A New Image and New Service at Riga International Airport in the New Millennium

As the year 2000 approaches, Riga International Airport handles 12 airlines and over half a million passengers involving scheduled flights to 16 European cities. During the last five years, this traffic has increased 1.8 times. Western Europe destinations dominate the flight map of Riga Airport. The increase in the number of passengers flying to European countries is at the highest level ever. In 1998, 28,500 more passengers were carried than in 1997. Air traffic to Stockholm comprised 53% of this increase. The capital of Sweden ranks second after Copenhagen in the number of passengers handled. The number of passengers flying to London and Helsinki has also increased considerably by 4,500 and 6,800 respectively, and these destinations are the third and fourth most popular. Every 74 out of 100 passengers handled in Riga travel to or from Western Europe (including transit passengers). The above statistics show the strengthening of economic and social contacts of Latvia with Western countries. This tendency has been apparent since 1992.

At the same time as the increase in Western European traffic, the number of passengers flying to Moscow and Russia has reduced. This reduction of 11,000, or 18%, has occurred over the last three years. It is due, mainly, to the deep economic and financial crisis in Russia in 1998, which also had a negative effect on Latvia.

Traffic to Central Europe and the Baltic States is increasing. The passenger flow on the routes, Riga - Prague has increased by 32%; Riga – Vilnius by 58%; and Riga – Tallinn by 12%. The economic stabilisation of the area has contributed to this growth.

The leading carrier is the national airline, Air Baltic, with 179,000 passengers (32% of the total). SAS follows with 11%; British Airways is third with 9%. Finnair and Lufthansa account for 7.4% and 7.2% of the total respectively.

The increase in aircraft movements was accounted for by Air Baltic (48%), CSA (35%), Aeroflot (20%) and Finnair (19%).

The total cargo turnover at Riga Airport in 1998 increased by 626 tons in comparison with the previous year. However, the total amount is comparatively small and should enable rapid growth. The facilities at the airport can handle considerably larger levels of cargo turnover.

Import cargo amounted to 79% of the 4,900 tons carried with export cargo accounting for 21%. By comparison with 1997, the proportion of export cargo increased slightly, from 15%.

To provide passengers with the highest quality and widest range of services, in line with other international airports, major development works are being undertaken.

Reconstruction of the airport has been divided into stages to ensure continuing operations and cause the minimum of inconvenience to passengers. In 1999, refurbishment of the departure area was completed. In the new millennium, passengers travelling to Riga will be welcomed in the new, spacious and more comfortable arrival area. Its construction was completed last year at a cost of US$6 million. The work involved the virtual reconstruction of a completely new building. The total area of the new building will be 5500 square metres, comprising 3000 square metres for the arrival area and 2500 square meters for the departure area, (including the lounges and shopping area). Airport guests will be offered the widest range of services, and facilities for the handicapped will be improved. There will be many more shops, cafes and bars than in the past. This reconstruction has been the second largest project at Riga Airport since 1994, when the renewal of the runway and replacement of the airfield lighting system was completed.

The extension of the departure area will continue during the year 2000, including the construction of a new pier served by passenger bridges. The reconstruction of the terminal is due to be finished in the year 2001, to coincide with the 800 year anniversary of Riga, the capital of Latvia.

The financial operations of Riga International Airport in 1998 can be considered very successful - in comparison with the previous year, income increased significantly and reached LVL1.109million. These results were achieved without increasing handling charges during the year. The main reason for the increase in income has been the effective use of financial resources.

In the new millennium, Riga Airport will have a new image and will provide a new level of high quality service.

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