1974 – 1991
The building of the RIGA International Airport was built in October 1974. At that time it operated as the local airport within the territory of former USSR. At that time it was the administrative component of “Aeroflot” without the rights to manage independently. The incomes of the airport were sent to the central accounting bills of “Aeroflot” in Moscow and then they were distributed among the airports of USSR and affiliated of the airline “Aeroflot”. Only after the restoration of Latvian independence in 1991, the resolution of the government of the Republic of Latvia the former affiliate of “Aeroflot” was divided into three economically independent companies:“Latvijas Gaisa satiksme”, airline “Latvijas aviolīnijas”, as well as the national airport company “Riga” that included the international airport “Riga”, “Liepāja” and „Daugavpils”.
1993
Since 1993 the RIGA International Airport has implemented several large modernization and expansion projects including waiting-rooms for business-class passengers, VIP centre, computerized information system and computerized tickets and luggage registration system.
1994
The first largest reconstruction works – rehabilitation of runway and change of illumination system – took place in 1994, followed by the upgrade of the airport administration building, new passenger busses and runway technologies. Gradually the technical park of the airport was reconstructed and new parking lots were created.
1995
The airport building receives a new annex, the staff at the check-in hall receives new counters, business-class travelers enjoy a new “Solo” club, while the general public is offered a new waiting area.
The number of direct destinations reaches 26, the number of airlines grows to 23. Moscow, Copenhagen and Frankfurt are still the most popular destinations.
1996
The reconstructed VIP centre and computerized information monitor system increase the level of comfort at the airport.
The list of the top thee most popular destinations besides Moscow and Copenhagen is joined by Stockholm. Seventeen airlines operating at the airport offer 28 direct destinations.
1998
The airport receives a new terminal facade, a new main access road in the length of 2 500 m and a new technical park.
Among the 23 direct destinations offered by 19 airlines at the airport , the most popular are flights to Copenhagen, London and Stockholm.
1999
The old arrival area is replaced by a new 2-floor building. For the first time in Latvia, several modern technologies were used in the decoration of the facade.
The passengers have a choice of 18 airlines and 22 direct flights; Copenhagen, Stockholm and London are the most popular destinations.
2000
The construction of a new 2-floor block along with the reconstruction of the existing part of the terminal building and external communications has started in the middle of the summer. Soon the airport will also receive a new central apron and maneuvering roads on the area of 13 ha.
Among the 16 destinations offered by 13 airline companies the most popular are Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki.
2001
The reconstruction of a 3 000 square meter airport building, the new halt building with five passenger bridges and the overall upgrade infrastructure of the RIGA International Airport have made it more friendlier to the people, especially for the passengers with reduced mobility.
Eleven airlines offer 16 direct destinations: the most popular still are Copenhagen, Helsinki and Stockholm.
2002
In the aftermath of the terror acts of September 11, air safety becomes a top priority. The territory of the airport field and the engineering territory have received a new fence and a checkpoint. Reconstruction of the passenger check-in hall has begun. The passengers can relax in a “Lido“ or take advantage of the N.O.V.A loyalty program, at that moment the second loyalty program in the European airports.
The passengers have a choice of 16 direct destinations offered by 12 airlines. The most popular Copenhagen and Helsinki are now joined by Prague.
2003
The management of the RIGA International Airport wants the quality requirements of the airport to match the standards defined for the airports of the European Union. Reconstruction of the 2nd and 3rd floor halls of the terminal is completed.
Nine airlines fly passengers to 18 direct destinations. The most popular are Copenhagen, Helsinki and Prague.
2004
The construction of a new building connected with the existing terminal starts at the North facade of the terminal. This year the RIGA International Airport is one of the few European airports offering both full service and low costs airlines. According to the evaluation of the airline “Finnair”, the RIGA International Airport has the most precise flight attendance getting ahead of the airports in Peking and Hong Kong. “Lufthansa” awards the airport the title “Airport of November 2004”. At the international “Routes” conference, RIGA International Airport receives the “Airport Marketing Award”.
Since 2004, when Latvian joined the European Union, traveling had become easier. The airport experiences the increase in the number of passengers. This year for first time the airport serves one million passengers.
Thirteen airlines provide direct flights to 30 cities. The most popular destinations are Copenhagen, London and Helsinki.
2006
The reconstruction of the passport control and safety control zones makes the airport ready for higher passenger traffic. The VIP centre expands. The airship attendance machinery – passenger ramps, airplane pushers, luggage trolleys, etc. – make the airport even more comfortable.
At the end of 2006 the airport announces a tender for the right to lease of land of the business park territory near the airport. “EBO International” wins the contest and signs a contract accompanied by a detailed plan for three, three and a half and four star hotels, office buildings, a conference and an exhibition centre – all surrounded with a park and green within 3-5 years. The airport will become a city within itself once these buildings are finished. From a place of arrivals and departures the airport will become an important public centre.
Sorting complex of “Latvijas Pasts”, cargo centres and “SAS” pilot academy already operate on the territory of the business park. Production complex and “Preses nams” logistics centre will be finished soon.
The number of airlines reaches 16, the number of direct destinations – 43. London, Dublin and Copenhagen are among the most popular.
2007
For the third year in a row the RIGA International Airport experiences a sharp growth in the passenger traffic and flights becoming the largest airport in the Baltic’s. The number of the passengers of the Riga airport is close to the numbers of Tallinn and Vilnius airports together. RIGA International Airport is the most rapidly growing airport not only in the Baltic, but in all Europe.
The new departure terminal opens in March for the passengers traveling to the non-Schengen Agreement zone countries. Changes in the of company strategy and important continuous investments in reconstruction and updating of terminal areas facilitate the rapid development of the airport. International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts average 12,1% annual increase of air traffic in Latvia until 2011, which is the most rapid increase among the countries where the annual number of passengers exceeds two millions.
2008
RIGA International Airport continues its rapid growth already for the fourth year despite the crisis in the aviation. More than 3 160 000 passengers use the airport in 2007, which is 26,7% more than in 2006. The average increase of the number of passengers in 2008 is 18,5%.
From March 30 the border control between the Schengen countries and nine new Schengen members, Latvia one of them, is cancelled. RIGA International Airport opens the last border separating Latvia from other 24 member countries of Schengen Agreement.
The research by IATA (International Air Transport Association) forecasts that the turnover of passengers in the RIGA International Airport can achieve 20 millions annually by 2032. Under favourable conditions the number of passengers attended in the international airport “Riga” can achieve 19,68 million a year, while the realistic forecast anticipates 13,95 million passengers annually.
In September, the passengers can start checking-in for the flights using the self-check-in kiosk. In the same month Riga hosts a conference on development of European airports (The European Airport Development Conference 2008 (EAD08). The conference is organized by the aviation magazine “International Airport Review” in cooperation with the RIGA International Airport.
In October, the airport completes the reconstruction works of the runway and illumination system having lengthened it by 650 meters and reaching the length of 3200 meters. The new runway allows attending of any type of airplanes that is a precondition for commencement of intercontinental flights.
The number of airlines grows to 21 offering 61 direct destinations.
2009
According to ACI Europe (Airports Council International), in January 2009 the RIGA International Airport has served 10,3 percent more passengers compared with the previous year. At the same time the total volume of European passenger traffic has decreased by 10,7 percent in comparison with January 2008.
Airport Inquiries Service 1187 has opened in March providing information about lost luggage, flight schedule and other airport services.
