Riga Airport announces a construction tender for the reconstruction of Riga Airport's Apron 4

RIX Riga Airport has announced the first stage of construction procurement to select a contractor for the reconstruction project of Apron 4, supported by European Union funds. The funding contract was signed with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency for the project titled "Reconstruction of Apron 4 at State Joint Stock Company ‘Riga International Airport’ to ensure dual-use TEN-T infrastructure for civilian and military purposes." The project aims to reconstruct over 80 000 square metres of the apron’s hard surface, create aircraft stands in ten different configurations for Class A – E aircraft, and establish taxiing and service roads.

The reconstruction will provide additional necessary aircraft stands, contribute to military mobility, which is particularly significant in the current geopolitical context, and allow for the expansion of the cargo service area. An electrical substation with two independent feeds is also planned to ensure Apron 4 lighting and the power supply for aircraft stands in accordance with the latest EU requirements. The project includes the establishment of storage areas for aircraft servicing equipment, the installation of an aerodrome lighting system, the reconstruction of lighting masts and floodlights, and the installation of a new video surveillance system and rainwater drainage system.

The deadline for submitting proposals for the first stage of the construction tender is April 8 of this year. The reconstruction of Apron 4 is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Riga Airport's development strategy includes creating a cargo service area, or Cargo City, around Aprons 4 and 5. In 2020, a newly constructed specialized cargo service apron became operational in this area, followed by the opening of DHL's regional shipment processing and logistics centre a year later. In addition, the national airline airBaltic has built a cargo processing logistics centre named Baltic Cargo Hub. Currently, Riga Airport handles 37% of air cargo in the Baltic States.