Latvia’s national airline airBaltic has announced it will resume direct flights between Riga and Tel Aviv from 1 July 2026, citing improving conditions in the Middle East and growing passenger demand.
The carrier plans to operate the route three times a week, restoring a key air link between Latvia and Israel after services were suspended amid regional instability.
airBaltic said the decision follows signs of gradual stabilisation in the region and has been made in accordance with guidance issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as well as restrictions imposed by the airline’s insurers.
The airline stressed that safety remains its highest priority and that the resumption of services will be subject to continuous monitoring of developments in the region.
“Safety is a fundamental principle of airBaltic’s operations,” the airline said, adding that it will remain prepared to adjust flight schedules at short notice should circumstances change.
The carrier said the wellbeing of passengers, crew members and flight operations remains its foremost consideration as it restores services to Tel Aviv.
The resumption comes as several European airlines gradually return to Israel following periods of disruption caused by conflict in the Middle East, with carriers balancing renewed travel demand against ongoing security assessments.
The Riga–Tel Aviv route is expected to support both leisure and business travel, while strengthening connectivity between the Baltic region and Israel.