Vienna International Airport’s joint CEO and COO Julian Jäger outlined key developments in terminal expansion, long-haul traffic and quality enhancements during recent industry events.
The €420 million Terminal 3 southern expansion, underway since February 2024, adds 70,000 square meters across three levels, set for operational in 2027. Features include a new central security checkpoint, 18 bus gates (10 Schengen, 8 non-Schengen), 10,000 square meters of retail and food space with over 30 outlets, 6,000 square meters of lounge areas including a 4,000 square meter Austrian Airlines lounge and a 2,000 square meter Vienna Airport lounge, plus improved transfer connections between gates F, G, C and D. Construction uses Building Information Modelling for a digital twin, ensuring schedule and budget adherence.
Jäger emphasized the project’s role in achieving five-star airport status. “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,” he stated. The expansion supports rising passenger numbers, with 32.6 million in 2025 and records set in 2024 at 31.72 million.
Long-haul growth drives expansion, with 21 destinations this winter 2025/2026. Scoot launched nonstop Singapore service in June 2025, Hainan Airlines restored Shenzhen and Chengdu in 2024, Air Arabia resumes Sharjah in December 2025, and Saudia added Jeddah in June. Austrian Airlines boosts Bangkok to twice daily, adds daily Maldives and peak Mauritius flights, maintaining North American routes. Jäger noted optimism for more U.S. and East Asia capacity post-2026. Flughafen Wien AG posted solid 2025 results despite third runway impacts, planning €330 million investments in 2026.