airBaltic Continues Dubai to Riga Repatriation Flights Amidst Middle East Conflict
airBaltic is continuing to facilitate repatriation flights from Dubai to Riga for Latvian citizens, non-citizens and their family members, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt air travel. The airline is prioritizing vulnerable individuals – families with slight children, minors, and those with health or mobility impairments – for available seats.
Flight Applications and Processing
The processing of applications for repatriation flights from Dubai is currently underway. Passengers who have already submitted an application do not need to reapply, as multiple submissions may slow down the process. Individuals who have not yet applied can still submit an application through the airline’s designated channels. Passengers will be contacted directly if they are offered a seat on a flight, receiving further instructions at that time.
Operational Challenges and Safety Considerations
airBaltic emphasizes that flight operations are heavily influenced by the evolving security situation in the Middle East. As a European Union-registered airline, it adheres to safety recommendations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and regulatory restrictions in affected airspace. Flight schedules are also determined by security risk assessments, airport operational readiness, crew work and rest time regulations, and insurance coverage conditions.
Regional Air Travel Disruptions
The broader aviation landscape is facing significant challenges. Emirates has extended its network shutdown by 72 hours, though limited repatriation flights continue according to VisaHQ. Lufthansa has warned of heightened uncertainty for German business travel due to Gulf airspace closures, potentially increasing corporate travel costs throughout 2026 [2]. Austria is also actively evacuating its citizens from the Middle East, having extracted almost 1,100 nationals in the past week [2].
Broader Repatriation Efforts
Numerous countries are working to return their citizens stranded in the Middle East. The US has completed its first chartered evacuation flight, carrying hundreds of American citizens from Abu Dhabi to Dulles International Airport [3]. The UK, Bulgaria, Italy, Austria, Slovakia, and Australia have also organized repatriation flights, with additional flights planned [3]. The US embassy in Israel is offering bus service to the Egyptian border for American citizens seeking to leave the country [3].
Important Reminders for Passengers
airBaltic strongly advises passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have received individual confirmation of their inclusion on a specific flight. The airline acknowledges the uncertainty caused by the situation and is prepared to adjust flight schedules and conduct additional flights as safety permits. Further announcements regarding potential flights will be made publicly.
As of March 7, 2026, airBaltic has operated four repatriation flights from Dubai to Riga [1].