Riga, Latvia – airBaltic is organizing a second repatriation flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Riga, Latvia, to assist citizens seeking to return home amid ongoing regional instability. The airline is urging Latvian nationals registered in the Consular Registry to apply for seats on the flight, which is scheduled for Friday, March 6th, 2026.
The decision to operate the additional flight comes after a first repatriation flight was planned for March 6th, demonstrating airBaltic’s commitment to assisting its citizens abroad. This action follows a period of heightened concern regarding safety in the Middle East, prompting the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request assistance in bringing citizens home. The airline previously announced the cancellation of flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv due to security concerns and airspace restrictions, effective until March 5th, 2026.
Flight BT7701 is slated to depart from Dubai International Airport at 5:50 PM local time on March 6th. The journey to Riga will include a technical stop in Heraklion, Greece, with an estimated arrival time in Riga of 2:10 AM local time on March 7th. The aircraft will accommodate 145 passengers, according to the airline.
Latvian citizens registered in the Consular Registry will be contacted by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with information regarding participation in the flight and subsequent procedures. AirBaltic is explicitly advising individuals not to travel to the airport until they have received individual confirmation of their inclusion on the passenger list. This measure aims to avoid congestion and ensure a smooth boarding process.
A cost of 350 euros will be required as a co-payment from passengers utilizing the repatriation flight, as reported by Delfi. This financial aspect of the repatriation effort reflects a shared responsibility between the airline, the government and citizens seeking assistance.
airBaltic continues to monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East and maintain close communication with national and international institutions. The airline emphasizes its readiness to adapt flight schedules as needed, acknowledging the potential for unforeseen changes due to the dynamic circumstances.
The repatriation efforts are occurring against a backdrop of broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While the specific triggers for the increased concern among Latvian citizens remain unconfirmed, the region has experienced heightened volatility in recent weeks. The airline’s response aligns with a pattern of European carriers assisting their nationals in leaving potentially unstable areas.
The Latvian government’s proactive approach to facilitating the return of its citizens underscores the importance placed on consular services and citizen safety abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating closely with airBaltic and other relevant authorities to ensure a coordinated and efficient repatriation process.
Looking ahead, airBaltic will continue to assess the security situation in the Middle East and adjust its flight schedules accordingly. The airline’s priority remains the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
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