Vilnius Airport is starting to trial a barrier-free Kiss and Fly system for its main terminal road. The new system will allow drivers to stop for free for 10 minutes in a controlled area on the road next to the terminal entrance.

According to Vilnius Airport director Dainius Čiuplys, the first lane will be used to conveniently unload passengers while the second will allow vehicles to freely leave the area after doing so.

"Cameras will automatically scan the number plate of every car entering and leaving the area, counting the time spent inside. Once the driver leaves the area, they will be able to see whether they have exceeded the time allotted for free parking," said the director of Vilnius Airport.

It is important to note that there are no physical barriers (automatic boom barriers, for example), as the goal is to ensure maximum throughput. Each driver will be allowed to stop in the Kiss and Fly zone for no more than 10 minutes per hour.

According to Dainius Čiuplys, traffic jams would form on the road next to the entrance to the terminal during peak hours. These were caused not only by a large number of people accompanying travellers, taxis, and ride-sharing services, but also by drivers breaking traffic laws and purposefully leaving their vehicles parked by the terminal for extended periods of time.

"We think these changes will guarantee more convenience for travellers. The system will be much clearer and more effective, drivers will know how where they can enter and how long they can stay, and passengers will feel safer. In addition, we will reduce the formation of traffic jams, optimize the need for police assistance, while improving the conditions for emergency services in case of accidents," says Dainius Čiuplys.

Vilniaus Airport