Latvia, Legislation, Lithuania, Transport

The decision was made taking into account a Lithuanian court's decision to arrest properties of airBaltic and the Riga International Airport, worth about LVL 40 million, as security collateral in the Lithuanian airline FlyLAL'S lawsuit against airBaltic.

The portal db.lv informs that FlyLAL has turned to Vilnius Court with a lawsuit against airBaltic and Riga Airport, accusing them of violating laws on fair competition, which caused the Lithuanian airline a loss of LVL 40 million.

The court decided to arrest airBaltic and Riga Airport properties to secure the Lithuanian airline's claim. Bank accounts of airBaltic and the airport were not arrested, as it could impede business operations.

Before the government meeting this morning, Slesers was indignant at the decision of FlyLAL to sue airBaltic.

Slesers stressed that, in doing so, FlyLAL is trying to solve its problems as the airline is facing bankruptcy. But in the end, Lithuanian residents will be the ones to suffer after FlyLAL goes bankrupt and airBaltic withdraws from Lithuania.

Slesers reminded that recently FlyLAL bid to take airBaltic over, but the Lithuanian airline's bid was rejected.

Slesers also said that airBaltic does not have any properties in Lithuania.

Slesers stressed that Latvia had never persecuted Lithuanian companies doing business in Latvia, and he considers the Lithuanian airline's move as unfair.