TDS to play key role in expansion of Corfu Airport’s terminal

London-based airport planning and retail design specialist The Design Solution (TDS) has been appointed by Fraport Greece to lead the planning and design of a major terminal expansion and reconfiguration at Corfu  Airport.

The appointment of TDS is part of the latest stage of Fraport Greece’s investment in the long-term development of its regional airports portfolio, following its 2017 40-year concession agreement with the Greek government to manage and develop 14 Greek regional and island airports, including many of Greece’s key tourism airports.

The latest phase of development at Corfu follows Fraport’s rebuilding of the airport terminal in 2020, covering nearly 10,400sqm of space, including commercial areas designed by TDS for retail operator Hellenic Duty Free (now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avolta).

Corfu Airport is one of Greece’s busiest airports and is expected to serve more than 4.6 million passengers in 2025, with growth of over 6% on 2024.

Under the new development programme, TDS will work closely with airport commercial consultancy Minerva to develop a comprehensive masterplan for the airport’s terminal expansion.

In its current layout, the existing single-level terminal at Corfu operates with arrivals to the north and departures to the south. The proposed plan includes new extensions to both ends of the terminal to increase capacity across all operational areas, while improving passenger flows between the Schengen and non-Schengen zones.

A key focus of the project will be the commercial expansion of the Schengen area, including a significant enlargement of its retail and F&B capacity.

The planning process aims to optimise the efficiency of passenger flow through the airport, and through a careful reconfiguration of the terminal space, will add over 1,200sqm of commercial space to help drive Non-aeronautical Revenue.

George Vilos,  executive director of commercial and business development for Fraport Greece, noted: “The airport serves as a gateway to one of Greece’s most emblematic tourist destinations, and Fraport Greece is committed to delivering an airport environment that enhances the island’s image.

“Given that offering a high-quality passenger experience is central to our strategy, the appointment of The Design Solution represents an important step toward designing a modern and efficient expanded terminal that effectively meets the expectations of today’s travellers.”