Forum, Latvia, Transport

In the next four to five years' time the airline could place five of its airplanes at the Riga Airport, but for this major investments are still needed, informs LETA.

Ryanair expects Riga Airport to be cooperative similarly as it was in 2004 when the airport lowered its costs. Ryanair say that they constantly manage to cut down on their costs and that they see no reason why the airport could not do the same.

During the conference, O'Brian emphasized that at the present moment the airports operate with the wrong principles. He points out that the airport is not a destination itself or a place to spend leisure time in. Basically, it is a tool, the principal function of which is to ensure passengers a maximally convenient and fast access to airplanes.

The huge number of shops, restaurants, leisure complexes and institutions at airport terminals make airports' costs inadequately high.

CEO of the Latvian national airline airBaltic, Bertolt Flick, generally agreed with O'Brian's statements, however, he also drew attention to the fact that transit passengers, who sometimes have to stay several hours at the airport, are actually pleased to have the opportunity to shop or have a lunch during the time they have to spend there.

As reported, last winter Ryanair decided to develop a hub at the Riga Airport. The airline's president Michael O'Leary then said that development of a new base is a matter of cooperation with and the development of the airport. O'Leary noted that the airport should be developing at such a pace so it is able to meet Ryanair requirements on passenger turnover, and make it possible for the airline to launch its base here.

Opening a new hub at Riga Airport could prompt the airport's annual passenger turnover to 2.5-3 million, and the number of flights by about 20,000, O'Leary said.