The expansion and refurbishment of the Galileo Galilei Airport terminal in Pisa are designed to increase airport capacity, improve passenger comfort and enhance the overall efficiency of terminal operations. The project increases the total floor area from approximately 39,500 to 50,600 square metres, supporting an annual capacity of between 6 and 7 million passengers. With an investment of approximately €70 million and an estimated construction period of 27–28 months, the works have been carefully phased to minimise disruption and maintain airport operations throughout the construction process.

The intervention is divided into three main phases. The first includes the construction of a new 7,100-square-metre Arrivals building, completed while the existing terminal remains operational. Its upper level accommodates technical facilities and a 300 kW photovoltaic system for on-site renewable energy production. The second phase involves the refurbishment of the existing 6,700-square-metre Arrivals terminal and approximately 1,580 square metres on the first floor, including a new vertical connection, a VIP lounge and a passport control hall. These spaces are subsequently adapted to accommodate Departures operations. The final phase covers the refurbishment of approximately 3,680 square metres of the existing Departures terminal and the expansion of the Extra-Schengen boarding area, improving the continuity and efficiency of passenger flows.

A central aspect of the project is the comprehensive upgrade and integration of the terminal’s building services. The works include the adaptation of the existing 15 kV electrical distribution network, new electrical connections between the existing terminal and the extension, and the implementation of high-efficiency HVAC systems designed to ensure passenger comfort while reducing energy consumption. The photovoltaic installation on the roof of the new building has been conceived in coordination with the terminal’s potential future vertical extension and can therefore be relocated when the subsequent development phase is implemented.

The new building also accommodates the fire detection and alarm system control centre, which will serve both the extension and the refurbished areas of the existing terminal. The new control unit is interfaced with the airport’s existing systems, together with the voice evacuation system, structured cabling, access control, video surveillance and Building Management System. This integrated approach ensures interoperability, centralised supervision and consistent operational and safety standards across the entire terminal. TEKNE’s scope includes the integrated BIM detailed design of the MEP systems, seismic assessment and retrofit, and fire prevention design.

The infrastructure works also include site remediation, the demolition of an existing hangar, a new sewer bypass and an approximately 80-metre-long stormwater drainage system aimed at improving hydraulic safety. These interventions are coordinated with the terminal works to provide resilient, reliable and maintainable infrastructure while preserving the airport’s day-to-day operations.

The reorganisation of the terminal also expands the commercial areas, particularly within the airside zone, where passenger dwell times are longer. The combination of new spaces, advanced building services, digitalised processes and renewable energy systems strengthens the airport’s capacity while providing passengers with a more comfortable, functional and efficient travel experience.