Published on
December 18, 2025
Poland and Finland have joined Germany, Sweden, Greece, Lithuania, and other European nations in boosting regional travel and tourism as airBaltic expands its services for Summer 2026. The airline’s new direct flights to destinations such as Vienna, Oulu, and Warsaw, alongside increased frequencies on existing routes, reflect a strategic response to growing passenger demand. By introducing these new routes and expanding seat capacity, airBaltic is enhancing connectivity across the Baltics and offering travelers more flexibility and choice for both business and leisure travel. This move solidifies the airline’s commitment to strengthening the Baltic region’s ties with key European destinations.
The skies over Europe are about to get even busier as airBaltic, the largest airline in the Baltic region, announces a significant expansion for Summer 2026. The airline is ramping up its services on over 30 routes, increasing frequencies and introducing new direct flights to emerging and popular destinations across Europe. This ambitious plan highlights the airline’s commitment to improving connectivity and offering passengers more options for seamless travel across the Baltics and beyond.
airBaltic’s Vision for Summer 2026: A Strategic Expansion
Latvia’s airBaltic is well-known for its strategic focus on boosting the connectivity of the Baltic region with key European and international destinations. As the airline marks its 30th anniversary, its Summer 2026 plans signal a bold step forward in regional aviation. AirBaltic’s decision to increase its frequencies on 30 routes is a direct response to the growing demand for travel, both for business and leisure. The expansion is set to cater to the needs of travelers while strengthening the airline’s position as a top-tier European carrier.
The airline is focused on providing passengers with more flexible travel options, ensuring that they can easily access both well-established and up-and-coming destinations. This expanded network will cater to both inbound and outbound tourism in the Baltic region, benefiting travelers across Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and neighboring countries.
New Routes and Increased Frequencies: More Choice for Travelers
AirBaltic is not only increasing the frequency of flights on existing routes but also introducing new connections. This strategic move is set to open up more travel options for passengers flying from the Baltic capitals—Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius—helping to meet the rising demand for both business and leisure travel. The new routes will provide access to vibrant cities across Europe, helping to improve tourism and business connectivity.
For passengers flying from Riga, airBaltic will introduce new routes to Antalya (Turkey), Gothenburg (Sweden), Kaunas (Lithuania), Oulu (Finland), and Warsaw (Poland). These destinations were chosen for their growing appeal to travelers, thanks to their cultural significance and popularity with both tourists and business travelers.
From Tallinn, airBaltic will launch new flights to Athens (Greece), Hamburg (Germany), and Vienna (Austria), offering travelers more direct options to connect with key cities in Southern and Central Europe. Vilnius, on the other hand, will gain fresh routes to Chisinau (Moldova) and Zurich (Switzerland), two destinations with strong tourism and business demand.
The expansion also sees airBaltic resuming flights on four previously operated routes, including flights from Riga to Aberdeen (United Kingdom), Belgrade (Serbia), and Yerevan (Armenia), and from Tallinn to Oslo (Norway). These routes are being reinstated to meet the increasing demand for direct flights from the Baltic capitals to these key European destinations.
Raising the Bar for Frequency and Seat Capacity
The new flight schedules not only introduce fresh routes but also significantly increase frequency on existing ones. AirBaltic’s strategy aims to provide passengers with more flexibility, and it reflects the airline’s recognition of the growing demand for travel across Europe. For instance, from Riga, the airline will increase the frequency of its popular routes, such as Riga–Tallinn (Estonia), which will go from 32 to 35 weekly flights, and Riga–Berlin (Germany), which will see an increase from 9 to 10 weekly flights.
Other significant increases include the Riga–Copenhagen (Denmark) route, which will be boosted from 13 to 17 weekly flights, and Riga–Zurich (Switzerland), which will see an increase from 7 to 9 weekly flights. Additionally, the Riga–London (United Kingdom) route will expand from 12 to 13 weekly flights, and the Riga–Munich (Germany) route will increase from 10 to 12 weekly flights.
The airline’s expansion will also add over 400,000 seats in Riga alone, contributing to an overall 12% increase in seat capacity. Tallinn will benefit from over 90,000 additional seats, while Vilnius, Palanga, and Kaunas will see a combined increase of 21%, adding more than 150,000 seats to the network. This increase in capacity is expected to make airBaltic’s services even more attractive to travelers across the Baltics, Europe, and beyond.
The Growing Popularity of airBaltic: A Trusted Carrier in the Baltics
AirBaltic has proven to be a key player in the Baltic region’s aviation industry. With a fleet of 51 modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft, the airline boasts one of the youngest fleets in Europe. This modern fleet not only supports the airline’s expansion but also offers passengers an enhanced travel experience with the latest in-flight amenities. Passengers flying with airBaltic enjoy high-speed SpaceX Starlink internet, which is available on most flights, with plans to extend this service across the entire fleet.
The airline’s commitment to providing both Economy and Business Class options ensures that passengers can choose the best experience to suit their needs. This flexibility has helped airBaltic cater to a diverse range of customers, from leisure travelers seeking budget-friendly options to business travelers requiring premium services.
AirBaltic’s reputation as a trusted carrier is reinforced by its continuous investment in customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. The airline’s focus on strengthening connectivity between the Baltic States and Europe is key to its growth and success in the region.
Boosting Tourism and Business Travel Across Europe
The expansion of airBaltic’s routes will have a significant impact on tourism and business travel in the Baltic States and beyond. By offering more direct flights to key European cities, airBaltic is making it easier for travelers to explore emerging destinations like Oulu, Kaunas, and Gothenburg, which have seen increasing popularity in recent years. This will also help bolster the economies of these cities, attracting more visitors and supporting local businesses.
For business travelers, the expanded flight options and increased frequency on popular routes will facilitate easier access to major European cities, such as Berlin, Vienna, and Zurich. This is expected to enhance trade and collaboration between the Baltic States and these key economic hubs.
airBaltic: A Leader in European Connectivity
AirBaltic’s expansion is a clear indication of its dedication to meeting the needs of modern travelers. By focusing on strengthening regional connectivity and offering more flexible travel options, the airline is positioning itself as a leading carrier in the European aviation market. The new routes, along with increased frequencies on existing services, will make airBaltic an even more attractive option for travelers across the Baltics and Europe.
As the largest airline in the Baltic region, airBaltic plays a crucial role in connecting the Baltic States with Europe and beyond. Its expansion strategy for Summer 2026 reflects the growing demand for air travel and the airline’s commitment to meeting this demand by providing passengers with more flight options and greater flexibility. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, airBaltic’s expanded network will offer you the chance to explore new destinations, enhance your travel experience, and enjoy a seamless journey across Europe.
With a fleet of modern aircraft, an expanding route network, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, airBaltic is poised for continued success in the European aviation industry. Its Summer 2026 expansion is set to enhance regional connectivity and provide passengers with more flexible and affordable travel options. As airBaltic grows its services across the Baltics and Europe, it will continue to play a vital role in boosting tourism and business travel while offering an exceptional travel experience for all.
Poland and Finland are joining Germany, Sweden, Greece, Lithuania, and others in enhancing regional travel as airBaltic boosts its Summer 2026 network with new direct flights to Vienna, Oulu, Warsaw, and more. This expansion aims to meet increasing demand, offering more connectivity and flexibility for travelers across the Baltics and Europe.
Whether you’re planning a vacation to the beaches of Malta, a business trip to Berlin, or a city break in Warsaw, airBaltic’s expanded network promises a smooth and enjoyable journey to your next destination. With increased frequencies, new routes, and a focus on customer needs, airBaltic is setting the stage for a successful and exciting Summer 2026.
