On 22 May, Latvian airline airBaltic, alongside key stakeholders, officially inaugurated the new Baltic Cargo Hub at RIX Riga Airport. The facility, covering 6,895 m², is now one of the largest air cargo handling centres in the Baltics. Strategically located adjacent to the cargo apron, the hub is equipped with advanced semi-automated material handling systems to ensure efficient and rapid cargo processing.
Designed with versatility and security in mind, the hub includes temperature-controlled rooms for handling sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals, as well as dedicated zones for dangerous goods, live animals, and high-value cargo. It also features integrated facilities for the food and veterinary service and a customs checkpoint to facilitate streamlined operations.
Pauls Cālītis, Interim CEO and COO of airBaltic, hailed the opening as a milestone in the development of regional air cargo infrastructure. He highlighted that the Baltic Cargo Hub will increase the airport's handling capacity to 45,000 tonnes annually and will be accessible to all carriers aiming to expand their presence in the Baltic region.
“For airBaltic, it provides an opportunity to further develop our cargo services and support our role in international logistics,” said Cālītis. “It is not only a step forward for our operations, but also a meaningful boost to Latvia's role as a key aviation hub in Northern Europe.”
