Riga International Airport (RIX/EVRA) – The Premier Air Traffic Hub of the Baltics
Riga International Airport (RIX) stands as the primary international airport in Latvia and is unequivocally the busiest air traffic hub across the Baltic States. Strategically located in Mārupe, just 10 km (6 miles) west of Riga’s vibrant city center, RIX provides seamless access to the historic Old Town and acts as a crucial connection point between Northern Europe and the East.
The airport is operated by a state-owned enterprise and is continuously evolving to secure its position as a major regional player through significant infrastructure investments and a strong commitment to sustainability.
RIX at a Glance: Key Facts and Figures
As the largest airport in the region, RIX has demonstrated strong recovery and growth, exceeding pre-pandemic passenger numbers.
| Feature | Details |
| IATA / ICAO Code | RIX / EVRA |
| Location | Mārupe, Latvia (10 km from Riga city center) |
| Main Hub | Primary hub for Latvia’s national carrier, airBaltic |
| Passenger Traffic (2024) | 7.12 million passengers (a 7% increase from 2023) |
| H1 Passenger Traffic (2025) | 3.3 million passengers (a 4.9% increase from H1 2024) |
| Cargo (2024) | 18,580 tonnes |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
Connectivity and Destination Network
Riga Airport offers an extensive and growing route network, served by 11 airline partners. The airport connects passengers to nearly 100 destinations during the summer peak season and over 80 destinations throughout the winter schedule, emphasizing its role as a regional transit point.
Major Airline Presence
The market share at RIX is predominantly held by the national carrier, with low-cost operators contributing significantly to traffic volume:
- airBaltic: Dominant market share (approx. 58% in 2024).
- Ryanair: Key low-cost carrier (approx. 24% in 2024).
- Other Major Carriers: Including Norwegian Air Shuttle, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and British Airways.
Route Expansion and Key Destinations (2025/2026)
The airport continues to expand its reach with new and resumed routes focusing on leisure and key business destinations:
- airBaltic Expansion: Increased frequency to major hubs like Amsterdam (triple daily service) and popular holiday destinations. New routes include Faro, Portugal (from September 2025), and increased services to the Middle East and North Africa, with Dubai becoming a once-daily service in winter and increased frequencies to Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada (3X-weekly each). The Dublin route is also being resumed for the winter season.
- Long-Haul Connectivity: Dubai-based carrier flydubai launched a direct 3X-weekly service to Dubai International (DXB) starting in December 2025, strengthening ties with the Middle East.
- European Routes: Norwegian launched services to London Gatwick (LGW) (up to 4X-weekly), Split, and Burgas in 2025.
Busiest Routes (2024 Data): London, Helsinki, Oslo, Stockholm, and Tallinn remain the top five destinations served from RIX.
Terminal Facilities and Future Infrastructure Development
Riga International Airport operates one main, modern terminal facility, sectioned into three areas (A, B, and C) to handle both Schengen and non-Schengen traffic.
Current Services and Amenities
Passengers can expect a variety of high-quality services designed for comfort and efficiency:
- Lounges: The Primeclass Lounge provides a premium waiting experience for eligible passengers.
- Shopping & Dining: Extensive duty-free shopping options and a range of international and local restaurants and cafes.
- Connectivity: Free and reliable Wi-Fi access is available throughout the terminal.
- Accessibility: Dedicated services and facilities for children, families, and passengers requiring special assistance.
- Hotels: Direct and convenient accommodation options nearby include the Sky High Hotel and Hampton by Hilton Riga Airport.
Major Infrastructure Transformation
RIX is undergoing a significant transformation to future-proof its operations and expand its capacity:
- New Terminal Project: A major new passenger terminal is planned, designed to increase annual capacity to 12 million passengers. The expansion project secured financing in 2025, with construction aligned with the Rail Baltica project.
- Rail Baltica Integration: The new terminal will be integrated with the Rail Baltica high-speed rail network. The Rail Baltica station building at the airport is expected to be completed in 2026, facilitating high-speed rail connections across the Baltic states and Central Europe. The full new terminal operations are scheduled to commence around 2030.
Getting to and From the City Center: Transport Options
Connecting RIX with the Riga city center is simple and efficient, offering options for every budget.
| Mode of Transport | Travel Time to Center (approx.) | Fare (approx.) | Notes for Travellers |
| Bus (Route No. 22) | 30–40 minutes | €1.81 (card payment from driver) | The most budget-friendly public transport option. Connects RIX directly to the city center and Central Station. Tickets can also be purchased via a mobile app or ticket machines. |
| Taxi | 15–20 minutes | €12–€20 | High-quality service from licensed operators (e.g., XTaxi, TaxiLV). It is highly recommended to confirm the fare or use a fixed-price service before starting the journey. |
| Car Rental | – | – | Major international car rental agencies like Hertz, Europcar, and Budget are located on-site, providing convenient travel flexibility. An international driving permit may be required. |
| Parking | – | Starting from €1.50+ per hour | On-site parking with over 1,500 spaces is available. It is advisable to pre-book parking via the official airport website, especially for long stays. |
Essential Passenger and Regulatory Information
Customs and Border Control
Effective October 12, 2025, the new European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) will be introduced at all border crossing points in Latvia, including RIX, impacting non-EU travellers. Furthermore, citizens of certain third countries may be required to submit pre-travel information to the State Threat Prevention Information System at least 48 hours before entry, starting from September 1, 2025.
Sustainability and Climate Goals
The airport is committed to environmental responsibility, having secured financing for expansion and operational changes that align with its long-term strategy. The airport’s overarching goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 through measures like incorporating electric buses and optimizing ground operations, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable air travel.
Contact Information
- Address: International Airport “Rīga”, Mārupe Municipality, Riga, LV-1053, LATVIA
- Telephone: +371 67203399
- Official Website: www.riga-airport.com