AIRPORT REVIEW Rīga International
areas , additional security lanes , larger departure lounges , more gates , and modernized baggage handling systems — all aimed at easing congestion . The ambitious project embraces more than transportation . RIX Airport City , a sprawling 24-hectare development adjacent to the terminal , aims to become the Baltics ’ business district . The mixed-use space will feature office buildings , retail areas , a four-star hotel , and public green spaces . Core industries include freight logistics , e-commerce , IT , and pharmaceuticals .
The first phase of Airport City , featuring a 340,000m 2 ( 3.660.000sq ft ) development , is set to coincide with the terminal ’ s completion in 2029 . With a 60 % plot density , the project intends to keep 10 % of the area reserved for parks and public spaces .
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A new multi-story car park will be built next to the new RIX terminal . The four-level facility will offer over 400 short-term parking spaces and connect to the Rail Baltica station and the terminal via a flyover and dedicated pedestrian pathways .
The airport will improve its air cargo services by constructing the Baltic Cargo Hub . Developed in collaboration with AirBaltic , the facility will increase cargo capacity to 45,000 tonnes annually . The hub , covering 6,895m 2 ( 74,200sq ft ), will feature a semi-automated material handling system ( MHS ) and mail sorters for better efficiency .
A KEY PLAYER : AIRBALTIC
Riga has become a dynamic battleground fronted by AirBaltic and Ryanair competing to win over passengers . AirBaltic
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currently holds a 60 % share of the airport ’ s 7 million annual travelers . With its fleet of 49 Airbus A220-300s , AirBaltic stands out for offering a diverse network of routes . The airline consistently sees strong demand , with a load factor of over 80 %.
Ryanair , meantime , competes fiercely in the budget sector , running nearly 25 low-cost routes from RIX . Ryanair ’ s regional load factor is an impressive 90 %, and the airline plans to add more frequencies to high-demand destinations like Manchester and Edinburgh for the 2024 – 2025 winter season . Additionally , after a two-year hiatus , Ryanair is reintroducing direct flights to Aarhus , Denmark .
AirBaltic has responded by launching new routes , such as flights to Rzeszów , Poland ,
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