Palanga International Airport

This air hub is not merely a transport node, but a true gateway to the world of Baltic charm, where the journey begins with the scent of pine forests and the fresh sea breeze right from the aircraft steps. Palanga International Airport is distinguished by its surprising intimacy and cosiness, sparing guests from stress and the endless corridors of giant hubs. Here, amidst dunes and greenery, landing feels like the start of a long-awaited holiday, even if the purpose of your visit is a business trip.

The main feature of Palanga Airport is its exceptional compactness and speed of service. Thanks to the moderate passenger flow and thoughtful logistics, the path from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate often takes just a few minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for families with children and those who value their time. Furthermore, the airport is strategically located: it serves not only the resort town of Palanga but also the major port city of Klaipėda, located just a 30-minute drive away, making it a vital hub for the entire western region of the country.

Despite its modest size, the infrastructure of the air harbour meets high European standards of safety and comfort. Following the recent reconstruction of the runway and apron, the airport has become even more reliable and can accommodate modern types of aircraft in all weather conditions. Passengers often note the welcoming, almost home-like atmosphere of the terminal, which contrasts sharply with the noise of capital city airports.

You can contact representatives of Palanga International Airport (PLQ) in several ways. Below are the main contact details for travellers.

• Official Website: www.palanga-airport.lt
• Information Desk Phone: +370 612 44442 (for information regarding flights, airport services, and general inquiries).
• Address: Liepojos pl. 1, LT-00169, Palanga, Lithuania.
• Email for General Inquiries: info@palanga-airport.lt
• Lost & Found Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should contact the ground handling service. Contacts can be clarified by calling the airport information desk.
• Social Media: The airport is part of the Lithuanian Airports group. You can follow news on their official page on Facebook.

It is recommended to check the relevance of information on the official airport website before travelling, as contact details may change.

Palanga International Airport (PLQ) is located just 7 km north of the centre of the resort of the same name, making it easily accessible for travellers. You can get to the terminal from the city or, conversely, to the city from the airport in several ways, each with its own advantages in terms of cost and comfort. The trip from the centre of Palanga to the airport usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes.

The most economical way to get to the airport is public transport. City buses run between the Palanga bus station and the airport. Additionally, there are intercity routes connecting the airport with Klaipėda and other cities. This is an excellent option for budget tourists. The schedule may vary depending on the season, so it is recommended to check it in advance. Tickets can usually be purchased from the driver.

A more comfortable and faster option is a taxi or pre-booked transfer. The taxi rank is located directly at the exit of the arrivals terminal. A trip to the centre of Palanga will take about 10 minutes. Booking a transfer via online services may prove slightly cheaper and allows you to avoid waiting, especially during the peak season. This is the ideal choice for travellers with bulky luggage or those who value their time.

For those who prefer maximum freedom of movement around Lithuania, the optimal solution would be car rental. Representatives of several international and local rental companies operate at Palanga Airport. A car can be booked in advance online or rented upon arrival. For motorists, convenient parking is provided on the airport territory. There are zones for short-term parking (pick-up and drop-off) and long-term parking for those leaving their car for the duration of their trip.

Palanga Airport is well integrated into the region's transport network. From here, it is convenient to reach not only local resorts but also major cities in neighbouring countries. For example, regular buses to Klaipėda open access to further travel towards Kaliningrad or the Latvian capital, where Riga International Airport is located. Also within transport accessibility are the airports in Liepaja and Kaunas.

Palanga International Airport (PLQ) is notable for its compactness and convenience for travellers. There is one passenger terminal operating here, which serves all domestic and international flights. Thanks to its small size and thoughtful layout, navigating it is very easy, making pre-flight formalities quick and free of unnecessary stress.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is logically divided into key zones: departures and arrivals. On the ground floor, there are check-in counters, the arrivals area with baggage reclaim belts and the exit to the city, as well as airline and car rental representatives. After check-in, passengers proceed to the security screening area, and then to the departure lounge.

The departure zone includes a general waiting hall, a small Duty-Free shop, and a café. Since the airport serves flights both within the Schengen area and outside it, separate passport control is provided for passengers heading to non-Schengen countries. The arrivals zone is located on the ground floor and consists of a single hall where passengers collect their luggage and exit into the general meeting area.

Passing through all procedures at Palanga Airport usually takes little time. On average, check-in and security screening take about 20-40 minutes. However, during the peak tourist season (summer) or when popular flights are departing, small queues are possible. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before your flight's departure to complete all formalities calmly.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the clear signs in Lithuanian and English. You will not have to worry about transfers between terminals, as all services are located in one building. The airport's compactness is its main advantage, allowing tourists to save time and energy before a flight or after arriving at the famous resort of Palanga.

The history of Palanga International Airport (PLQ) began in 1937. Initially, the airfield was built for training flights for the Air Force pilots of Lithuania and played an important role in the development of national aviation. After the Second World War, it was used as a military airfield.

A new stage in the life of the airport began in 1963, when the first civil flights were launched. This event turned Palanga into a popular tourist destination, accessible to residents of many cities. From that moment, the airport became a key element of the transport infrastructure for the country's entire Baltic coast.

After the restoration of Lithuania's independence, the airport received international status. In 1993, it became a member of the Airports Council International (ACI). In the 1990s, the first major modernization was carried out: the passenger terminal was reconstructed, and the runway and flight control centre were updated. Another significant expansion occurred in 2007 in connection with Lithuania joining the Schengen area, which required increasing the terminal area and improving capacity.

One of the most large-scale projects in the airport's recent history was implemented in the autumn of 2021. During major reconstruction, the runway, taxiways, and apron were completely renewed, and lighting systems were modernized. During the works, the airport was completely closed to flights. This modernization allowed it to meet the most modern standards of aviation safety and efficiency, ensuring the stable development of the air gateway to Lithuania's main resort.

Palanga International Airport (PLQ) is a compact but well-equipped airport offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable journey. Despite its small size, it provides a high level of service for guests and residents of Lithuania.

Dining and Shopping. A café operates within the terminal where you can order drinks, snacks, and hot meals. For shopping enthusiasts, a Duty Free shop is open, offering a standard range of goods: perfumes, alcohol, tobacco products, confectionery, and souvenirs.

Lounges and Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi is available to all passengers in the airport building. Special outlets and stations are provided for charging mobile devices. Business class passengers or loyalty program members can use the services of the Business Lounge (VIP Lounge), which offers beverages, snacks, newspapers and magazines, and a comfortable area for resting in silence.

Additional Services:

• Finance: There are ATMs and a currency exchange point at the airport.
• For passengers with children: A mother and child room is equipped where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment.
• Assistance for people with reduced mobility: The airport provides escort services. It is recommended to book the service in advance through your airline.
• Medical Assistance: A medical point operates on the terminal territory to provide first aid.
• Business Services and Hotels: There are no specialized conference halls in the airport, but basic conditions for work can be found in the business lounge. There are also no hotels within the airport building itself, however, many accommodation options are located in the immediate vicinity, in the city of Palanga.

Despite its compact size, Palanga International Airport (PLQ) offers passengers several options to have a snack before departure or drink a coffee upon arrival. It is important to remember that the selection here is not as extensive as in major aviation hubs, so it is better to plan a full lunch or dinner in the city itself.

The main dining points are located in the airport's single terminal. In the public zone (before passing security control), there is a small café. This is a convenient option for both departing passengers and those seeing them off. Here you can order coffee, tea, soft drinks, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. This is the best place for a more substantial snack, as the selection here is generally wider.

After passing security control, in the departure zone (airside), a small bar or cafeteria usually operates. The assortment here is more focused on quick options: beverages, packaged snacks, chocolates, and sandwiches. This is an ideal place to pass the time while waiting to board your flight.

Although it is unlikely you will find complex dishes of Lithuanian cuisine at the airport, this is a great opportunity to try something local one last time. You might find local refreshments available at the bar, such as the famous Lithuanian beer Švyturys. Sometimes traditional pastries, such as kibinai (a pastry with filling), are available for sale.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal meals) should be prepared for the selection to be extremely limited or non-existent. It is recommended to bring necessary snacks with you. Vegetarians can count on a vegetable salad or a meat-free sandwich. Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule; they open with the first departures and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

Travelling through Palanga International Airport (PLQ) usually proceeds calmly, as it is a small and seasonal airport. Nevertheless, to avoid rushing, arrive in good time. For international flights, it is recommended to be at the airport 2–2.5 hours before departure, and for domestic or Schengen flights — 1.5–2 hours. This time will be sufficient for check-in, baggage drop-off, and passing security control without unnecessary stress, especially during the peak summer season.

To save time, always use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. This will allow you to proceed immediately to baggage drop-off or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. Security control at Palanga Airport is standard, but thanks to the compact size of the terminal, queues here usually move faster than in large hubs.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, especially if the weather is clear, while an aisle seat will provide more legroom and the opportunity to be the first to exit the aircraft. Considering that most flights from Palanga are short, the choice of seat is not critical but can make the flight more comfortable.

Hand luggage rules are standard for most airlines. All liquids must be in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Sharp, pointed, and cutting objects are prohibited. Always check the exact weight and dimension allowances for hand luggage on your airline's website to avoid extra charges at the airport.

Palanga Airport is rarely used as a transit hub. Most passengers arrive here as their final destination. If you do have a transfer planned, it will most likely be at a larger airport, such as Riga or Copenhagen. Check with your airline whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transit point.

Since Lithuania is part of the European Union and the Schengen area, customs control for passengers arriving from other EU countries is generally absent. If you are arriving from outside the EU, you will need to go through the "Green Channel" if you have no goods to declare, or the "Red Channel" if you are carrying items subject to declaration (for example, large sums of cash or goods exceeding established limits).

To save money, book a taxi or transfer in advance via online services — this is often cheaper than taking a car on the spot. The most budget-friendly way to get to the city is public transport. You can also take an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control to avoid spending on drinks.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative at the airport. They will provide up-to-date information and explain your rights. According to EU regulations, during long delays, you may be provided with food and drinks. There are several cafés and a small shop in the airport where you can pass the time while waiting for departure.