Ryanair plans Baltic expansion as airBaltic restructures

Ryanair is planning to significantly expand its operations across the Baltic states, while airBaltic begins a financial restructuring process that will see it reduce the size of its fleet.

The developments could be relevant to UK passengers travelling to the region, although Ryanair has not announced any new UK routes as part of its expansion plans.

Ryanair targets growth across the Baltics

Ryanair says it aims to double its passenger traffic across Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania over the next five years. By 2031, the airline is targeting 11 million annual seats in the region and plans to increase the number of aircraft based there from seven to 16.

The airline’s immediate plans vary by country. It intends to introduce additional winter flights from Riga, while reducing winter capacity in Lithuania and Estonia by 25%, citing higher airport charges. Ryanair says it will move some of that capacity to other markets where operating costs are lower.

For the UK, the announcement does not confirm new services from British airports. Ryanair’s expansion is focused on its wider Baltic operation, and any impact on UK connectivity will depend on whether the airline later adds or changes routes linking the UK with the region.

airBaltic enters Chapter 11 restructuring

The announcement comes as Latvia’s national airline, airBaltic, seeks protection from creditors in the United States under Chapter 11.

The carrier has secured a financing commitment of around €350 million to support its restructuring. airBaltic says it will continue operating during the process, which is expected to run into 2027.

The airline has also outlined plans to reduce its fleet from 54 Airbus A220-300 aircraft to 36 by the end of 2026. The restructuring follows mounting financial pressure, including higher fuel costs.

What it means for UK passengers

airBaltic currently sells flights from the UK, including services between London Gatwick and Riga. Its UK-facing booking site also lists flights from the United Kingdom, though passengers should check the airline’s latest schedule for their specific dates.

Despite the Chapter 11 filing, airBaltic has said it intends to continue operating. The filing does not, by itself, mean that UK flights have been cancelled. Passengers with upcoming bookings should monitor communications from the airline and check their flight status before travelling.

Ryanair’s planned growth could increase competition in the Baltic market over time, but there is no confirmed announcement yet of additional UK services or specific routes replacing airBaltic flights.