Riga Airport in Latvia introduced a dedicated screening line at the passenger security checkpoint exclusively for families with children up to seven at the beginning of this year.
Positioned between the existing premium fast-track security line, available for a fee, and the standard line for all passengers, this family line accommodates travellers with small children.
As LSM explains, access is granted not only to those with children under the age of seven but also to “Family of Honor” card holders, regardless of the age of their children or whether they accompany them.
At the same time, the state also issues the “Family of Honor” card for families with many children or those with children with disabilities.
According to local media, the terminal now boasts signage guiding passengers to the newly implemented line arrangement. Laila Odiņa, the Riga Airport Board Chairperson, emphasised the airport’s commitment to being family-friendly.
Acknowledging the extra care and attention required when travelling with children, Odiņa expressed the airport’s commitment to improving the overall travel experience for families. She also said that the introduction of the family line aims to speed up the security checkpoint process for families with young children, enabling them to proceed to their flights quickly.
Riga Airport Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels With 503,000 Direct Passengers in October 2023
In October of 2023, Riga Airport recorded a total of 625,000 passengers, with direct passengers reaching 503,000—surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time. The figure of 503,000 direct passengers in October marked a three-percentage-point increase compared to the same month in 2019, as communicated by the airport in a media statement.
Furthermore, the cumulative passenger count for the year, starting from January, reached 5.7 million at Riga Airport, surpassing the corresponding period of the previous year. On the other hand, a total of 5.38 million passengers were served throughout January-December 2022.
During October of this year, transfer passengers continued to represent about 20 per cent of the total passenger volume at Riga Airport, with 122,500 individuals utilising the airport as a transfer hub during the month.
The airport saw a total of 5,659 passengers, cargo, and other flights in October, marking an 11 per cent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
Despite this growth, Latvia faces challenges in restoring its pre-pandemic tourism numbers. Even though the country observed a rise in overnight stays in August 2023, it has yet to reach the tourist figures from before the pandemic.
As a result, in August 2023, the country hosted 335,600 foreign and resident visitors. The data also revealed that tourists collectively spent 611,100 nights in the country’s accommodation establishments, reflecting a four per cent rise compared to the same month of 2022.
