Latvia’s Riga Airport has completed the planning and development stage of its terminal extension project, and expects preparatory construction works to begin 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 project includes new passenger service and security technologies.
Accommodating traffic growth
The terminal expansion will add approximately 20,000m2 of new building space. In addition, 29,500m2 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 the airport said already exceeds its originally designed capacity.
Funding the expansion
The construction cost of the terminal expansion is estimated at €98m (US$112m). 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.
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 the airport to provide a better 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 €150m (US$172m).
Phased construction
The terminal expansion will be delivered by the RIXLA consortium, whose bid was selected in an international construction tender. The consortium consists of LNK Industries and Arčers. 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, Riga Airport will continue operating at full capacity.
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