After Split Airport recorded its busiest September ever, handling 455,595 passengers, the airport has now achieved something it has never before.
On Thursday, October 26, 2018, Split Airport welcomed its three-millionth passenger, which is the first time the airport has ever welcomed such a figure! The incredible milestone was achieved by a passenger on a Croatia Airlines flight to Split from Frankfurt, reports Ex Yu Aviation on October 26, 2018.
Split Airport expects an additional 150,000 passengers by the end of the year.
"It wasn't so long ago that we used to welcome our millionth traveler this time of year, and then later our second millionth passenger. Within just three years we increased our figures by one million, meaning we achieved our goal. By the end of the year, we expect to handle a further 150.000 passengers,” said Lukša Novak, the General Manager of Split Airport.
Recall, Split Airport welcomed its millionth passenger in July.
"It took us ten years to grow from one million to two million travelers. Before the war, the airport was handling around a million passengers per year. However, it took us just three years to increase our figures from two million travelers to 2.8 million,” Novak said over the summer.
Split Airport has recorded a 10% increase from 2017.
In the first three quarters of 2018, Split Airport welcomed 2,799,756 passengers, which is up 10% on last year. Namely, the airport recorded an additional 255,425 passengers compared to 2017.
Split Airport is currently constructing its brand new terminal, set to open next year.
The Dalmatian airport, which was named the busiest in the region in July, is currently undergoing a massive makeover - and a brand new terminal is set to open for the next summer season.
“By next January we expect to move to our new offices in the new building. There are over four million seats on sale this year to and from Split and, as a result, we will handle over three million passengers, which is why a new terminal is necessary. This is a complex investment taking place over an area of almost 80.000 square meters, with the terminal taking up 35.000 square meters. Upon completion in 2019, the entire terminal complex will spread over 48.000 square meters, which is comparable to our counterparts in Zagreb and Dubrovnik,” added Lukša Novak.
And the terminal can’t come soon enough. Next year, passengers at Split Airport will enjoy 30 check-in counters, six gates, and an automated baggage sorting facility with five carousels, There will also be a lounge for business class passengers, an observation deck, and restaurants in the gallery. The new car park and bus terminal at Split Airport will be able to accommodate 900 vehicles - and will boast a pedestrian bridge to the terminal.
The existing terminal will get a bit of a makeover, too, once the new terminal opens, and will be used primarily by Non-Schengen zone passengers. Split will even expand its runway next year to further reduce congestion.
