Monday October 30: British Airways’ first flight from London Heathrow to Latvia, in more than 15 years, touched down at Riga International Airport (RIX) yesterday at 19.00 local time.
The inaugural service received a warm local welcome as it taxied to stand, with traditional drummers greeting customers as they stepped off the aircraft.
This winter, British Airways will operate three times a week between its home at Heathrow Terminal 5 and the Latvian capital, with flights departing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Flights are operated by a mix of A320 and A321 aircraft, with return fares available from 85 EUR/ 73 GPB or 1 EUR + 23,500 Avios, British Airways’ loyalty club currency. On board the 2 hours 50-minute flight, customers can enjoy the airline’s quintessentially British product and service, and Executive Club members can earn and redeem miles on their flights.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Director of Network and Alliances said: “As we continue our investment programme into new products, services, and technology, we’re excited to further strengthen our connections between London and the Baltics and be back in Latvia after such a long time. Riga is a destination we know our customers will love, and we look forward to welcoming leisure and business travellers and those visiting family and friends on board.”
Liene Freivalde, Riga Airport Director Aviation Services and Business Development Department: "British Airways has been a very popular carrier in the Baltic aviation market, so this return is really welcome. The connection with Heathrow Airport is a great addition to the Riga Airport's network of destinations. We expect that it will be especially appreciated by the corporate environment. However, regardless of the reason for traveling – a business trip or a leisure trip, direct traffic with Heathrow and from it to further destinations in the world is a significant benefit for Baltic passengers.
"British Airways is 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.
About British Airways
As a global airline and the UK’s flag carrier, British Airways has been flying its customers to where they need to be for more than 100 years. The airline connects Britain with the world and the world with Britain, operating one of the most extensive international route networks together with its joint business, codeshare and franchise partners. British Airways flies to destinations in more than 65 countries. Its principal place of business is London, with its main home at Heathrow Terminal 5. British Airways is a founding member of the airline alliance oneworld, which serves around 1,000 destinations across the globe. The British Airways press office can be contacted at [email protected]. To book visit BA.com and connect on Facebook @BritishAirways and Instagram @british_airways.
Photos from the arriving ceremony of the inaugural flight are available here.