Riga Airport’s development plan for 2025–2050 foresees runway and airfield modernisation, including new taxiways, a southern apron and modern de-icing areas, the airport reports.
The newly developed Riga Airport Development Plan 2025–2050 outlines the airport’s infrastructure vision for the next 25 years and identifies the land required for future expansion.
The plan envisages strategic investments over the next quarter-century to support economic growth, strengthen connectivity and deliver a modern travel experience, positioning Riga as one of the key transport hubs in Northern Europe.
According to the airport, the planned development steps will enable the airport to be fully prepared for future demand, new technologies and passengers’ needs.
The development blueprint includes modernisation of the airfield with new taxiways,
a southern apron, and enhanced de-icing treatment zones, which together will improve airport safety, operational continuity, and the ability to adapt to increased traffic, while complying with noise and environmental standards.
The plan also provides for a targeted development of different aviation service zones, creating specialised and purpose-built areas for cargo handling, aircraft maintenance, business aviation and general aviation.
Riga Airport is set to become a modern multimodal mobility hub, bringing together air, rail and road transport. Expansion of the terminal and construction of a new South Pier will provide faster and more convenient passenger services, more space, clearer navigation and better accessibility, including for people with reduced mobility.
The airport highlights that
the Rail Baltica high-speed rail link will connect the airport with the European rail network and Riga city centre,
while upgrades to the transport interchange and new access roads will improve convenience for both passengers and staff.
The plan also includes the development of the airport city “RIX Airport City” – a multifunctional business, logistics and service environment with offices, hotels, leisure and entertainment facilities that will stimulate business growth and attract investment to the region. Sustainability is a core pillar of the development, and the airport is introducing renewable energy solutions, electric transport and future hydrogen technology.
The development plan is subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), which requires the preparation of an environmental report and public participation in the decision-making process. Public consultation meetings will take place on the 12th of November at Mārupe Music and Art School, on the 13th of November at Babīte Secondary School, and on the 19th of November at the Imanta Community Centre, with the option to join online.
Written comments and
feedback on the development plan and the environmental report may be submitted until the 3rd of December.
The development plan was prepared by Riga Airport in cooperation with the Spanish aviation engineering company Ineco and Latvian companies Venteko and Reģionālie projekti. During the drafting process, the airport consulted with stakeholders, the local community and business partners, and a strategic environmental impact assessment has been carried out.
Riga Airport Chairwoman Laila Odiņa emphasises that the airport’s development is an investment in Latvia’s future – it means more jobs, a stronger economy and new opportunities for the entire region.
“This development plan sets a clear path towards becoming a modern and sustainable mobility hub capable of responding flexibly to passenger demand and changes in the aviation industry. We are ready for the next development phase with confidence and the ambition to grow together with Latvia,” Odiņa says.
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