Airport, Latvia, Legislation, Transport

As LETA was informed by a spokesperson for the court, Judge Gunta Freimane yesterday accepted the lawsuit filed by the airport and opened civil proceedings. As such, airBaltic now have one month from the opening of the case to submit an explanation regarding the claim. Following the receipt of this explanation, the court will set a date for a civil hearing.

As reported, the airport has asked the court to arrest airBaltic payments to third parties, as well as the airline's funds in credit institutions and other financial institutions, to secure its claim.

According to the airport, airBaltic ran up a debt of more than LVL 2.5 million by not paying for various airport services since end-2009.

The airport emphasizes that the lawsuit is an unpleasant and extreme step, but it is in interest of the company and its shareholder – the state of Latvia.

As reported, airBaltic has also accused Riga International Airport of an unfair tariff policy, claiming that the airline Ryanair receives preferential rates for airport services. The Latvian airline has therefore turned to the Competition Council to investigate the matter, and has filed a lawsuit claiming almost LVL 6 million in compensation.