🇱🇹 Šiauliai International Airport

Šiauliai International Airport (EYSA/SQQ), also known historically as Zokniai aerodrome and Šiauliai Air Base, is a joint civil-military facility located 7 kilometers southeast of Šiauliai, Lithuania.

Type of Facility and Operations: The airport serves as the primary military airfield for the Lithuanian Air Force and is a crucial base for NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission, which involves deploying rotating fighter squadrons to secure the region's airspace. Civilian operations primarily focus on aircraft maintenance, parking, and cargo transportation. While it has a passenger terminal meeting Schengen Area requirements, it is used only for irregular flights, as the airport focuses mainly on charter and cargo services rather than regular passenger routes.

Notable Features or History: The site's aviation history dates back to 1916–1917, when German forces built hangars for Zeppelin airships. It was established as an airfield for the Lithuanian Air Force in 1931. During the Soviet occupation, it became a major military airbase capable of hosting jet fighters and strategic bombers. Following Lithuania's independence in 1990, the airport was renovated for civilian operations and gained international airport status in 1994. It underwent further modernization in 2004 with Lithuania's accession to NATO, becoming a key NATO air base. Šiauliai Airport boasts two parallel runways, with the longest measuring 3,500 meters, making it the longest in the Baltic States and capable of accommodating large aircraft such as Boeing 747s and Airbus A330s. Due to its military status, it operates 24 hours a day and is not subject to noise regulations.

Current Status: Šiauliai International Airport continues to function as a vital dual-use facility, supporting both Lithuanian Air Force operations and NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission. It remains a regional center for aircraft maintenance and parking, with several companies operating within the airport, and is expanding its commercial cargo operations with infrastructure for storage and customs. Passenger traffic is limited to irregular flights, with minimal retail and catering services available in the terminal.