt runways and two taxiways.

Thessaloniki airport expansion details

The airport expansion primarily involves the addition of a new 34,000m² passenger terminal. The existing terminal will also be modernised and expanded by 30,998m², which includes the addition of new landside access.

The apron area will be reorganised and airside pavement will be renovated as part of the project. The expansion will also involve the installation of 14 check-in desks, additional baggage claim belts, six security-check lanes, and eight departure gates.

HBS inline screening and a new fire station will be added and the wastewater treatment plant will be upgraded and connected to the main city network.

Bobotis+Bobotis Architects provided the design services for the new passenger terminal building.

Details of the existing terminal at Thessaloniki airport

The existing passenger terminal of the airport is a three-storey structure featuring 30 check-in stations, 16 departure gates, four security lanes and six security-check lanes.

The first level of the terminal building has two business lounges, Aegean and Manolis Andronikos. The ground floor has an arrival hall, which houses baggage storage service.

The terminal also features a first aid facility, ATMs, currency exchange and car rental service. All passengers and visitors can make use of free unlimited Wi-Fi within the terminal.

Retail outlets include Accessorize, Aisso, Health Store, and Oro Vildiridis. The departures area of the building has Hellenic Duty Free Shops, which offer a range of cosmetics, tobacco products, spirits, Greek gourmet, toys, electronics, and accessories.

Restaurants and cafes are located across the terminal building and serve arriving and departing passengers.

Parking at Thessaloniki International Airport

Thessaloniki International Airport has three designated parking spaces, including a short-term parking lot (P4), and two long-term parking lots (P6 and P7).

Tourist buses, taxis, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other public services will be served by the parking lots P1, P2, P3, P5 and P8.

The airport also offers a monthly parking card, which allows unlimited usage at P6 parking lot.