Key Takeaways
• Baltic Cargo Hub at Riga Airport opened May 22, 2025, operated by airBaltic with 45,000 tonnes annual capacity.
• Facility includes temperature-controlled rooms, advanced semi-automatic handling, Customs and Food/Veterinary services on-site.
• Hub enhances Latvia’s role as a logistics gateway between Europe and Asia, supporting business and economic growth.
On May 22, 2025, the Baltic Cargo Hub officially opened its doors at RIX Riga Airport, marking a pivotal moment for Latvia 🇱🇻 and the entire Baltic region’s logistics and air cargo industry. Developed and operated by airBaltic, Latvia’s national airline, this state-of-the-art facility is now the largest dedicated air cargo center in the Baltics. The launch event drew around 200 guests, including the Latvian Minister of Transport, international freight and postal partners, and representatives from key industry organizations and government agencies. The opening of the Baltic Cargo Hub is not just a local achievement—it’s a strategic leap that positions Riga Airport as a major logistics gateway between Europe and Asia, with far-reaching implications for businesses, carriers, and the broader economy.
What Is the Baltic Cargo Hub and Why Does It Matter?
The Baltic Cargo Hub is a purpose-built air cargo handling facility located directly at Riga Airport. With a total area of 6,895 square meters—about the size of a football field—it includes 5,000 square meters dedicated to cargo operations and 2,000 square meters for office space. The hub can process up to 45,000 tonnes of cargo per year, a significant boost to the airport’s previous capacity.
This new facility is designed to meet the growing demand for fast, reliable, and secure air cargo services in the region. According to Pauls Cālītis, interim CEO and COO of airBaltic, the hub represents a “major milestone” for the airline and for Latvia’s ambition to become a leading logistics hub in Northern Europe. The project aligns with the country’s broader strategy to expand its air cargo sector and reinforce its role in international trade and transport.
How the Baltic Cargo Hub Works: Step-by-Step Cargo Handling
The Baltic Cargo Hub is built for efficiency and flexibility, using advanced technology and smart design to streamline every stage of the cargo process. Here’s how it works:
- Cargo Arrival: Trucks deliver cargo directly to the hub’s apron-side location, allowing for quick transfer between ground and air transport.
- Handling: Advanced semi-automatic material handling systems and a dedicated mail sorter process both general and special cargo. This technology speeds up sorting and reduces manual labor, making operations faster and more reliable.
- Special Cargo: The hub features temperature-controlled rooms for sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals and perishables, secure areas for dangerous goods, live animals, and valuables, and dedicated spaces for high-value shipments.
- Regulatory Compliance: Integrated Food and Veterinary Service facilities and a Customs checkpoint are located within the hub. This setup allows for on-site inspections and clearance, reducing delays and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
5. Distribution: Once processed, cargo is dispatched for onward transport—either by air, using Riga’s extensive flight network, or by land, leveraging the region’s growing rail and road connections.
This streamlined process means that cargo spends less time waiting and more time moving, which is especially important for time-sensitive shipments like e-commerce orders, medical supplies, and perishable foods.
Key Features and Innovations
The Baltic Cargo Hub stands out for its scale, technology, and commitment to sustainability. Some of the most important features include:
- Large Capacity: With the ability to handle up to 45,000 tonnes of cargo annually, the hub more than doubles Riga Airport’s previous cargo capacity.
- Modern Technology: Semi-automatic handling systems, a dedicated mail sorter, and direct apron access all contribute to faster, more efficient operations.
- Specialized Facilities: Temperature-controlled rooms, secure storage for dangerous goods and valuables, and dedicated areas for live animals ensure that all types of cargo can be handled safely and appropriately.
- Integrated Regulatory Services: On-site Food and Veterinary Service and Customs facilities streamline inspections and clearance, reducing bottlenecks and improving reliability.
- Sustainability: The hub is BREEAM-certified, meaning it meets strict environmental standards. Features include waste sorting, electric vehicles for ground operations, and sustainably sourced workwear for staff.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these innovations set a new standard for air cargo handling in the region and are likely to attract more international carriers and logistics partners to Riga.
Who Benefits from the Baltic Cargo Hub?
The opening of the Baltic Cargo Hub brings practical benefits to a wide range of stakeholders:
- Businesses and Exporters: Latvian and regional companies now have access to faster, more reliable air cargo services, making it easier to export goods to global markets or import critical supplies.
- International Carriers: Airlines and logistics companies can take advantage of the hub’s large capacity, advanced technology, and strategic location to expand their operations in Northern Europe.
- E-commerce and Postal Services: The dedicated mail sorter and efficient handling systems support the rapid growth of online shopping and cross-border deliveries.
- Special Cargo Shippers: Companies that deal with pharmaceuticals, perishables, or high-value goods benefit from specialized storage and handling, ensuring their shipments arrive safely and on time.
- Government and Economy: The hub strengthens Latvia’s position as a logistics gateway, supporting job creation, economic growth, and increased tax revenues.
For example, a Latvian pharmaceutical company shipping temperature-sensitive vaccines to Scandinavia can now rely on the hub’s climate-controlled storage and fast processing to ensure their products arrive in perfect condition. Similarly, an e-commerce retailer in Germany can use Riga as a transit point for fast deliveries to customers in the Baltics and beyond.
Voices from the Launch: What Stakeholders Are Saying
The opening ceremony for the Baltic Cargo Hub brought together leaders from government, industry, and the airline sector, all emphasizing the facility’s importance:
- Pauls Cālītis, airBaltic interim CEO and COO: Called the hub a “major milestone” and highlighted its role in boosting Latvia’s position as a key aviation hub in Northern Europe.
- Arvīds Maurāns, Chairman of the Board, Baltic Cargo Center: Described the hub as a “forward-looking investment in smarter, faster, and more adaptable cargo operations,” emphasizing its flexibility and efficiency.
- Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of the Board, Riga Airport: Stated that the new center will “optimize and enhance cargo service processes,” benefiting both the airline and its customers.
- Kaspars Briškens, Latvian Minister of Transport: Referred to the hub as an “important milestone for Latvia’s aviation sector,” reinforcing the country’s role in regional airfreight and logistics.
These statements reflect a shared vision: the Baltic Cargo Hub is not just a building, but a catalyst for growth, innovation, and international cooperation.
Policy Context and Strategic Importance
The launch of the Baltic Cargo Hub fits into Latvia’s broader strategy to become a leading logistics and transport hub in Northern Europe. In 2022, Riga Airport announced plans to expand its cargo capacity to over 48,000 tonnes per year by 2027. The new hub is a key part of this plan, providing the infrastructure needed to support growing trade volumes, especially as e-commerce and high-value goods shipments continue to rise.
There have been no recent policy changes directly affecting the hub’s operation, but the project supports Latvia’s long-term goals of economic resilience, competitiveness, and integration into global supply chains. The hub’s development also aligns with major infrastructure projects like Rail Baltica, a new railway that will connect the Baltics with the rest of Europe, further enhancing multimodal transport options.
Sustainability: Building for the Future
Sustainability is a core principle of the Baltic Cargo Hub’s design and operation. The facility is BREEAM-certified, which means it meets high standards for environmental responsibility. Key sustainability features include:
- Energy Efficiency: The building uses energy-saving systems and materials to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Waste Management: Comprehensive waste sorting and recycling programs are in place.
- Green Mobility: Electric vehicles are used for ground operations, and staff uniforms are made from sustainably sourced materials.
- Smart Construction: The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) allowed for efficient planning and minimized environmental impact during construction.
These efforts demonstrate Latvia’s commitment to green growth and responsible development, setting an example for other airports and logistics centers in the region.
Historical Development: How the Hub Came to Be
The journey to the Baltic Cargo Hub’s opening began several years ago:
- 2022: Riga Airport announced its strategy to expand cargo capacity and become a regional logistics leader.
- 2024: airBaltic signed agreements and began construction of the hub, with a planned 12-month timeline.
- Early 2025: Construction was completed on schedule, and preparations for full-scale operations began.
- May 22, 2025: The hub was officially opened, with full operations commencing immediately.
The project involved close collaboration between airBaltic, Riga Airport, the Latvian government, and construction partners such as UPB Nams (construction), Ozola un Bula (architecture), and BLV Advisory Group (technical supervision).
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects and Developments
The Baltic Cargo Hub is expected to drive significant growth in cargo volumes at Riga Airport, supporting both regional and global logistics flows. The facility’s flexible design allows for future adaptation and expansion as market needs evolve. Integration with the upcoming Rail Baltica railway will further enhance Riga’s role as a multimodal transport hub, connecting air, rail, and road networks for seamless cargo movement.
Ongoing sustainability initiatives will continue to improve the hub’s environmental performance, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of the planet. According to industry experts, the hub’s scale and technology will attract more international carriers and logistics partners, making Riga a preferred gateway for trade between Europe and Asia.
Practical Guidance: How to Use the Baltic Cargo Hub
For businesses, freight forwarders, and carriers interested in using the Baltic Cargo Hub, here are some practical steps:
- Contact airBaltic or Riga Airport Cargo Services to discuss your cargo needs and arrange shipments. Official contacts include [email protected] and [email protected].
- Review customs and regulatory requirements for your cargo type. The hub’s integrated Customs and Food and Veterinary Service facilities can help streamline compliance.
- Plan for special cargo needs such as temperature control, secure storage, or handling of dangerous goods. The hub’s specialized facilities are designed to accommodate a wide range of cargo types.
- Leverage Riga’s connectivity for efficient distribution across Europe and Asia, especially as new rail links come online.
For more information on cargo services and operational details, visit the official Riga Airport cargo page.
Official Resources and Further Reading
- airBaltic Newsroom: company.airbaltic.com/en/newsroom
- Riga Airport Cargo Services: riga-airport.com
- Baltic Cargo Center: balticcargo.lv
- Latvian Ministry of Transport: sam.gov.lv
For the latest updates on customs procedures and import/export regulations, consult the Latvian State Revenue Service.
Conclusion: A New Era for Baltic Logistics
The opening of the Baltic Cargo Hub at Riga Airport is a landmark achievement for Latvia 🇱🇻 and the wider region. By combining advanced technology, large-scale capacity, and a strong commitment to sustainability, the hub is set to transform the way cargo moves through Northern Europe. Businesses, carriers, and logistics partners now have access to world-class facilities that support faster, safer, and more reliable shipments—whether for e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables, or high-value goods.
As Latvia continues to invest in its logistics infrastructure and strengthen its position as a gateway between Europe and Asia, the Baltic Cargo Hub stands as a symbol of progress, innovation, and international cooperation. For anyone involved in trade, transport, or supply chain management, Riga Airport and airBaltic’s new facility offer exciting opportunities for growth and partnership in the years ahead.
Learn Today
Baltic Cargo Hub → A modern air cargo facility at Riga Airport handling up to 45,000 tonnes annually.
Semi-automatic material handling → Technology that aids cargo sorting and movement with limited manual intervention.
BREEAM certification → An environmental assessment standard ensuring sustainable building design and operation.
Rail Baltica → A major new railway project linking the Baltic states to the European rail network.
Customs checkpoint → An on-site facility for inspection and clearance of imported and exported goods.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Baltic Cargo Hub, inaugurated at Riga Airport in May 2025, boosts regional air cargo capacity with cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and strategic location, making Latvia a vital logistics gateway connecting Europe and Asia, improving efficiency for businesses and carriers in Northern Europe’s growing market.
— By VisaVerge.com
