Flight Delayed or Cancelled in Latvia? EU261 Rights at Riga
Riga is the largest airport in the Baltics and the hub for airBaltic, so many trips between the Nordics, the Baltics and the rest of Europe pass through it. EU261 applies to every flight leaving Latvia and to EU airlines flying in from outside the EU.
Main airports and airlines in Latvia
Riga International (RIX) is the main airport and the hub of airBaltic, the Latvian national airline, which flies an all-Airbus A220 fleet. Ryanair, Wizz Air and other airlines also serve Riga.
When EU261 applies to flights in Latvia
EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) generally covers you when:
- You depart from an airport in Latvia, on any airline. That includes airBaltic flights to non-EU destinations.
- You fly into Latvia from outside the EU on an airline licensed in the EU. An airBaltic flight into Riga from a non-EU country is covered.
Connections through Riga on one airBaltic booking are generally assessed to your final destination.
Delays: care, re-routing and refunds
Care starts once the departure is delayed by 2 hours on flights of 1,500 km or less (Riga to Tallinn, about 280 km), 3 hours on flights within the EU over 1,500 km and other flights of 1,500 to 3,500 km (Riga to Barcelona, about 2,340 km), or 4 hours on longer flights (a long-haul journey over 3,500 km). It means meals and refreshments, two calls or emails, and a hotel plus transfers if you are stuck overnight. At 5 hours of delay you can choose not to travel and ask for a refund of the unused ticket. If the flight is cancelled, you choose between a refund and re-routing.
The fixed amounts in the regulation
The regulation sets fixed amounts per passenger of €250 (1,500 km or less), €400 (within the EU over 1,500 km, or 1,500 to 3,500 km) and €600 (other flights over 3,500 km) for arrivals 3+ hours late, cancellations with under 14 days' notice, and denied boarding. Long-haul amounts can be halved in some cases where you arrive within 4 hours of schedule. Whether any amount applies depends on the cause and the facts.
Extraordinary circumstances and local disruptions
The fixed amounts do not apply when the airline shows extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, air traffic control (ATC) restrictions or strikes, or security risks. The EU Court of Justice has generally said routine technical faults and strikes by the airline's own staff do not qualify. Care still applies either way. airBaltic has had to cancel flights in recent years because of engine availability issues with its A220 fleet. The EU Court of Justice has generally held that technical problems arising in normal operations are not extraordinary, so ask the airline for the specific reason.
Where to complain in Latvia
Write to the airline first and keep a copy. If that does not resolve it, contact the national enforcement body in the country where the problem happened. Latvia's national enforcement body is the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) in Riga. Information is in Latvian and English: ptac.gov.lv.
Coming in 2027: Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 amends EU261. Most changes apply from 23 October 2027, including a general nine-month deadline for compensation requests. Until then, the current rules above apply.
FAQ
Is my airBaltic flight from Riga covered? Yes. All flights departing from Latvia are covered by EU261.
Does a technical fault count as extraordinary? Generally not, if it arose in normal operations. Hidden manufacturing defects or sabotage may be treated differently.
Where do I complain in Latvia? To the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC).
Related guides
- EU261 guide (en español)
- Flight cancelled: your options
- Missed connection guide
- All Europe flight delay guides
Create your letter
Delay Draft writes a clear letter you send to the airline yourself ($9.99 for 1 to 2 travelers, $24.99 for 3 to 6). We are not a law firm and do not file claims for you. Questions: claims@delaydraft.com.