Riga, Latvia – The Latvian government is organizing a repatriation flight for its citizens currently in the Middle East, responding to the escalating security situation and ongoing airspace closures in the region. The decision, made by the Cabinet of Ministers, will utilize an airBaltic aircraft to bring Latvian nationals home, with priority given to vulnerable individuals.
The move comes as concerns mount over regional stability, prompting Latvia to proactively assist its citizens wishing to exit. The Ministry of Transport is coordinating the operation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure a safe and efficient return for those affected. Financing for the repatriation effort will be drawn from the state budget program “Funds for Unforeseen Events,” with up to €752,000 allocated to cover the costs of multiple flights, should they be necessary. Each passenger will contribute a co-payment of €350 towards their travel expenses, reflecting a cost structure agreed upon with airBaltic that “corresponds to the actual costs,” according to official announcements.
In addition to the flight, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is prepared to facilitate the overland evacuation of Latvian nationals from the United Arab Emirates to neighboring countries, providing an alternative route for those who prefer not to fly or are unable to access the repatriation flight.
Currently, flight BT7701 is scheduled to depart from Dubai International Airport (DXB) on March 6, 2026, at 17:50 local time. The flight will include a technical stop in Heraklion, Greece, before arriving in Riga on March 7 at 02:10 local time. The aircraft is configured to accommodate 145 passengers. Latvian citizens who have registered with the Consular Register via Latvija.gov.lv or the “Ceļo droši” mobile application will be contacted directly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with details on how to participate and the subsequent procedures.
Flight Details and Passenger Instructions
Authorities are strongly advising registered citizens not to travel to the airport until they have received individual confirmation of their inclusion on the passenger manifest. This is to avoid congestion and ensure a smooth boarding process. Given the volatile situation, passengers have been warned that the flight schedule is subject to change, and they will be promptly informed of any adjustments.
airBaltic has acknowledged the uncertainty faced by travelers and stated its readiness to adapt to the evolving circumstances. “airBaltic understands that this situation creates uncertainty, and the airline is ready to act promptly, including adjusting the flight schedule and operating additional flights if necessary, in order to support affected passengers as soon as it is possible to safely resume flights,” the airline said in a statement. Further potential flights will be announced publicly as the situation develops.
Options for Existing airBaltic Ticket Holders
Passengers already holding airBaltic tickets for flights to or from Dubai with departure dates up to March 31, 2026, are being offered several options if their flights are cancelled – currently including flights up to March 8. These include a full refund of the ticket price, a gift voucher for future travel, rebooking onto alternative airBaltic flights to Tel Aviv or Dubai within the ticket’s validity period, or a change of destination to another airBaltic route at no additional cost. Passengers seeking to modify their bookings are encouraged to contact the airBaltic Call Centre at +371 67280422.
For the most up-to-date information, travelers are advised to monitor airBaltic’s official communication channels, including its website www.airbaltic.com and social media accounts.
The Latvian government’s swift action underscores its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad during times of international crisis. As the security landscape in the Middle East remains fluid, continued monitoring and proactive measures will be crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of Latvian nationals in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to assess the situation and provide further updates as they become available.
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