Dubai to Riga Air Link Opens Up New Travel Opportunities Between UAE and the Baltics

Published on December 14, 2025

In a significant development for travel and business alike, flydubai, which is based in Dubai, launched the UAE carrier’s first-ever direct flight service to Riga, Latvia. As the new route connects Dubai International Airport with Riga Airport three times a week, it will further improve connectivity and give a boost to increased tourism, business, and cultural exchange between the UAE and Latvia. This important addition of a new service heralds a major milestone in the expansion of flydubai’s European network.

A Strategic Move to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
The launch of flydubai’s new Riga route comes at a time of growing economic and cultural ties between the UAE and Latvia. The inaugural flight was greeted with warm enthusiasm by officials at Riga Airport, who see this direct air link as a critical step toward improving the relationship between the two countries. UAE Ambassador to Latvia, Noora Juma, noted that the new flight service opens a “new phase” in bilateral relations. It is expected to stimulate tourism and foster deeper business and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

By connecting Riga, Latvia’s capital, with Dubai, a major international travel hub, the new route creates a bridge between the UAE and the Baltic region. It also adds to the UAE’s growing network of international connections, solidifying its role as a key gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

flydubai’s Commitment to Expanding European Connectivity
The launch of the Riga route is part of flydubai’s broader strategy to expand its European network and improve accessibility to underserved markets. Jeyhun Efendi, the airline’s Divisional Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations and E-commerce, emphasized that the Riga route aligns with the airline’s efforts to provide better connectivity to cities that have been traditionally underserved by direct air services.

Efendi also highlighted flydubai’s commitment to investing in its fleet, services, and onboard products, ensuring a high-quality travel experience for passengers. With the addition of Riga, flydubai now operates flights to 35 destinations across 20 European countries, reinforcing its position as a key player in the global travel market.

Supporting Latvia’s Tourism and Business Sectors
Latvia, known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture, is set to see significant benefits from the introduction of direct flights from Dubai. Riga, as Latvia’s largest city and capital, is a popular destination for travelers seeking a blend of medieval charm and modern amenities. With flydubai’s new connection, the city is now more accessible to international visitors, especially those from the UAE and the wider Middle Eastern region.

Laila Odiņa, Chairperson of RIX Riga Airport, expressed her excitement about the new connection, stating that the Dubai route enhances the airport’s connectivity and offers travelers access to flydubai’s extensive network. This is particularly important for the Baltics’ largest airport, which is keen to establish itself as a regional hub for international travel.

The new service is expected to support Latvia’s tourism sector by attracting more visitors to the country. Latvia has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers looking for an alternative to the more well-known European cities. With its stunning natural landscapes, including national parks, beaches, and forests, alongside vibrant cultural and historical offerings, Latvia offers a diverse range of experiences for tourists.

Economic Opportunities for UAE and Latvia
Beyond tourism, the new air link between Dubai and Riga is expected to bolster business ties between the UAE and Latvia. With Latvia’s growing role as a trade and business hub in the Baltic region, direct connectivity to Dubai, an international center for finance, trade, and commerce, provides a strategic advantage. The flight opens up new opportunities for business professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to connect more easily between the two countries.

The direct connection is likely to stimulate growth in sectors such as logistics, finance, and technology. With Dubai’s strong economic ties to international markets, this new route may encourage more UAE-based businesses to explore the Latvian market and vice versa. The strengthened air links will support trade exchanges, facilitate easier access to regional markets, and promote bilateral investment opportunities.

Enhancing Access to the Baltics and Scandinavia for UAE Travelers
For travelers from the UAE, the new flydubai service opens up a wealth of opportunities to explore the Baltic region and Scandinavia. Riga serves as an excellent gateway to neighboring countries such as Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, and Sweden, all of which are within easy reach of Latvia’s capital. Flydubai’s expansive network provides seamless connections to other popular destinations, including destinations in Central and Eastern Europe.

For tourists, Riga offers a variety of experiences, from exploring its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and iconic Art Nouveau architecture to enjoying vibrant local festivals, art scenes, and the many culinary delights that the city offers. The city’s proximity to beautiful beaches and natural parks also makes it a perfect base for exploring Latvia’s outdoor attractions.

For Middle Eastern travelers seeking to venture into the Baltics, Riga now offers a direct, convenient connection with Dubai, allowing for an easy transition to exploring the cultural and natural beauty of the Baltic region.

Flydubai’s Continued Expansion in Europe
The launch of the Riga route follows the airline’s recent expansion into other European cities, including Chișinău in Moldova, Iași in Romania, and Vilnius in Lithuania. These new additions reflect flydubai’s ongoing efforts to increase its presence in Europe, offering more choices to travelers seeking access to cities that were previously harder to reach from the UAE and the broader Middle East region.

The airline’s dedication to expanding its European network is not just about increasing the number of destinations it serves but also about offering better connectivity for travelers. Whether it’s for business, leisure, or cultural exploration, flydubai aims to cater to the diverse needs of its passengers, providing affordable and convenient flights to a wide range of European cities.

A Promising Future for Flydubai and Riga

The entry of flydubai into Riga is expected to make a significant difference in the development of tourism as well as business tourism between the UAE and Latvia. Being the only direct flight between Dubai and the Latvian capital, it is important to note that this flight is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of economic relations between the two states, as well as between their tourism sectors. It is significant to note that with such additional services, it seems that flydubai is here to stay in the global air transport sector by opening people to other exciting destinations.

While the globe is gradually shifting its attention to direct connections and easier ways of traveling, this latest air connection is set to be a game-changer for both the UAE and Latvia, opening a whole new world for tourists and businesses.