Riga International Airport
| Date: | 31.7.2026 |
|---|---|
| Country: | Latvia |
| Customer: | Riga International Airport |
| Amount in EUR: | EUR 50 million |
| Maturity: | 20 years |
| Business sector: | Connectivity & Consumer |
Project
Riga International Airport (RIX) has been granted an investment loan of up to EUR 50 million to finance the expansion of the airport terminal and related infrastructure. The project addresses key landside capacity constraints, including improvements to check-in circulation and dwell areas, security screening queues, baggage reclaim halls, and access roads.
As the largest airport in the Baltic States and Latvia’s main aviation hub, RIX plays a central role in regional connectivity, linking the Baltics with Northern Europe and major European hubs.
Fulfilment of NIB's mandate
Productivity
Current landside capacity is approximately 3.5 million passengers per year, while origin–destination traffic reached 5.66 million in 2025, resulting in congestion at key processing points.
The project will expand the landside terminal – including a new check-in hall, security screening area with provision for installation of up to 12 smart security lanes, and a centralized baggage reclaim and arrivals hall – while refurbishing selected areas of the existing building and reconfiguring access roads. Once completed, capacity is expected to increase to up to 12 million annual direct passengers.
By removing these constraints, the project is expected to attract new airlines and routes, strengthen connectivity, and improve access for domestic businesses to external markets. Aviation services, largely concentrated around RIX, accounted for 11% of Latvia’s service exports in 2025 (4% of total exports), highlighting the airport’s macroeconomic importance.
Environmental
Investment programme includes the construction of an extension to the existing terminal building, along with related infrastructure such as access roads. The investment is classified as a building project within the transport infrastructure sector. The new building is intended to achieve a BREEAM “Very Good” certification.
Impact indicators related to the loan:
- Productivity: Passenger turnover after the project completion
- Environment: Certification level of the building, certified and gross area
Sustainability summary
The project focuses exclusively on landside investments, including the extension of the terminal building and upgrades to check-in, security, and baggage handling, along with related infrastructure such as access roads.
Given the current operating context, including geopolitical risks affecting aviation fuel supply, no near-term increase in flight volumes is assumed. An environmental impact assessment and a valid building permit are in place.
