Airport, Latvia, Transport

The question of the airport's capacity has become the focus of attention recently, with national airline airBaltic refusing to pay a debt of LVL 2.5 million to the airport, and the airport in turn turning its back on plans to conclude an agreement on construction of a new terminal building, informs LETA.

Kuzulis explained that starting June 1, reconstruction of the existing terminal was carried out at a fast pace in preparation for the summer season, as the airport has been breaking its records for passenger numbers with each passing week and month. It is planned that 4.4 million passengers will be served this year.

The reconstruction works have included changing and widening the security corridor in the southern section, increasing floor space by 600 square meters, opening three new gates, and widening the border control area to increase transit capacity.

"The maximum that we could squeeze into this terminal is 5.5 million passengers," explained the airport board member.

"If we also introduce 'slots', which means that traffic intensity would be evenly distributed over 24 hours, without peak hours, then of course there is still room to increase capacity," stressed Kuzulis, adding that there were many airports in Europe that operated with such schedules.