The airline's CEO Geir Karlsen told LSM.lv in 2023 that the idea of establishing a base at RIX Riga Airport was not new and had been on the cards for some time, but had to be postponed because Norwegian, like several other airlines, was facing delays in deliveries of Boeing aircraft.
"This is a big day for us and today we open our 12th base. This is the sixth country we can call our base. I see Riga as part of Northern Europe and this proves once again that we are here to stay," said Geir Karlsen, the airline's CEO.
Riga was chosen as a base not only because of its location, but also because of the market, which is very attractive for the airline. The airline already operates flights from Riga to various destinations and interest in the airline's services is growing. The Riga base is also part of the company's strategy to increase flights outside Northern Europe.
The company plans to base not only two Boeing 737-8 aircraft at Riga Airport, but also crew accommodation. The Riga base crew will be from Latvia.
"Norwegian's choice to base in Riga is not only a sign of the airline's commitment to Latvia, but also to the airport, showing that we are interesting on a European scale. It should also be mentioned that the airport has major development plans, which makes it more attractive to airlines," said Transport Minister Kaspars Briškens (Progressives) at the opening ceremony.
"Last year Norwegian was the third largest airline based at RIX Riga Airport, and I think that opening a base here is just a natural step in the company's development," said Laila Odiņa, Chairwoman of the Board of RIX Riga Airport.
With the opening of the base at RIX Riga Airport, Norwegian Airlines will launch direct flights to Corfu in Greece and Tivat in Montenegro from May 1.
