In order to limit the spread of COVID-19 caused by coronavirus, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia has decided to suspend international passenger transportation to and from Riga Airport starting at 00.00 on March 17 till June 9 23.59 this year.
Until the restrictions come into force, the Airport will continue to operate as normal. Once the restrictions come into force, the Airport will operate on a limited basis, handling cargo and passenger flights, subject to a special permission from the Minister for Transport.
FOR PASSENGERS
Passengers affected by this decision should contact their airlines.
Latvian nationals who are abroad and experience an emergency situation should contact the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by calling +371 26337711 and register in the Consular Register. Those wishing to return home by air should register on the airBaltic website.
Foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter Latvia after 00.00 on 17 March, unless specifically authorized by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior. Foreign nationals who are in Latvia and wish to leave may cross the state border.
Foreign nationals, who are in Latvia and have not found an opportunity to leave should contact the embassy of their country.
HEALTH INSPECTIONS AT THE AIRPORT
In order to minimize the risk of spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, passengers arriving at the Airport with any symptoms may have a health check at the Airport. If you have sore throat, cough, elevated body temperature while at the Airport, please contact the medical staff of the Emergency Medical Service in arrivals E and C before baggage reclaim.
Arriving passengers who are returning from a foreign trip must observe a mandatory self-isolation period of 14 days at their place of residence or stay. If you experience any symptoms within 14 days – call 113!
STAYING AT THE AIRPORT
The Airport advises to consider carefully the need to visit the Airport to meet or see off passengers. We encourage you to arrive at the Airport only if the passenger needs assistance in getting to and from the Airport and do not visit the Airport or terminal without a special need.
Persons meeting passengers should stay in their private vehicles in the Airport car park.
To get to and from the Airport, we encourage passengers to use their personal transport.
The Airport reminds that passengers have to settle any issues related to the cancellation or change of their flight bookings, as well as the recovery of their funds with their airlines. Please address these issues remotely without having to arrive at the Airport!
USEFUL INFORMATION
The full text of the Cabinet decision can be found here.
For answers to frequently asked questions see here.
Information for airlines on how to get a flight permit is available here.
Information on the decisions passed by the Minister for Transport regarding the exceptional permits for international passenger flights here.