Latvia, Greece Celebrate Historic Expansion As AirBaltic Operates Continuous Year-Round Athens–Riga Flights, Unlocking New Travel Corridors Between The Baltics And Southern Europe – Travel And Tour World

Latvia and Greece have entered a new chapter in European air travel as airBaltic officially launches its first-ever year-round Athens–Riga service, eliminating seasonal breaks and creating uninterrupted air connectivity between the Baltic and Mediterranean regions. This groundbreaking expansion strengthens bilateral tourism, business, and trade ties, while offering travelers continuous access to one of Europe’s most vibrant north-south corridors. With up to three weekly flights operating even through winter, airBaltic’s move reflects the growing demand for seamless travel between Latvia and Greece and marks a major milestone in strengthening regional cooperation across all seasons.

airBaltic Launches Historic Year-Round Athens–Riga Service, Strengthening Greece–Baltic Connectivity

In a strategic move to deepen ties between Southern and Northern Europe, Latvian national carrier airBaltic has officially announced that its popular Athens–Riga route will now operate year-round for the first time in its history. This major development is set to enhance both leisure and business travel, offering passengers uninterrupted connectivity between Greece and the rapidly growing Baltic region throughout all seasons.

Continuous Service Marks a Major Milestone

The Athens–Riga route, first introduced by airBaltic back in 2007, has long served as an important bridge linking the Mediterranean with Northern Europe. While the connection has seen strong performance during the busy summer travel period, it traditionally experienced seasonal reductions during the colder winter months. In many previous years, services were either significantly reduced or fully suspended in January and February, aligning with the dip in seasonal demand.

However, with growing passenger interest and shifting travel trends, airBaltic has opted to make a bold change. For the first time, flights between the two capital cities will continue uninterrupted throughout the winter season, providing a steady travel option for tourists, business professionals, and the Baltic diaspora living across Europe.

Detailed Schedule Breakdown

Under the newly announced schedule, airBaltic will initially operate up to three weekly flights between Athens International Airport (ATH) and Riga International Airport (RIX). These flights will be available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, extending through December 30.

As winter approaches its peak, a slight adjustment will be made. From January 1 until February 28, the frequency will be scaled to two weekly flights, scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays. This ensures continuous service even during the quieter travel months when demand traditionally drops across much of Europe.

Beginning March 3, the airline plans to resume its three-times-weekly service, offering travelers even more flexibility as spring and summer demand begin to ramp up once again.

Supporting the Growing Greece–Baltic Corridor

airBaltic’s decision reflects not only the growing demand for connectivity between the two regions but also the airline’s commitment to becoming a reliable partner for travelers across Europe. The extended Athens–Riga service allows tourists from the Baltics greater access to Greece’s world-renowned historic sites, sun-drenched islands, and vibrant cultural experiences, even during the low season when many other carriers scale back operations.

At the same time, Greek travelers and businesses now have greater opportunities to explore the thriving economies and rich cultural offerings of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, as well as convenient onward connections across Scandinavia, Central Europe, and the CIS countries via Riga’s modern airport hub.

Tourism and Business Opportunities Expand

The year-round operation of this route is expected to have positive implications for tourism, business, and trade relations. Greece continues to be a magnet for visitors from the Baltic states, particularly during the winter months when the country’s mild Mediterranean climate offers a welcome escape from the harsh northern winters. Popular destinations such as Athens, Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes remain attractive even outside the peak summer season.

Conversely, Latvia and the surrounding Baltic region are becoming increasingly popular for Greek travelers seeking cultural discoveries, winter sports, and emerging business opportunities in sectors such as technology, logistics, and financial services.

By offering uninterrupted service, airBaltic ensures that seasonal limitations no longer act as a barrier for businesses and tourists looking to capitalize on opportunities at any time of the year.

Strategic Growth for airBaltic

For airBaltic, this expansion forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen its European network and position Riga as a major transit hub for travelers seeking efficient north-south connections. The airline has steadily grown its presence in Southern Europe over recent years, targeting new markets and responding to emerging travel patterns shaped by changing consumer behavior post-pandemic.

Athens has become one of airBaltic’s key gateways in the Mediterranean region, alongside other destinations such as Rome, Milan, and Malaga. The move to year-round service underscores the airline’s confidence in sustained demand and its ability to attract a diverse customer base that extends far beyond summer holidaymakers.

Local Partnerships Remain Crucial

In Greece, TAL Aviation continues its role as the official General Sales Agent (GSA) for airBaltic. This partnership plays a vital role in supporting ticket sales, customer service, and business development across the Greek market, ensuring that airBaltic maintains a strong local presence while expanding its international reach.

Looking Ahead

Latvia and Greece strengthen their air travel partnership as airBaltic launches its first-ever year-round Athens–Riga service, ensuring continuous connectivity for tourism, business, and trade across all seasons.

As global air travel steadily recovers and travelers seek more flexible options, airBaltic’s expanded Athens–Riga route offers a timely solution that benefits both leisure and business sectors. This year-round service not only marks a milestone for the airline but also signifies growing cooperation between Greece and the Baltic states—a promising step toward stronger ties across Europe’s diverse regions.