Riga closed out 2023 with theinauguration of a new rail link to Vilnius. The capital of the Latvia is entering 2024 with even greater ambitions, this time in the aviation sector. As a symbol of this metamorphosis, the airport is adopting a new visual identity, behind the name RIX Riga Airport. But the transformation of the gateway to Latvia's capital goes far beyond a simple makeover...
Riga airport will be launching two major projects this year. Starting with a new passenger terminal construction of which is due to begin in second half. Local officials intend to be able to inaugurate the 2028 a new infrastructure that is sustainable, modern and ergonomic. The new terminal will cover some 45,000 m², at an estimated cost of 167 million euros.
Riga airport intends to build a new urban centre adjacent to the airport, an aerotropolis called RIX Airport Citywhich will cover a total area of 24 hectares. The programme includes hotels, offices and other commercial spaces, as well as services dedicated to travellers and residents. RIX Airport City will offer a new business district to the Latvian capital, while at the same time establishing itself multimodal hub which is so strategic for the region. Because a station will be set up right next to the new airport terminal, which will be home to the network's trains. Rail Baltica. The biggest project to be undertaken in the Baltic region for over 100 years...
"RIX is becoming an emerging hub of Northern Europe and a next-generation air-rail hub thanks to its strategic location along Rail Baltica, a high-speed link connecting the three Baltic capitals to the high-speed rail networks of Finland, Poland and Germany," summarise the project managers. "When completed in 2028Rail Baltica will offer comfortable connections between Riga airport and Tallinn and Vilnius at less than two hours. Frequent transfers to Riga's central station, just 8 minutes away, will turn RIX into a "one-stop shop". an extension to the central business district. The Rail Baltica station will be fully integrated into a new state-of-the-art passenger terminal, which will also be completed in 2028 and will accommodate up to 12 million passengers a year" .
