The Entry of British Airways in Riga will Give New Opportunities for the Tourism Industry

During this winter season, the British airline British Airways will launch its operations at Riga Airport – flights will be offered three times a week on the Riga-London Heathrow Airport route. The entry of the British national airline at Riga Airport will provide new opportunities for both passengers and the entire tourism industry.

The airline will launch flights between the capitals of Latvia and Great Britain on October 29, with flights departing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Flights will operate on a mix of A320 and A321 aircraft, with return fares available from 85 EUR or 1 EUR + 23,500 Avios, British Airways’ loyalty club currency. Tickets for the flights are already on sale here.

“We are delighted that British Airways is returning to Riga after many years of negotiations. Flights from Riga to Heathrow Airport are highly anticipated and expected to be in high demand. They will give Riga Airport passengers new opportunities to use British Airways’ extensive route network in transit through Heathrow Airport. The connection with Heathrow Airport is essential not only for the Airport, but also for the tourism industry as a whole, and we are pleased that the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency took part in the negotiations and will make investments to promote Riga as a destination for travellers from the United Kingdom,” says Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of the Board of Riga Airport.

Stating their excitement for the new route, British Airways’ Regional Commercial Manager, Emil Delibashev said: “As we continue our investment program into new products, services, and technology, we’re excited to launch this new route between London and Riga and we look forward to welcoming customers on board from October.”

“The return of British Airways is a great evidence of the competitiveness of Riga as a tourist destination. Great Britain is one of Riga’s most important target markets, and direct flights from Heathrow Airport provide us with the opportunity to attract a wider and more affluent British audience. Also, this will be a significant advantage for Riga in negotiations with investors and organizers of large corporate events. The flights will start at the end of October, and the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency is already planning joint marketing activities with British Airways regarding Riga as a winter holiday destination,” says Vilnis Ķirsis, Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Council.

British Airways is the national carrier of Great Britain, a global full-service airline that operates flights to more than 65 countries. British Airways customers have access to one of the world’s most extensive flight networks, both domestically and internationally, offering flights to and from central airports at convenient times and through its sustainability programme, BA Better World, the airline is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The airline previously operated flights to Riga from 1997 to 2007.

The 2023 winter flight season will begin on 29 October with the transition to wintertime.