Liepaja Airport (LPX/EVLA) – The Strategic Hub for Western Latvia and Green Aviation
Liepaja Airport (LPX/EVLA) is a crucial regional air gateway in Western Latvia, situated just 7 km (4 miles) east of the historic coastal city of Liepaja. Known as “the city where the wind is born,” Liepaja is a major cultural and industrial center, and the airport serves as a vital access point to the city, the beautiful Baltic Sea coastline, and the surrounding Kurzeme region.
Beyond its role in passenger transport, LPX is quickly becoming a focal point for Latvia’s new green industrial and defense strategies, integrating air traffic with pioneering sustainable aviation projects.
LPX at a Glance: Key Facts and Figures
As a regional airfield, Liepaja Airport prioritizes connectivity, general aviation, and strategic industrial development.
| Feature | Details |
| IATA / ICAO Code | LPX / EVLA |
| Location | Grobiņa, 7 km from Liepaja city center |
| Coordinates | 56° 31′ 0” N, 21° 6′ 0” E |
| Passenger Traffic (2024 est.) | Approx. 10,000 passengers |
| Runway | 2,002 m (6,568 ft) of Asphalt/Concrete |
| Key Role | Regional commercial flights, airBaltic Training Pilot Academy, and general aviation |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
Airlines, Destinations, and Core Routes (2025)
The airport’s primary focus remains on maintaining domestic connectivity and facilitating the operations of a leading aviation training institution.
- Main Airline: airBaltic is the chief operator, offering both commercial routes and operating its airBaltic Training Pilot Academy from the premises, which generates a significant number of aircraft movements.
- Core Destinations:
- Riga (RIX): The essential domestic route, with airBaltic typically offering up to 3 direct flights per week, connecting Liepaja with the national capital in approximately 40 minutes. This route is crucial for transit passengers connecting to Riga’s wide international network.
- Rome (FCO): A popular seasonal leisure route operated by airBaltic, typically running 1–2 times per week during the summer season (June through August 2025).
- Future Potential: The airport infrastructure supports a variety of operations and has historically hosted charter or periodic flights to other European cities, including Hamburg and Copenhagen, highlighting its potential for future route expansion.
Terminal and Passenger Services
Liepaja Airport features a single, compact terminal building that ensures a swift and comfortable experience for passengers.
- Amenities: The terminal provides a small on-site café, limited Wi-Fi access, and dedicated facilities for disabled access.
- Payment: All payments and transactions within the airport facilities are conducted in Euros (EUR).
- Car Rental: Services are available from major international agencies such as Hertz and Avis, with additional options like Sixt and Budget available nearby.
- Accommodation: Hotels such as Hotel Amrita and the Promenade Hotel are conveniently located in Liepaja, a short distance from the airport.
- Local Attractions: Passengers have easy access to Liepaja’s beaches, the historic wooden houses, the Karosta district, and cultural events like the annual Summer Sound Festival.
Major Future & Strategic Development (2025–2035)
Liepaja Airport is transforming from a quiet regional gateway into a critical hub for high-tech manufacturing and defense, driven by multi-billion euro investments under the Liepaja Sustainable Industry Hub initiative.
1. The Hydrogen Aircraft Production Hub
- Fokker Next Gen Latvia has selected the airport to produce and test next-generation hydrogen-powered passenger aircraft (targeting 120-150 seats).
- This landmark project is expected to generate hundreds of high-value jobs (approx. 800) and establish Liepaja as a leader in decarbonizing the aviation industry.
- The airport’s infrastructure and proximity to planned hydrogen production facilities are key factors driving this investment.
2. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production
- A Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Plant, to be implemented by GI Termināls, is planned within the Liepaja Sustainable Industry Hub. This facility will use locally produced green hydrogen and other resources, creating a closed-loop ecosystem for sustainable flight operations right at the airport’s doorstep.
3. Civil-Military and Security Significance
- The airport’s strategic location near the Baltic Sea gives it a significant civil-military role.
- In 2025, the government highlighted the airport’s importance in supporting NATO Allied forces’ mobility and serving as a key base for search and rescue (SAR) operations in the region.
Transportation Options
Connecting to the Liepaja city center is fast and straightforward.
| Mode of Transport | Travel Time to Center (approx.) | Fare (approx.) | Notes for Travellers |
| Local Bus | 15 minutes | €1.00 (Cash only) | The most economical option, operated by Liepajas Transports. |
| Taxi | 10 minutes | €10 – €15 | Quickest option. Fares should be confirmed before the ride. |
| Car Rental | – | – | On-site services for independent travel across the Kurzeme region. |
| Parking | – | Free of Charge | A public car park with a capacity of 100 vehicles is available at no cost. |
Contact and Location Details
- Address: Lidostas street 8, Liepajas district, Grobiņa, LV-3430, LATVIA
- Phone (Main): +371 63407592
- Phone (Alternate): +371 26376660
- Official Website: www.liepaja-airport.lv