Riga Airport Begins Apron 4 Reconstruction for Dual-Use Capacity

State Joint Stock Company (SJSC) Riga International Airport (RIX) has commenced a large-scale reconstruction of its Apron 4. The project is designed to increase aircraft capacity, expand cargo handling capabilities, and significantly enhance military mobility in the Baltic region. According to a Riga Airport press release, the total contract value for the construction works is EUR 22.8 million.

Project Scope and Strategic Importance

The reconstruction will overhaul a hard-surface area of more than 80,000 square metres, replacing infrastructure originally built in the 1970s. The new layout will create ten flexible aircraft parking areas suitable for various configurations of IATA A-E class aircraft, including wide-body jets. This expansion directly supports the airport's strategy to develop into a key Baltic air cargo hub, complementing its 'cargo city' development near Aprons 4 and 5. Riga Airport currently handles 38% of all air cargo in the Baltic States, according to airport data.

EU Funding and Dual-Use Capability

The project is co-financed by the European Union's (EU) European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The funding is specifically allocated from the Military Mobility fund, underscoring the project's strategic dual-use nature. This aligns with the EU's Action Plan on Military Mobility 2.0, which aims to create a robust Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) capable of supporting both civilian and military logistics. The upgraded apron will provide essential infrastructure for receiving NATO and EU partner aircraft, enhancing the region's security posture.

Context and Timeline

The Apron 4 overhaul is part of a broader trend of modernizing Soviet-era airport infrastructure across Eastern Europe to meet current operational and safety standards set by bodies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The development reflects an increased focus by NATO and the EU on bolstering logistical and defense capabilities in the Baltic states. According to the project timeline provided by Riga Airport, the reconstruction is scheduled for completion by December 2027.

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