Riga Airport Expansion Project Begins

Riga Airport has marked the start of its passenger terminal expansion project with a ceremonial event. The project aims to deliver a brand-new, energy-efficient passenger terminal extension equipped with modern technologies in a bid to increase terminal capacity, enhance the passenger experience and provide the necessary infrastructure for the Airport’s future growth.

Project Overview

The project will include an expansion of the existing terminal through the construction of new check-in facilities, passenger waiting areas, a security screening zone, and a baggage reclaim hall, whilst external areas surrounding the terminal building, including access roads and parking facilities, will also be redeveloped and upgraded. The new facilities are hoped to provide the additional capacity required to accommodate future passenger growth, addressing the limitations of the Airport’s current terminal, which, according to officials, is ‘already exceeding’ its originally designed capacity.

Financing and Construction

Construction costs of the terminal expansion have been estimated at around 98 million EUR, and financing is set to be provided equally by three lenders: the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), as well as OP Corporate Bank plc Latvian Branch, selected through a tender process. In addition to financing the construction works, the funding package will also support the installation of next-generation passenger service and aviation security technologies compliant with European Union standards, enabling RIX Riga Airport to provide an enhanced passenger experience whilst striving to meet existing requirements for aviation security and accessibility. In total, financing of up to 150 million EUR will be made available to the Airport under the lending arrangements.

Project Details

Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of the Board of RIX Riga Airport, said: The passenger terminal expansion is a long-term and carefully developed strategic project for Riga Airport. Its scale and complexity make it one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Latvia's aviation sector. Together with our partners, we are implementing the project in a balanced and efficient manner. The expansion is already needed today, and its scope has been carefully designed to address passenger demand while taking into account regional economic development prospects and the current geopolitical environment. Our goal is to create infrastructure that meets future needs and provides Riga Airport with the flexibility to continue growing.

Project Timeline and Delivery

The terminal expansion will be delivered by RIXLA consortium, whose bid was selected as the most economically advantageous in an international construction tender. The consortium consists of LNK Industries and Arčers, and the contract has been concluded under the FIDIC Yellow Book framework. The project is targeting a BREEAM Very Good sustainability certification rating, whilst legal support for the project has been provided by law firm Sorainen. Construction is set to be carried out across four consecutive stages under a design-and-build delivery model, with work scheduled to begin during the second half of September 2026 and initially focusing on site preparation, as well as the development of temporary infrastructure whilst the original design is being adapted to meet the Airport’s updated development needs.

Expected Outcomes

Once completed, the terminal expansion is expected to add approximately 20,000 square metres of new building space, as well as 29,500 square metres of roads, pavements, public spaces, and landscaped green areas. The new facilities will provide an enhanced passenger experience whilst striving to meet existing requirements for aviation security and accessibility.