An airBaltic passenger aircraft returning tom Stockholm to Riga rolled off the runway due to poor visibility.
Airport representative Ilze Salna says the runway remains closed due to the incident. Airport authorities and representatives of the airline are at the site.
Latvian State Fire and Rescue Service reports the accident occurred shortly after 12:00. Passengers and crew were evacuated and no one was injured. Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs was on board the aircraft when the incident happened.
He wrote on Facebook that this was an «unforgeable» experience for him when the aircraft rolled off the runway upon arrival in Riga.
The minister thanked airBaltic crew, airport personnel, firefighters and ambulance that arrived for their speed and professionalism. «As far as I know no one was hurt and no serious damage was suffered,» said the minister.
Civil Aviation Agency representative Aivis Vincevs says the agency follows the development of the situation very closely.
airBaltic representative Alise Bethere reports the airline’s flight BT102 Airbus A220-300 from Stockholm rolled off the runway on Friday, 3 December, due to heavy snowfall and reduced visibility.
According to information from Bethere, all 44 passengers were safely delivered to the airport’s terminal. The aircraft will be moved to the hanger for further inspection. The airline actively cooperates with institutions.
More information will be reported as the situation develops. The airline apologizes to passengers for inconveniences.
All arriving flights are diverted to airports of other neihgbouring countries. Departures of other flights are delayed.
Aircraft rolls off runway at Riga International Airport
