At the fringes of the Nordic Air Cargo Symposium, orchestrated by Euroavia International and held in Riga, Latvia on 28APR26, we conducted an exclusive interview with Laila Odina, Chairperson of the Board and CEO of Riga Airport. She told us that cargo issues have become increasingly important in recent times and stand firmly on the airport’s strategic agenda.
This is evidenced when taking a closer look at the cargo facilities on airport that have been modernized lately. Simultaneously, airport management has engaged in close cooperation with airlines, freight forwarders, integrators, and coordinates activities closely with the local customs authorities. “It’s like a tug-of-war. Except we’re all pulling on the same end of the rope together,” the CEO illustrates.
The objective is clear: to establish a cost-effective and well-functioning cargo hub in the Baltic region offering users high quality and reliable services. This approach underlines very clearly that cargo is not a by-product at Riga Airport but a key pillar of the masterplan. The development of the ground infrastructure is based on sustainable principles which serve as a guiding principle for all activities.
Position within the Baltic Region
When asked how Riga positions itself compared to neighboring airports such as Tallinn and Vilnius, Mrs. Odina was clear: “In comparison, Riga is the largest airport in the Baltic region in terms of both passenger numbers and cargo volumes. In 2025, we handled 7.1 million passengers and 20,000 tons of cargo. With Air Baltic as our home carrier and Riga as its main hub, we share a joint ambition for growth. This close and coordinated development is a key unique selling point.” At the same time she stresses that other airlines are offered the same service; as a neutral party, the airport does not give preferential treatment to anyone. This would also violate European principles of equality and put RIX at odds with the European Commission’s competition watchdogs.
Airport City Development
Currently, the airport is undergoing significant transformation triggered by its ambitious Airport City concept that addresses both passenger and cargo needs. For travelers, a new terminal is planned. Once completed it will make the passenger journey more comfortable and operations smoother, she says. “This includes an air-to-rail connection, which will be the first high-speed rail and air traffic connection center in the Baltic region, as well as the introduction of check-in robots and the development of a hotel.”
On the cargo side, investments are equally ambitious, Laila states: “We have developed a new cargo terminal, the Air Baltic Cargo Hub, along with warehouse facilities for integrators such as UPS, DHL, and FedEx.” This infrastructure is designed to optimize connectivity and speed up flows. The concept, developed and implemented by family-owned logistics provider BeCon Projects GmbH, puts Riga on the cargo map of the Baltic region. The freight terminal encompasses 6,900 sqm of handling area and allows for processing 45000 tons of cargo annually. The facility offers users different temperature-controlled rooms ranging from -18°Centigrade to ambient. Strong rooms for securing valuables or storing radioactive materials are included, as are vet services and a customs office.
The overall development plan is designed to span a 10-year period, enabling private investors to step in.
The landside offers ample space for real estate development, while airside activities remain under the airport’s responsibility. “We are also improving facilities for truck operators, including enhanced parking and a new fuel station opening at the end of May,” announced Mrs. Odina.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the CEO remains realistic yet optimistic: “Due to geopolitical challenges, particularly the war in Ukraine, transfer passenger numbers have declined. However, once the situation improves and with our new terminal, we expect passenger volumes to reach between 10 and 15 million annually.”
Cargo growth is also expected to accelerate: “With the new Air Baltic Cargo facility, we anticipate throughput to grow. We are already seeing cargo aircraft from China operating into Riga, mainly driven by e-commerce, currently using B767 freighters.”
A unique feature of Riga’s cargo proposition is its integration with postal logistics: “We offer a post facility within our cargo terminal, enabling air freight arriving under airway bills to be efficiently distributed as parcels across the Baltic region.” Prior to recent geopolitical disruptions, Riga Airport had projected reaching 9 million passengers by 2027 – targets that remain achievable in the longer term, she holds.
