airBaltic is entering the Summer 2026 season with one of its most expansive network updates in recent years, unveiling nine new routes, multiple relaunches, and frequency increases across nearly 30 existing services.
Running through late October, the schedule underscores the Latvian carrier’s strategy to deepen its presence across the Baltic region while strengthening its role as a key connector between Northern Europe and wider international markets.
As the airline notes, the season marks a decisive step in expanding access and improving flexibility for both business and leisure travellers.
Strengthening the airBaltic Network
| Destination served | Starting date | Flight frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Riga–Kaunas (Lithuania) | 29 March, 2026 | Five weekly flights |
| Riga–Oulu (Finland) | 29 March, 2026 | Five weekly flights |
| Riga–Warsaw (Poland) | 30 March, 2026 | Three weekly flights |
| Riga–Gothenburg (Sweden) | 4 May, 2026 | Two weekly flights |
| Riga–Antalya (Turkey) | 2 May, 2026 | Two weekly flights |
| Tallinn–Hamburg (Germany) | 29 March, 2026 | Two weekly flights |
| Tallinn–Vienna (Austria) | 30 March, 2026 | Three weekly flights |
| Tallinn–Athens (Greece) | 29 April, 2026 | Two weekly flights |
| Vilnius–Zurich (Switzerland) | 3 May, 2026 | Three weekly flights |
| Relaunched service: Riga–Belgrade (Serbia) | 30 March, 2026 | Two weekly flights |
| Relaunched service: Riga–Yerevan (Armenia) | 2 May, 2026 | Three weekly flights |
| Relaunched service: Riga–Aberdeen (United Kingdom) | 2 June, 2026 | Two weekly flights |
| Relaunched service: Tallinn–Oslo (Norway) | 29 March, 2026 | Two weekly flights |
The backbone of the summer programme is a significant expansion from airBaltic’s home base in Riga.
Since 29 and 30 March, the airline has launched new services linking the Latvian capital with Kaunas, Oulu, and Warsaw, while also reinstating flights to Belgrade.
These additions reinforce Riga’s position as the carrier’s primary hub and a growing transfer point for regional and long‑haul connectivity.
Tallinn also features prominently in the airline’s strategy.
New routes to Hamburg and Vienna, alongside the return of Oslo, broaden Estonia’s direct access to key European markets.
Meanwhile, Vilnius gains a new link to Zurich, enhancing Lithuania’s connectivity to one of Europe’s most important financial and business centres.
One of the more symbolic developments is the introduction of flights between Riga and Kaunas.
With this addition, airBaltic now operates from all three Lithuanian airports, a milestone that further consolidates its influence in the country’s aviation landscape.
Expanding Leisure and Business Travel Options
The airline is also targeting high‑demand leisure markets.
Antalya, previously served only as a charter destination, joins the scheduled network from Riga, reflecting strong outbound demand for Mediterranean travel.
Gothenburg becomes another new addition, strengthening links with Sweden’s second‑largest city.
From Tallinn, Athens joins the network, offering a new southern gateway for Estonian travellers.
According to Mantas Vrubliauskas, Vice President Network Management at airBaltic, the expanded schedule is a direct response to rising demand across the region.
“By adding more than 430,000 additional seats across our network, we are further enhancing access to key destinations within Europe and beyond,” he said.
“We aim to provide our customers with greater flexibility, more convenient travel options, and seamless connections.”
Vrubliauskas also emphasised the broader economic impact of the expansion, noting that the strengthened network “supports inbound tourism, facilitates international business travel, and contributes to the long‑term economic growth and global accessibility of the Baltic region.”
Relaunched Routes Reinforce Strategic Markets
Several previously operated routes return for Summer 2026, including Riga–Belgrade, Riga–Yerevan, and Riga–Aberdeen. Tallinn–Oslo also resumes, restoring an important Nordic connection for Estonian travellers and businesses.
These relaunches reflect airBaltic’s confidence in markets that have demonstrated resilient demand and strategic relevance.
Yerevan, for example, has seen growing interest from both diaspora and business travellers, while Aberdeen strengthens links with the UK’s energy sector.
Frequency Growth on High‑Performing airBaltic Routes
Beyond new destinations, airBaltic is significantly increasing frequencies on some of its strongest routes, particularly from Riga.
Zurich rises from seven to nine weekly flights, Munich from ten to twelve, Hamburg from six to seven, and Berlin from nine to ten.
These adjustments are designed to improve schedule flexibility and enhance transfer opportunities through the Riga hub.
Several other European cities also see notable increases.
Copenhagen grows from 13 to 16 weekly flights, Prague from five to seven, Milan from three to five, Sofia from two to three, and Tbilisi from two to four.
Even the already well‑served Riga–Oslo route receives an additional weekly frequency, rising from 14 to 15.
The cumulative effect is a more resilient and versatile schedule, offering travellers improved options for both direct and connecting journeys.
A Network Now Exceeding 130 Routes
Across all bases, Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Tampere, and seasonal operations in Gran Canaria, airBaltic will operate more than 110 routes during the summer season.
This continues the airline’s steady upward trajectory and reinforces its status as the leading carrier in the Baltic region.
The airline now serves over 130 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus, positioning itself as a key regional player with growing international reach.
With nine new routes, multiple relaunches, and a substantial increase in frequencies, airBaltic’s Summer 2026 schedule reflects a carrier operating with confidence and ambition.
The airline is clearly positioning itself to capture rising demand, strengthen its hubs, and enhance the Baltic region’s connectivity to the wider world.
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