Over the next five years, all 33 passenger boarding bridges of Pier A will undergo a thorough refurbishment. The boarding bridges will be fitted with a new control system and, where necessary, components will be overhauled or replaced. The entire project represents an investment of approximately €25 million.
The oldest bridges date back to 2002, when the pier entered service. After nearly 25 years of intensive daily use, several technical and structural components have reached the point where renewal is required.
Each boarding bridge has been individually assessed to determine which components need refurbishment or replacement. Additional sensors will be installed, and the bridges will be equipped with a new control system, enabling ground handling teams to work more efficiently. Floors, windows and other components will also be replaced where necessary. This refurbishment will extend the service life of the bridges by at least another fifteen years.
To minimise disruption for passengers and ensure sufficient capacity, no more than three bridges will be renovated at the same time. During the summer season, when passenger volumes are higher, a maximum of two bridges will be taken out of service simultaneously. The movable sections of the bridges will be detached from the pier and transported to the manufacturer. After refurbishment, they will be returned to the airport and reinstalled.
The renovation programme is scheduled for completion in 2031.