Airport, Covid-19, Good for Business, Latvia, Tourism, Transport

In a Skytrax audit held at Riga Airport in December, independent auditors assessed the efficiency and consistency of the epidemiological safety procedures in place at the Airport, as well as the cleanliness of the Airport terminal by ATP sampling tests. The auditors also assessed the cleaning and disinfection procedures, social distancing policies and controls, the use of face masks, the availability of hand sanitizers and the use of personal protective equipment by employees.

As stated in the Skytrax opinion, Riga Airport provides clear and comprehensible information on the epidemiological safety measures implemented at the Airport, as well as guidelines for both arriving and departing passengers. The Airport has strict rules on the use of masks and access to the terminal, the compliance with which is controlled by security staff when checking ticket bookings.

Contactless hand disinfection stands are available at Riga Airport, whereas all customer service points are equipped with safety glass, protecting both passengers and employees. The Airport adheres to high standards of cleanliness – surfaces are disinfected on a regular basis, cleaning has been intensified in common-use areas. Although the number of flights has decreased, the Airport uses the entire terminal to service passengers, which means a wide range of social distancing options, complemented by markings on the floor and chairs, helping passengers to keep the required distance, says Skytrax.

Skytrax also notes that the Airport have developed a lively brand for COVID-19 guidelines which is featured at multiple touchpoints and is fully immersive. The use of varied bright colours and large logos means that guidance is not onerous and is well considered with the broader terminal décor and design.

Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of the Board of Riga International Airport: “The safety and health of passengers and employees are our top priority. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Riga Airport has been working hard to improve both passenger and aircraft handling processes and infrastructure with the aim of minimizing the risks of disease transmission. Epidemiological safety measures are updated on a regular basis in accordance with the latest recommendations of health authorities and international aviation organizations. The effectiveness of these measures also depends on each of us – on how responsibly and carefully we comply with these requirements. That is why I call on everyone – let us travel ourselves, but we should not let the virus travel!”

The comprehensive epidemiological safety programme “Forbid the Virus from Travelling” was introduced at Riga Airport in May, providing a set of measures to protect employees of both the Airport and companies operating at the Airport and to ensure safe passenger servicing in order to minimize the risks of COVID-19 spread. Riga Airport has joined the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) COVID-19 Restriction Charter, confirming the company's readiness to work to the highest standards of aviation epidemiological safety and to cooperate at both the national and international level to reduce the risk of the spread of the disease.