airBaltic reshapes its fleet and route network

The Latvian airline will reduce its fleet and strengthen Riga as its primary hub

airBaltic has presented a new business plan designed to improve the company’s financial stability and long-term competitiveness. Its main elements include a significantly smaller fleet, a stronger focus on Riga Airport and more efficient aircraft utilisation.

The Latvian airline, in which Lufthansa Group holds a stake, is responding to its substantial capital requirements and a changed economic environment. After years of ambitious expansion plans, airBaltic is now shifting its attention towards consolidation.

Fleet to be reduced to 36 aircraft

By the end of 2026, airBaltic plans to reduce its fleet from the current 54 to 36 Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Gradual growth is expected to resume later, bringing the fleet to approximately 40 aircraft by 2031.

Despite the considerable reduction, the airline expects scheduled capacity to remain largely stable. More efficient use of its own aircraft and increased cooperation with wet-lease partners are intended to support year-round operations.

According to airBaltic, its normal flight schedule will remain unaffected by the restructuring for now. Tour operators therefore do not face any immediate announced changes, although future capacity and seasonal connections will require close attention.

Riga becomes the clear centre of the network

Riga Airport will play an even stronger role as the primary hub within airBaltic’s future network. Tallinn and Vilnius will remain operational bases, but will mainly support selected point-to-point services.

Tactical and seasonal routes will complement the core network and help improve aircraft utilisation throughout the year. The airline is therefore moving away from a more evenly distributed hub strategy across the three Baltic capitals and concentrating more connecting traffic in Riga.

Over time, this could influence how tour operators plan itineraries to and across the Baltic States. Connections through Riga may become increasingly important, particularly for programmes combining Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

Cost savings and new financing required

Through changes to its fleet, network and operations, airBaltic aims to achieve annual savings of around €45 million. The airline is also seeking €225 million in interim financing to cover its short-term capital requirements and implement the revised business plan.

Further debt and equity measures are planned as part of a long-term financing solution. The previous ambition to expand the fleet to as many as 100 aircraft by 2030 has therefore been set aside.

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