However, anyone hoping for another budget airline route into Latvia will be disappointed to learn that the facility is intended for "the prompt reception of incoming foreign soldiers in Latvia."
Colonel Dzintars Roga, commander of the NATO force integration unit, representatives of the NATO Security Investment Program, the State Border Guard, the Customs Administration of the State Revenue Service and the building company SIA "Archers" also took part in the opening of the passenger terminal.
"The new passenger terminal will enable the efficient mobility of allied forces in accordance with NATO standards. Latvia makes significant investments to support the presence of allied forces in the region, implementing the development of military infrastructure and performing other duties of the host country," said the Ministry of Defense.
Construction was started at the end of 2021, and its total cost is 5.6 million euros. 90% of the construction costs of the passenger terminal were financed from the NATO Security Investment Program (NSIP) , while the necessary equipment for the airport was financed from the national budget.
In order to ensure the operation of the terminal in accordance with the legislation of Latvia and the European Union, the terminal also provides Customs posts of the State Revenue Service and permanent workplaces for representatives of the State Border Guard, who will ensure the inspection and processing of arrivals.