flydubai has launched its first direct flights to Riga, adding Latvia’s capital to its route network and strengthening air links between the UAE and the Baltic region.
The Dubai-based airline will operate three weekly flights between Dubai International Airport and Riga International Airport. The first flight arrived in Riga on Friday and was welcomed by airport officials.
Flight details
The Riga service operates from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport as part of the flydubai and Emirates codeshare partnership, allowing passengers to travel on a single ticket with through-checked baggage.
Return Business Class fares from Dubai to Riga start from Dhs 7,505, while Economy Class Lite fares start from Dhs 1,815. Return fares from Riga to Dubai begin at EUR 1,440 for Business Class and EUR 360 for Economy Class Lite.
Noora Juma, the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Latvia, said: “This day marks a new phase in the friendship between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Latvia. The launch of UAE airline flydubai’s direct flights between Dubai and Riga will not only enhance connectivity between our countries but also open doors to more opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange.”
Economic impact
The new service is expected to support tourism and trade between the UAE and Latvia, while offering Latvian travellers easier access to Dubai and its global connections.
Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: “The launch of our new service to Riga strengthens flydubai’s growing presence in Europe and supports our strategic commitment to expanding connectivity across underserved markets. Latvia is an exciting and dynamic market, and we are pleased to offer passengers a convenient, direct link between Dubai and Riga. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to investing in our fleet, our services and our onboard product to ensure an elevated experience for our customers.”
European expansion
With the addition of Riga, flydubai has expanded its European network to 35 destinations across 20 countries. The airline has also recently launched nonstop services to Chișinău in Moldova, Iași in Romania and Vilnius in Lithuania.
Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of the Board of Riga Airport, said: “We are delighted about flydubai starting its service from Riga Airport, which will not only strengthen the connectivity of the Baltics’ largest airport but also offer our passengers the opportunity to enjoy the airline’s high-quality service and extensive route network.
“The new direct connection to Dubai will benefit not only travellers wishing to explore this world metropolis and the tourism gems of the United Arab Emirates, but also help enhance business and economic ties between our two countries. Meanwhile, for UAE residents, a direct flight to Riga will open the door to discovering the natural and cultural riches of the Baltic and Scandinavian states.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
