⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
← Home / Airports / Latvia
Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

Riga International Airport

Riga, Mārupe Municipality (Latvia)
IATA: RIX ICAO: EVRA
Longest Active Runway
10,499 ft
3,200 meters
Field Elevation
36 ft
11 m MSL
Runway Inventory
1 active
Lighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
56.9208°, 23.9707°
LARGE AIRPORT
🏆

Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#479 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#768 of 7558
Top 10.4% percentile worldwide
National Standing (Latvia)
#1 in LV
#1 of 3 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+5%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: Riga International Airport's longest active runway measures 10,499 ft (3,200 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #479. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #768 worldwide (Top 10.4%) and #1 nationally in Latvia.
🛫

Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: Riga International Airport (RIX)

Curated Aerodrome Profile

Riga Airport is the undisputed aviation hub of the Baltic states. Its 10,499 ft runway accommodates airBaltic's modern fleet of Airbus A220-300s alongside international widebody charters and military cargo transports. Located at 36 ft MSL in coastal pine lowlands, RIX provides optimal sea-level aerodynamic performance, backed by rapid de-icing infrastructure and modern automated passenger processing.

Runway Layout & Magnetic Alignments
Single paved Runway 18/36 (10,499 ft / 3,200 m).
Expansion Milestones & Predecessor Facilities
Built in 1973 replacing the older Spilve airfield. Comprehensively expanded post-Soviet independence to serve as airBaltic's primary hub connecting the Baltic states to Europe and the Middle East.
Regional Differentiation & Cluster Role
Busiest and largest airport in the Baltic region, handling more passenger traffic than Vilnius (VNO, 107 NM south) and Tallinn (TLL, 150 NM north).
Data Nuances & Operational Quirks
Equipped with Category II instrument landing aids to manage sub-zero Baltic sea-effect snow squalls and winter coastal freezing fog.
📚 Official Aerodrome Sourcing: Latvia National Civil Aviation Authority · State Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) & ICAO Annex 14 Standards
Verification Methodology →

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4D / 4E Heavy Intercontinental
⛰️

Elevation & Atmospheric Density

Lowland / Coastal Basin Aerodrome

Riga International Airport operates at a surveyed field elevation of 36 ft (11 m MSL) in Riga. Situated in low-lying coastal terrain, the aerodrome benefits from dense ambient atmospheric pressure, maximizing turbine engine thrust and wing lift efficiency across all departure vectors.

🧭

Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

0 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

Busiest and largest airport in the Baltic region, handling more passenger traffic than Vilnius (VNO, 107 NM south) and Tallinn (TLL, 150 NM north). The facility operates as an isolated regional aviation anchor with no other major paved commercial aerodromes within 100 NM.

✈️

Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 10,499 ft (3,200 m)

Riga International Airport's active flight strips comprise 18/36 (10,499 ft). With a longest active threshold of 10,499 ft (3,200 m), the primary runway accommodates transcontinental twin-engine widebodies and long-range narrowbody airliners at standard operational weights.

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
18/36 10,499 ft (3200m) 148 ft (45m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/rix.json ↗