Dubai-based airline flydubai launched a direct connection to the Latvian capital at the end of 2025, operating regular flights on the Dubai International Airport (DXB) – Riga Airport (RIX) route.
Dubai-based airline flydubai launched a direct connection to the Latvian capital at the end of 2025, operating regular flights on the Dubai International Airport (DXB) – Riga Airport (RIX) route. The inaugural flight in Riga was welcomed by airport representatives, highlighting the importance of the new route and strengthened cooperation between Latvia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Satisfaction from the start
Riga Airport Board Chairwoman Laila Odiņa expressed her satisfaction with the arrival of flydubai in Riga, emphasising that the new carrier will not only strengthen Riga’s connectivity as the largest airport in the Baltics, but also provide passengers with access to high-quality service and an extensive flight network. In her opinion, the direct connection with Dubai will be a significant benefit for travellers who want to get to know this global metropolis and the UAE’s tourism offer. At the same time, it will also serve as a tool for strengthening business contacts and economic ties between the two countries. Odiņa pointed out that the direct flight also opens up additional opportunities for UAE residents, for whom Riga could become a convenient starting point for exploring the natural and cultural attractions of Baltic and Scandinavian countries.
Tourism and cooperation opportunities
Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-Commerce at flydubai, comments that the new route will promote tourism flows in both directions and strengthen economic cooperation, while providing Latvian travellers with more convenient access to Dubai’s global aviation hub and further transfer options. Flydubai serves more than 135 destinations in 57 countries with a fleet of 97 Boeing 737 aircraft. The route is also part of a codeshare agreement with Emirates, which offers passengers easier travel with a single ticket, baggage check-in to their destination and access to a wider network of connections to more than 240 destinations worldwide.
Service and fares
In terms of service, the carrier highlights an improved business class offer with spacious reclining seats and a dining concept inspired by different regional cuisines, while in economy class, the emphasis is on entertainment and meals as part of the overall travel experience. According to publicly available information, round-trip business class tickets on the DXB–RIX route start from AED 7,505, and in economy class “Lite” – from AED 1,815. On the RIX–DXB route, round-trip business class tickets start from EUR 1,440, and in economy class “Lite” – from EUR 360. Tickets are available on the airline’s website, app and at travel agents.
Flight times and duration
Flights are scheduled to operate three times a week (seasonal schedule may vary); departure from Riga to Dubai is scheduled at 23:20, arriving the next day at 08:15. Departure from Dubai to Riga is scheduled at 16:55, arriving at 22:20 (local time). The estimated flight duration is around 6 hours and 55 minutes, and arrival in Dubai is scheduled at DXB Terminal 3.
