New health measures on airBaltic flights

As of May 18, airBaltic will resume direct flights from all three Baltic capitals – Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius. To limit the spread of the virus airBaltic has implemented several new health measures. Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic: “Safety and health of our passengers, our employees and the society stand above all. We at airBaltic are working hard to ensure that you can travel safely, flexibly, and with confidence. We also count on our passengers’ responsibility that they only fly when they are healthy. Only together we make sure that the travel is safe and healthy. Our dedicated and professional airBaltic team will continue work in order to safeguard airline’s smooth operations.”

As of May 18, before the security check at Riga Airport, passengers’ body temperature will be measured and passengers with a temperature above 37.8°C will be denied boarding. Affected passengers will be informed and instructed on further procedures.  The aircraft cabin disinfection will be done with increased regularity. All passengers on board of airBaltic aircraft will be provided with a complimentary basic care kit consisting of a protective face mask and disinfection wipes. airBaltic passengers will need to wear a protective face mask all time on board during flights. 

Also, crew members will be 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 will introduce an adjusted inflight service, replacing inflight magazines with disposable information on hygiene and catering menu.

According to the World Health Organization, there is minimal risk of any communicable disease being transmitted onboard an aircraft. The quality of cabin air is carefully controlled and is recirculated with ventilation rates that provide a total change of air 20-30 times per hour. Airbus A220-300 recirculation filter is a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) type filter that provides the best level of filtration currently available for recirculated cabin air.

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 May 31, 2020 is available, offering passengers to rebook them free of charge to a new date. Only one date change is permitted.