Riga Airport to acquire an advanced explosives detection system for screening hand luggage

Continuing the implementation of projects for the development of safe and environmentally friendly airport infrastructure, Riga Airport will use the savings from the EU Cohesion Fund to purchase a new explosives detection system for screening passengers' hand luggage. This is provided for in the amendments to the contract on the use of financial resources of the Cohesion Fund signed with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency.

Ms Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of the Board of Riga Airport, commented: "Riga Airport has already signed a contract and is implementing the installation and integration of a new explosives detection system into the airport's baggage handling infrastructure to screen passengers' checked-in baggage in accordance with the latest requirements. Along with the amendments to the contract with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency for the purchase and installation of a hand luggage control system compliant with the third standard, we are significantly modernising the entire baggage control process at the Airport."

The installation of the new X-ray screening system, which should be completed by the end of 2023, will simplify and speed up the hand luggage control process, since passengers will no longer need to remove liquids and electrical equipment from their hand luggage before security screening. The new system will also improve the detection of prohibited articles, thus improving both the quality of security checks and epidemiological safety.

As previously reported, the airport is also currently preparing to replace the existing baggage conveyor system to accommodate it to the third standard explosive detection system equipment. The new explosives detection system within the baggage package must be operational by 1 September 2023.

Within the framework of the EU Cohesion Fund project "Development of Safe and Environmentally Friendly Infrastructure at Riga International Airport", Riga Airport is carrying out major infrastructure development works of the aerodrome and the airport area. The airport has built a second fast exit taxiway to help reduce CO2 emissions, installed axis lights on taxiways as a first step towards the airport's innovative "follow the greens" aircraft management system, and built a landing area for emergency medical services and aviation search and rescue, as well as helipad for military, government and other helicopters.

Besides, with the CF support, access roads to the public part of the airport have been reconstructed, storm water drainage system and the lighting infrastructure has been modernised.

Support for the modernisation of the airport is foreseen within the framework of the planning document - Priority Axis "Sustainable Transport System", Specific Support Objective 6.1.2 "Promote safety and environmental compliance at Riga International Airport". On 27 December 2016, Riga Airport signed an agreement with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA) on receiving CF funds for the implementation of the project. On 3 July 2017, the Airport received a positive decision from the European Commission (EC) on the state aid notification for the project "Development of Safe and Environmentally Friendly Infrastructure at Riga International Airport" (Project No. 6.1.2.0/16/I/001).

The total available eligible project funding is EUR 23,049,010, including CF funding of EUR 11,484,765 and funding of the SJSC “Starptautiskā lidosta “Rīga”” (Riga International Airport) of not less than EUR 11,564,245.