Airport, Latvia, Transport

Construction work will begin next spring, and is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2013.

The most expensive part of the project will be the reconstruction of two aprons, increasing the number the capacity of the airport's second apron from eight to 13 planes, and the capacity of the third apron from 11 to 22 planes. The total cost of the reconstruction of the airport's aprons is planned at LVL 21 million, according to the airport's chairman Arnis Luhse.

The project also includes the strengthening of the airport's runway safety, by improving the foundation of the grass area next to the runway, LETA/ NOZARE.LV reported.

As reported, the European Commission (EC) has given the go-ahead for the major Cohesion Fund project – “Development of Infrastructure at the International Airport Riga”, which includes re-paving the runway, modernizing lighting and constructing additional maneuvering arteries.

Total costs for the project are estimated at LVL 66.94 million, with co-financing from the Cohesion Fund at LVL 41.11 million. The airport will itself invest LVL 26 million in the project.

The to-be renovated runway is 2.47 kilometers long and 45 meters wide. The new lighting is specifically meant for takeoff and landing in inclement weather, and emergency landings. Two special de-icing platforms are also to be built.