Ryanair Cuts Flights to Riga and Other European Cities, Affecting One Hundred Sixty Thousand Passengers Amid Rising Costs, What You Need To Know

Published on October 10, 2025

Ryanair has announced a reduction in its winter flight capacity to the Latvian capital, Riga, due to rising airport fees and aviation taxes. The budget airline will cut seven international routes, affecting 160,000 seats. This decision follows a similar move to reduce services in Germany, which has already caused significant disruptions for travelers. Among the canceled routes is the Edinburgh to Riga connection, which will cease operations by November 2, 2025.

The decision to reduce flights to Riga stems from escalating access costs at Riga Airport, which have made the city less competitive compared to other European destinations. In addition to the Edinburgh route, Ryanair will also be cutting services to and from Aarhus, Berlin, Gdansk, Gothenburg, Memmingen, and Paris Beauvais. These changes reflect the airline’s broader strategy to reduce capacity on routes where demand has not met expectations, particularly in cities with rising operational costs.

Impact on Travelers: Cancellations and Delays Expected

The winter schedule cuts come as a blow to budget travelers and those who rely on affordable Ryanair flights for city breaks or business travel. The cancellations are expected to affect thousands of passengers, especially those flying to and from Riga, a popular destination known for its picturesque Old Town and rich history. In 2025, Riga was even named Europe’s best value city for a short break by the Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer, with a weekend away costing just £253 for two people, making it an affordable getaway for many.

Ryanair’s decision to reduce services means that those planning to visit Riga or connect through the city may face delays or need to find alternative routes. The last direct flight from Edinburgh to Riga is scheduled for November 2, 2025, after which travelers will have to consider other carriers or longer, less convenient connections.

Why Are Flights to Riga Being Reduced?

Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness, explained that the airline’s decision to cut services to Riga was largely driven by rising access costs at the airport. In comparison to other European airports, which are lowering access fees and abolishing aviation taxes to stimulate growth, Riga’s rising costs have made it a less attractive option for Ryanair. The company has pointed to cities like Albania, Poland, Sweden, and Italy, where favorable policies are helping airlines expand their networks, while Riga’s high operational fees have stifled the airline’s expansion plans in Latvia.

The decision follows a broader trend in the airline industry, where budget carriers like Ryanair are constantly reassessing their routes based on profitability and the impact of rising costs. For passengers, this means fewer affordable flights to popular European destinations, especially as the airline looks to optimize its network for maximum efficiency.

The Future of Riga’s Air Travel: Calls for Change

The Latvian government and Riga Airport are aware of the challenges posed by these rising costs and have committed to working towards improving the competitiveness of Latvia’s aviation sector. According to reports, the Latvian government is exploring ways to make Riga Airport more attractive to low-cost carriers by potentially lowering airport fees and revising aviation tax policies. Ryanair has expressed its willingness to reintroduce flights to Riga if the situation improves, suggesting that new routes and additional aircraft could be based at the airport in the future, boosting both tourism and local jobs.

This ongoing dialogue between Ryanair, the Latvian government, and Riga Airport could lead to a shift in policy that might bring back more affordable flights to Riga in the coming years. For now, however, the cuts remain in place, and travelers will need to adapt to the changing landscape of low-cost air travel in Europe.

Impact on Business and Tourism

The flight reductions have serious implications for both business travelers and tourists who rely on affordable flights to reach Latvia and beyond. As Ryanair scales back services to Riga, other carriers may step in to fill the gap, but it’s unclear whether they will offer the same budget-friendly prices that Ryanair has been known for.

For tourists, particularly those visiting Riga’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, the rising costs associated with air travel may make the city less accessible. This could affect tourism numbers, as travelers might opt for other, more affordable destinations within Europe. However, Riga’s rich cultural offerings, including its vibrant markets, historical landmarks, and thriving arts scene, continue to make it an attractive destination for those willing to navigate the changing travel landscape.

For business travelers, particularly those visiting Riga on short trips, the flight cancellations may disrupt schedules and force companies to consider more expensive travel options. The delays could lead to longer travel times and increased costs for those needing to attend meetings, conferences, or business events in the city.

Quick Tips for Affected Travelers

• Check for Alternative Flights: If your Ryanair flight to Riga is canceled, explore alternative routes with other budget carriers, or consider connecting flights through nearby hubs like Vilnius or Tallinn.
• Book Early: With reduced capacity on popular routes, booking flights well in advance may help secure the best rates, especially as fewer flights are available.
• Consider Other Transport Options: If you’re already in Europe, consider traveling by train or bus to Riga, which can offer a more scenic and cost-effective route.
• Stay Informed: Monitor Ryanair’s website for updates on cancellations and potential rebookings. Set up flight alerts through apps like Skyscanner or Google Flights.
• Flexibility Is Key: Be ready to adjust your travel dates or airport choices if your original plans are affected by the flight reductions.

Key Takeaways:

• Ryanair Cuts Winter Capacity to Riga: The airline will reduce services to Latvia’s capital by 160,000 seats, including seven international routes.
• Rising Airport Fees: Increased operational costs at Riga Airport have made the city less competitive, prompting Ryanair to scale back its flights.
• Travel Disruptions for Passengers: Over 160,000 passengers will be affected by the flight reductions, with alternatives or rebooking needed.
• Impact on Business and Tourism: Both business and leisure travelers face challenges, with fewer affordable flights to Riga and surrounding destinations.
• Potential for Future Growth: Ryanair has expressed interest in returning to Riga if government and airport policies change to reduce costs.

Conclusion: Navigating the Changing Travel Landscape

Ryanair’s decision to cut flights to Riga reflects broader challenges faced by budget airlines in navigating rising operational costs. While the move affects thousands of passengers, it also highlights the delicate balance between airline profitability and the accessibility of travel for consumers. As the Latvian government works to improve the competitiveness of its aviation sector, travelers can expect further changes to the landscape of low-cost flights in the region. For now, flexibility, early bookings, and alternative travel options are key for those affected by these cuts.