Riga plans green, futuristic ‘airport city’

Riga International Airport will invest more than EUR 247 million in developing the facility by 2027, according to its Runway 2027 strategy, released on Wednesday.

The scheme aims to reach nine million serviced passengers and 48,500 tonnes of freight annually within five years,while implementing green goals and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

“Thanks to successful infrastructure development, Latvian national Airbaltic’s growth, a competitive tariff policy and geographical advantages, Riga International Airport has positioned itself as a regional air traffic hub in Northern Europe,” chairwoman Laila Odina said. 

Runway 2027 will allocate EUR 155 million on revamping the passenger terminal of the airport, including an automatic luggage-sorting system, new roads and car parks, and a viaduct. A further EUR 58 million has been earmarked for developing infrastructure, such as reconstructing of aircraft ramps and taxiways, replacing service vehicles, and installing LED lights on runways.

Riga airport will also develop its “RIX Airport City” concept, which can serve as a hub for businesses not directly connected to the aviation industry. The airport’s city centre will include a new passenger terminal – connected to a Rail Baltica railway station – with a 12 million passenger annual capacity, as well as hotels, offices, and warehouses for logistics, e-commerce and air freight. Riga International Airport board member Arturs Saveljevs said RIX Airport City will become a “self-sufficient destination”.