AirBaltic and EL AL Airlines Finalize Landmark Codeshare Agreement Strengthening Air Connectivity Between Europe and Israel, with Full Operations Scheduled to Begin on July 1, 2026, Through Riga Transit Network

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Latvian carrier airBaltic and Israel’s EL AL Airlines have entered into a new codeshare partnership set to begin on July 1, 2026. The agreement is designed to broaden connectivity options for passengers and enhance airBaltic’s role as a transit hub linking Israel with destinations across Europe through Riga.

Under the arrangement, EL AL will add its “LY” designator to airBaltic-operated services between Riga and Tel Aviv, covering both direct travelers and connecting passengers. The LY code will also extend to a range of airBaltic routes from Riga to key European cities including Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Munich, Oslo, Stockholm, Tallinn, Vienna, Vilnius, and Zurich, enabling smoother onward connections for passengers traveling via Riga.

In return, airBaltic will place its “BT” code on select EL AL flights operating between Tel Aviv and several major European hubs such as Amsterdam, Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt, Milan, Berlin, and Zurich, supporting seamless transfers for passengers routing through Tel Aviv toward Riga.

Mantas Vrubliauskas, VP Network Management at airBaltic: “Israel is an important market for the Baltics, supported by strong cultural connections, family ties, growing tourism flows, and expanding business relations between our regions. We are therefore pleased to partner with EL AL Israel Airlines and expand travel opportunities for passengers in both directions. This agreement will provide customers with more seamless connections while further strengthening Riga’s position as a key gateway between Israel, the Baltics, and Northern Europe.” 

Shlomi Zafrany, EL AL VP Commercial & Global Sales: “Our cooperation with airBaltic joins EL AL’s significant partnerships with leading airlines around the world, including Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, SAS and others. Alongside the announcement of 12 new destinations added to our network within a short period of time, we continue to expand the range of destinations available to our customers through additional partnerships with leading airlines.”

airBaltic has announced the planned reinstatement of its direct air service between Riga and Tel Aviv, marking a notable development in the carrier’s broader network recovery strategy. The route is set to resume on July 1, 2026, with operations scheduled three times per week, reflecting renewed demand and improved regional stability in the Middle East.

The decision follows a period of suspended or adjusted connectivity on several routes to the region, during which airlines across Europe reassessed operations in response to security considerations and fluctuating travel conditions. According to the airline, current assessments indicate a more stable operating environment, alongside a gradual return in passenger interest for travel between the Baltic region and Israel.

airBaltic emphasized that the reinstatement is not solely driven by demand, but also by strict compliance with aviation safety frameworks. The airline confirmed that the relaunch of the Riga–Tel Aviv route will adhere to guidance issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), in addition to meeting all insurer requirements tied to risk evaluation and operational approval. These conditions are standard practice for airlines operating in regions that have recently experienced geopolitical instability, and they play a central role in determining route viability.

Safety considerations remain central to the carrier’s operational planning. The airline reiterated that passenger and crew safety is its highest priority, and that any decision to restore or suspend services is continuously reviewed in line with evolving circumstances. While the July 2026 timeline has been set, the airline made clear that it will continue monitoring developments in the region closely. If risk conditions shift, schedules may be adjusted accordingly, including potential modifications to frequency or temporary suspension if required.

The Riga–Tel Aviv connection has historically served both leisure and business travelers, as well as passengers visiting friends and relatives. Israel remains a significant travel destination for Baltic passengers due to cultural, economic, and tourism ties. The resumption of direct flights is expected to reduce travel times significantly compared to connecting routes, improving convenience and strengthening mobility between the two regions.

The planned frequency of three weekly flights reflects a measured approach by the airline. Rather than immediately restoring pre-disruption capacity, airBaltic appears to be aligning supply with expected demand levels, allowing flexibility to scale operations in either direction. This gradual reinstatement strategy is increasingly common in European aviation, particularly on routes affected by geopolitical uncertainty.

Beyond this specific route, airBaltic continues to maintain an extensive network that connects the Baltic states with over 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and select markets beyond the continent. The airline has positioned itself as a key regional connector, offering both point-to-point services and transit options via its Riga base. Its network strategy is designed to support mobility for passengers across Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, while also strengthening Riga’s role as an aviation hub in Northern Europe.

In recent years, airBaltic has focused on expanding its route portfolio while modernizing its fleet with a strong emphasis on fuel-efficient aircraft. This approach supports both operational efficiency and environmental performance, aligning with broader European aviation sustainability goals. The airline’s network decisions are typically guided by a combination of market demand, geopolitical conditions, and regulatory frameworks, all of which play a role in determining route feasibility.

The reinstatement of flights to Tel Aviv also highlights the gradual normalization of travel flows to destinations that were previously impacted by regional instability. Airlines across Europe have been cautiously reassessing such routes as conditions evolve, balancing commercial opportunity with regulatory and safety obligations. In this context, airBaltic’s announcement reflects both confidence in improving conditions and adherence to structured risk management processes.

For passengers, the return of direct Riga–Tel Aviv flights is expected to offer greater convenience, shorter journey times, and improved connectivity options. It also supports inbound tourism to the Baltic region, as Israeli travelers gain more direct access to Riga and onward connections throughout Northern Europe.

While the announcement signals a clear timeline, the airline’s cautious language underscores the inherent flexibility required in modern aviation planning. External factors, including geopolitical developments and regulatory updates, remain influential in shaping final operational decisions. As a result, the airline maintains a stance of continuous review rather than fixed certainty.

Overall, the planned resumption of this route represents a step toward restoring previously suspended connectivity while reflecting the careful balance airlines must maintain between commercial recovery and operational safety. airBaltic’s approach demonstrates an incremental, data-driven strategy aimed at rebuilding network links in a controlled and sustainable manner, with close attention to both passenger demand and international aviation guidance.