With the national airline airBaltic’s strategic investor Lufthansa resuming direct flight connections with Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Latvia is also ready to open such routes. In the autumn, a representative of the Ministry of Transport will sign an agreement that will establish a legal basis for such flights.
Lufthansa announced on 11 August that it is resuming direct air services with Riyadh, which were discontinued in 2017.
Meanwhile tomorrow, 19 August, the Cabinet of Ministers will approve a draft law that will allow Latvia and Saudi Arabia to sign an agreement on air transport. The Ministry of Transport explains that without such an agreement there is no legal basis for carrying out regular air services. The agreement will also provide for the application of taxes and charges, mutual recognition of licences and certificates, dispute resolution and other issues related to the operation of regular air services.
The agreement, which has also been endorsed by the European Commission, is scheduled to be signed within the framework of the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which will take place from 23 September to 3 October 2025 in Montreal. On behalf of the Republic of Latvia, it will be signed by the Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Elīna Šimiņa – Neverovska.
Saudi Arabia’s growing importance on the global stage, especially as it continues to diversify its economy through its Vision 2030 initiative, has led to an increase in demand for international air transport. With large-scale infrastructure projects, including airport expansions, and new development trends in the tourism sector, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global centre for business, culture and leisure.
Recently, the Saudi Arabian government also approved new regulations that from next year will ease the procedures by which foreign citizens can purchase real estate. At present, in order for a foreigner to buy land in Saudi Arabia, a special government permit is required, and property can be purchased only in certain areas of the country.
The decision to resume flights to Riyadh is part of Lufthansa’s broader expansion strategy in the Middle East – a region where both the tourism and business sectors are developing rapidly.
Originally published at https://inc-baltics.com/nacionalajai-aviokompanijai-bus-pieejams-jauns-galamerkis-rijada-ari-strategiskais-investors-atjauno-reisus/
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