Latvia’s airBaltic Enters a New Business Phase With Major Organisational Changes as Up to 700 Positions Could Be Affected

Latvia’s national carrier, airBaltic, is moving ahead with the implementation of its new business plan as it reshapes its operations and organisational structure for its future operating model. As part of the restructuring process, the airline is preparing workforce adjustments designed to bring staffing levels and operating costs into line with the expected future size of the business.

Under the airline’s current planning assumptions, the proposed measures could affect approximately 500 to 700 positions across airBaltic’s bases in Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. The figure remains an initial estimate and could change as the restructuring process progresses. airBaltic currently employs around 3,000 people across the Baltic region.

The estimated range takes into account continuing consultations with trade unions regarding possible reduced workload arrangements for pilots and cabin crew. At the same time, the airline is developing a revised organisational structure covering other areas of the company. The new structure is expected to be defined by mid-October.

The workforce measures form part of a wider transformation programme outlined in airBaltic’s new business plan. The strategy places greater emphasis on financial stability, operational efficiency and a more focused route network, as the carrier works to establish a more sustainable cost and operating structure.

The plan also envisages operating a smaller Airbus A220-300 fleet while expanding the role of year-round Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) partnerships. Despite these changes, airBaltic intends to maintain dependable air connectivity for Latvia and the wider Baltic region as it adjusts its business model and future operating scale.

Erno Hildén, President and CEO of airBaltic: “We recognize that this is an important and sensitive process for our people. Our priority is to handle it with transparency, respect, and care, while keeping our employees informed as the process progresses. No final decisions have been made regarding individual employees, and we will engage directly with our colleagues as the next steps are determined. We remain committed to carrying out the process in full compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, as well as the relevant consultation procedures.”

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Employees are expected to receive more comprehensive information about the proposed changes throughout October. Since decisions concerning individual positions have not yet been finalised, airBaltic said it is currently too early to determine how specific operating bases, business functions or groups of employees could be affected.

The airline has already informed the State Employment Agency about its intention to begin a collective redundancy process. As the procedure progresses, airBaltic will continue to comply with the relevant legal requirements and established processes governing the planned workforce restructuring.

Further information will be released when significant developments occur. These updates are expected to cover both the proposed workforce adjustments and the wider implementation of airBaltic’s business plan.

Importantly for passengers, the planned organisational changes are not affecting airBaltic’s existing flight schedule. Operations are continuing normally, with scheduled services proceeding according to the airline’s current operating plan.