RIX Riga Airport is moving forward with a €98 million passenger terminal expansion designed to increase capacity and modernize passenger processing as the airport prepares for future growth.

The project will add approximately 20,000 square meters of terminal space, including new check-in facilities, passenger waiting areas, a security screening zone and baggage claim hall. Another 29,500 square meters of roads, sidewalks, public spaces and landscaped areas surrounding the terminal will be developed or upgraded.

The expansion addresses capacity constraints at Riga Airport’s existing terminal, which is already handling passenger volumes beyond its original design capacity.

Construction will be carried out in four stages under a design-build delivery model. Initial work will focus on site preparation and temporary infrastructure, followed by reconstruction of utilities, roads and public areas. Construction of the terminal expansion will take place during the third stage, followed by completion of permanent exterior infrastructure and removal of temporary facilities.

The project is expected to take approximately 42 months to complete. Riga Airport will remain fully operational throughout construction, although temporary traffic and access restrictions are expected as work progresses.

The RIXLA consortium, consisting of LNK Industries and Arčers, was selected to deliver the expansion following an international procurement process that initially attracted 17 construction companies and consortia from nine countries.

In addition to expanding the terminal, the project will introduce new passenger-service and aviation-security technologies designed to meet European Union standards. The development is targeting BREEAM Very Good sustainability certification.

The €98 million construction cost is being financed equally by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Nordic Investment Bank and OP Corporate Bank's Latvian branch. The overall lending agreements make up to €150 million available to Riga Airport, including funding for technology associated with the project.

The terminal expansion is part of Riga Airport’s broader Master Plan 2025–2050, which calls for phased infrastructure development as passenger traffic grows. Longer-term plans include a new South Pier, additional aircraft parking and taxiways, modernized deicing areas and further integration with the planned Rail Baltica high-speed rail network.

The expanded terminal is expected to support capacity of up to 12 million passengers annually.