Dubai-based carrier flydubai has officially launched direct flight services to Riga, Latvia, establishing a new aerial bridge between the United Arab Emirates and the Baltic region. The inaugural flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) touched down at Riga Airport (RIX) amid ceremonial welcomes from airport authorities, signaling the commencement of scheduled three-weekly operations on this route.
This strategic expansion represents flydubai’s continued European market penetration, complementing recent service initiations to Chișinău (Moldova), Iași (Romania), and Vilnius (Lithuania). The airline’s European network now encompasses 35 destinations across 20 countries, demonstrating its commitment to connecting underserved markets with Dubai’s global aviation hub.
UAE Ambassador to Latvia Noora Juma emphasized the diplomatic significance of this aviation milestone, stating: “This launch inaugurates a new chapter in UAE-Latvia relations. The direct air connection will catalyze multidimensional exchange opportunities spanning tourism, commerce, and cultural spheres.”
Aviation executives highlighted the route’s economic implications. Jeyhun Efendi, flydubai’s Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, noted: “Our Riga service reinforces flydubai’s European presence while aligning with our strategic vision of expanding connectivity to dynamic emerging markets. We’re providing passengers with a premium, convenient travel experience supported by ongoing investments in fleet and service enhancements.”
Riga Airport authorities welcomed the development as a significant enhancement to Baltic connectivity. Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of RIX Riga Airport’s Board, commented: “This connection benefits travelers seeking to explore Dubai’s metropolitan offerings and UAE’s tourism attractions while simultaneously strengthening bilateral economic relations. Conversely, UAE residents gain direct access to the cultural and natural treasures of Baltic and Scandinavian regions.”
The new route is projected to stimulate bidirectional tourism flows and bolster growing economic ties between the nations, providing Latvian travelers enhanced access to flydubai’s extensive network of onward connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub.