airBaltic joins EASA programme to monitor COVID-19 operations in practice

Latvian airline airBaltic has become one of the first airlines to join EASA charter for the return to normal operations under COVID-19, pledging to work with their national authorities to put measures in place to support health safety.

Pauls Cālītis, COO of airBaltic: “Safety and health of our passengers stand above all. We at airBaltic are working hard to ensure that the passengers can travel safely and with confidence and have thoroughly followed guidelines issued by both EASA and local authorities. Our dedicated and professional airBalticteam will continue work in order to safeguard airline’s smooth operations. airBaltic will provide essential feedback to European authorities, for the improvement of travel for all passengers.”

Since resuming scheduled operations on May 18, airBaltic has introduced various additional safety measures to limit the spread of the virus and protect its passengers. An example of the new proactive measures introduced is temperature screening of all airBaltic’s departing passengers at Riga Airport.

Additional measures include increased frequency of cabin disinfection and providing all passengers with a complimentary basic care kit consisting of a protective face mask and disinfection wipes. airBaltic passengers are required to wear a protective face mask all time on board during flights.

Also, crew members are wearing a protective face mask and gloves. airBaltic cabin crew are instructed on the steps that have to be taken in case of some passengers on board might be infected with coronavirus, and all aircraft are equipped with the necessary preventive equipment. Additionally, airline has introduced an adjusted inflight service, replacing inflight magazines with disposable information on hygiene and catering menu.

Passengers are strongly suggested to check the travel regulations and airport restrictions on the official websites or with local embassies before travelling. Regulations are changing rapidly and vary per country, therefore always make sure you have the latest information to have a smooth journey.

Full schedule and tickets for the flights are available on the airBaltic website. In addition, a temporary offer for all new airBaltic reservations made by June 30, 2020 is available, offering passengers to rebook them free of charge to a new date. Only one date change is permitted.

Details of the EASA programme and the airports and airlines who have signed up to it can be found on the EASA website.