Riga Airport has completed an important stage in the upgrade of its baggage handling system – the latest generation explosives detection system for the control of hold baggage has been installed and launched at the airport.
"Security of passengers, flights and employees is among the core values of Riga Airport. Along with the installation of the new explosives detection system, aviation security has been significantly strengthened, and the baggage handling capacity at our airport has increased", says Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of the Board of Riga Airport.
Other baggage handling infrastructure upgrades are also currently underway to prepare in time for the construction of the Airport's new terminal, which is expected to be completed by 2027. With the construction of the new terminal, this baggage handling system will become part of the new automatic baggage handling system. The implementation of the Standard 3 explosives detection system is provided for by the requirements of the European Commission regulation.
The project of the modernized explosives detection system is being implemented by the Riga Airport using funding from the EU Cohesion Fund, and the total cost of this project is 3.3 million euros.
The support for Airport modernization is planned within the framework of the planning document Priority Axis “Sustainable Transportation System” Specific Objective 6.1.2 “To Promote Security and Compliance with Environmental Requirements at Riga International Airport”. On 27 December 2016, Riga International Airport concluded a contract with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA) on receiving of CF funding for the implementation of the project at Riga International Airport. On 3 July 2017, the Airport received a positive decision of the European Commission (EC) concerning the state support notice for the project “Development of Secure and Environmentally Friendly Infrastructure at Riga International Airport” (project No. 6.1.2.0/16/I/001).
The available total eligible financing constitutes EUR 23 049 010, of which CF co-financing – EUR 11 484 765 and financing of SJSC “Riga International Airport” – no less than EUR 11 564 245.