British Airways’ first flight to Latvia touches down at Riga Airport

British Airways’ first flight from London Heathrow to Latvia, in more than 15 years, touched down at Riga International Airport 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. 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, commented: “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, said: "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. " 

The airline previously operated flights to Riga from 1997 to 2007.