airBaltic to Repatriate Latvian Citizens Amidst Middle East Instability

Riga, Latvia – March 5, 2026 – In response to the escalating security concerns and airspace closures in the Middle East, the Latvian government, in collaboration with airBaltic, is organizing repatriation flights for Latvian nationals currently in the region. The initiative prioritizes vulnerable individuals – families with children, minors, and those with health or mobility limitations.

Repatriation Flight Details

A dedicated flight, BT7701, is scheduled to depart from Dubai International Airport (DXB) on March 6, 2026, at 17:50 local time. The flight will include a technical stop in Heraklion, Greece, before arriving in Riga at approximately 02:10 local time on March 7, 2026. The aircraft is configured to accommodate 145 passengers.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contact Latvian citizens registered in the Consular Register on Latvija.gov.lv or through the “Ceļo droši” mobile application, providing details on participation and procedures.

Passengers are strongly advised not to travel to the airport until they have received individual confirmation of their inclusion on the passenger manifest. Due to the dynamic situation, flight schedules are subject to change, and passengers will be promptly informed of any updates.

airBaltic’s Commitment to Passengers

airBaltic has stated its readiness to adjust flight schedules and operate additional flights as soon as it is safe to do so, to support affected passengers. Further details regarding potential additional flights will be announced publicly at a later date. airBaltic is monitoring the situation closely.

Options for Existing Ticket Holders

Passengers holding airBaltic tickets for flights to or from Dubai with departure dates up to March 31, 2026, whose flights have been cancelled (currently including flights up to March 8th), are offered the following options free of charge:

• A full refund of the ticket price.
• An airBaltic gift voucher for future travel.
• Rebooking on alternative airBaltic flights to Tel Aviv or Dubai within the ticket’s validity period.
• A change of destination to another airBaltic route.

Passengers seeking to modify their bookings are encouraged to contact the airBaltic Call Centre at +371 67280422.

Staying Informed

For the most up-to-date information, travellers are advised to monitor airBaltic’s official communication channels, including the airline’s website www.airbaltic.com and social media accounts.

Repatriation financing will be covered by the state budget program “Funds for Unforeseen Events,” with an allocation of 150,000 euros per flight. Passengers will contribute a co-payment of 350 euros, which, according to the announcement, reflects the actual costs of the flight.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will too organize land transport evacuation options for Latvian nationals in the United Arab Emirates to neighboring countries, if necessary.