RIX Riga Airport today marked the start of the next stage of its passenger terminal expansion project with a ceremonial event at the Airport. The project will deliver a new, spacious and energy-efficient passenger terminal extension equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, significantly increasing terminal capacity, enhancing the passenger experience and providing the infrastructure necessary for the Airport’s future growth.
The planning and development stage of the project has now been completed, and preparatory works for construction will begin later this month. The project includes the expansion of the existing terminal through the construction of new check-in facilities, passenger waiting areas, a security screening zone, and a baggage reclaim hall. External areas surrounding the terminal building, including access roads and parking facilities, will also be redeveloped and upgraded. The introduction of new passenger service and security technologies will further improve comfort, efficiency, and the overall travel experience at the Airport.
The terminal expansion will add approximately 20,000 square metres of new building space. In addition, 29,500 square metres of roads, pavements, public spaces, and landscaped green areas will be developed. The new facilities will provide the capacity required to accommodate future passenger growth, addressing the limitations of the current terminal, which already exceeds its originally designed capacity.
The construction cost of the terminal expansion is estimated at EUR 98 million. Financing will be provided equally by three lenders: two international financial institutions, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), as well as OP Corporate Bank plc Latvian Branch, selected through a tender process. The financing was granted following a comprehensive assessment of Riga Airport’s development plans, business strategy, and creditworthiness. Independent due diligence was conducted both by the lenders and by international advisors engaged by the lenders.
In addition to financing the construction works, the funding package will support the installation of next-generation passenger service and aviation security technologies compliant with European Union standards. These investments will enable RIX Riga Airport to provide a new level of passenger experience while meeting the highest requirements for aviation security and accessibility. The total financing available to the Airport under the lending arrangements amounts to up to EUR 150 million.
The terminal expansion will be delivered by the RIXLA consortium, whose bid was selected as the most economically advantageous in an international construction tender. The consortium consists of LNK Industries and Arčers. The international procurement process was conducted in accordance with the procurement procedures established by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. A total of 17 construction companies and consortia from nine countries applied for prequalification. Five candidates submitted technical proposals, four were invited to submit financial bids, and final financial bids were received from two participants. The bid submitted by RIXLA was ultimately selected as the most economically advantageous proposal.
“This project of national importance for Latvia has been entrusted to a partnership between two of the country’s leading construction companies. It is a source of pride, but also a responsibility that we are fully committed to living up to. Our task is simple to define, yet requires skill and discipline: to turn Riga Airport’s vision, step by step, thoughtfully and precisely, into modern, sustainable infrastructure that reflects both Latvia’s ambitions and its capabilities. Once completed, it will serve Latvia and the wider region for many years to come,” said Kaspars Ratkevičs, Member of the Board of LNK Industries, Representative of RIXLA.
The contract has been concluded under the FIDIC Yellow Book framework. The project is targeting a BREEAM Very Good sustainability certification rating.
Legal support for the project was provided by law firm Sorainen.
Construction will be carried out in four consecutive stages under a design-and-build delivery model. Works on site are scheduled to begin in the second half of September 2026, initially focusing on site preparation and the development of temporary infrastructure while the original design is being adapted to meet the Airport’s updated development needs. The second stage will include reconstruction of external infrastructure and utility networks, construction of new roads and public areas, and site landscaping. The third stage will involve construction of the terminal expansion itself, while the fourth stage will complete the permanent external infrastructure and remove temporary facilities.
The project is scheduled for completion within 42 months.
Throughout the construction period, RIX Riga Airport will continue operating at full capacity. However, passengers and visitors should expect temporary traffic and access restrictions within the Airport area.
