Airport, Latvia, Lithuania, Taxation, Transport

Peters rejected claims of Vilnius Aiport now being the Europe's cheapest airport and allegedly three times cheaper than Riga Airport, writes LETA.

Peters called praiseworthy the decision announced by Vilnius Airport to significantly lower its tariffs, as up to now the Vilnius Airport had been among the most costly ones in Europe.

"We can view with a certain satisfaction also the fact that Vilnius has now basically introduced the same discount system that was effective for five years, up until November 1, at the Riga International Airport," Peters admitted.

Still, the larger discounts in Vilnius only apply for a period of one year, and are accessible to a very limited number of airlines, servicing specific destinations, Peters explained.

As "Nozare.lv" previously reported, the Lithuanian Transport Ministry has asked the government of Lithuania to allocate LVL 3.06 million of the next year's budget to be spent on subsidies for additional flights from Vilnius to the key European cities.

The Riga International Airport is the largest aviation hub in the Baltic States. The Airport offers direct flight connections to 69 destinations altogether; during the 2009/2010 winter season the airport offers direct flights to 61 destinations, provided by 12 airlines.

The airport's profit last year reached LVL 2.69 million, or 9.2 percent more than in 2007. The airport's turnover increased 18 percent to LVL 24.53 million last year.