Airport, Covid-19, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Tourism, Transport

"Unfortunately, the situation is only getting worse," said Kulakova, noting that the number of passengers served at Riga Airport in September decreased by 84% compared to September of the previous year, while in October the decline will be even greater, as it already stands at 86.6%, but the month is not over yet.

She noted that this week it is possible to fly from Riga Airport to 38 destinations.

"So far, we do not have any bright future," said Kulakova, adding that it is very difficult to make specific forecasts for the future, because the situation with restrictions is very changeable.

At the same time, she pointed out that, according to international forecasts, the aviation industry could return to the levels of 2019 only in 2024-2025. "In any case, we still have quite a few years of hard work ahead of us," Kulakova said.

As reported, 1.813 million passengers were served at Riga International Airport in the first nine months of this year, which is 69.6% less than in the corresponding period last year.

Riga Airport is the largest aviation hub in the Baltics.