A Guide to Plane Spotting at Riga Airport (RIX)

Riga International Airport (RIX/EVRA) is not only Latvia’s main international gateway but also the busiest and most significant airport in the Baltic region. Situated just 10 kilometers west of the historic Latvian capital, it offers a compact yet highly active plane spotting environment that continues to grow in importance.

The airport is a major base for airBaltic, which operates a modern and distinctive fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft and accounts for the majority of traffic at RIX. In addition, low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Norwegian provide frequent flights across Europe, while full-service airlines such as Lufthansa, Finnair, LOT Polish Airlines, and Turkish Airlines offer links to key international hubs.

With over 7 million passengers annually (pre-pandemic), Riga sees a busy mix of scheduled, charter, cargo, and occasional military flights. RIX operates with a single 3,200-meter runway (18/36) and a central terminal that handles both Schengen and non-Schengen traffic. For plane spotters, this setup provides excellent opportunities to see aircraft from a wide variety of operators with plenty of movement throughout the day — particularly during the morning and early evening peaks.

Thanks to its flat terrain, well-organised infrastructure, and dedicated viewing spots around the perimeter, Riga is one of the most rewarding and accessible airports for aviation photography and aircraft logging in Northern Europe.

Airport Overview

Photo (c) Simply Aviation

Riga International Airport (RIX/EVRA) is Latvia’s primary international gateway and the largest in the Baltic region. It’s located approximately 10 km west of the city centre and features:

• A single runway (18/36), 3,200 m long with ILS CAT II capabilities.
• A single, two-storey terminal with Schengen and non‑Schengen piers (B and C), plus a smaller arrival-only A pier.
• Serves as a key hub for airBaltic, Ryanair, SmartLynx Airlines, and RAF‑Avia, with airBaltic being the dominant carrier (about 58% of traffic).
• A busy regional network, with top routes to Helsinki, Tallinn, Stockholm, Vilnius, Frankfurt, and others.

Frequent Airlines & Aircraft Types

Photo (c) Sergey Melkonov

Challenges and excitement abound for spotting:

• airBaltic’s Airbus A220 fleet, including special Baltic livery variants.
• Ryanair, Norwegian Air Shuttle, with occasional Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and charter traffic.
• Cargo operators like DHL, TNT/ASL Airlines, Sprint Air, and occasional Aviastar Tupolev 204.
• Charter and smaller turboprop operations by RAF‑Avia’s Saab 340 and Antonov 26.

Best Spotting Locations Around RIX

Photo (c) Sergey Melkonov

Based on published guides and local tips:

1. Official Spotting Mound (RIX‑Spot #3)

• Located west of the runway along Skultes iela, accessible via car or bus line 43 (stop: Skulte / Skultes stadion).
• Offers broad afternoon views of runway operations and some apron visibility.
• Lens recommendation: 100–300 mm (approx. 180 mm for 737, 150 mm for 757).
• Note: heat haze can affect afternoon clarity.

Spotting location 1. Photo (c) Sergey Melkonov

2. Field, East of Skultes (RIX‑Spot #2)

• A morning favourite for arrivals on RWY 36 and departures on RWY 18. Park along the bumpy unnamed road off Stīpnieku ceļš.
• Lens recommendation: 100–300 mm.
• Respect nearby private properties.

3. FBO Riga (RIX‑Spot #4)

• Located south of the FBO; ideal for morning departures. Park along a dead-end street and position comfortably.
• Expect around 18 departures early in the day.
• Lens advice: ~220 mm for Airbus A220‑300; ~260 mm for Dash 8‑400.

A DHL 757 seen at Riga. Photo (c) Kārlis Dambrāns

4. Gardenhouses Area (RIX‑Spot #5)

• Located off A10 highway in a residential area—best for spotting arrivals (~18) and early departures (~36).
• Approach discreetly: park away from the fence, stay low-profile; police may patrol.
• Lens range: 50–250 mm.

5. Through-the-Fence Views (RIX‑Spot #1)

• Near the airport perimeter fence, particularly north of terminal; challenging shooting conditions due to barbed wire and tight mesh.
• Lens range: 200–400 mm for runway shots; 18–400 mm for apron areas.
• Be aware: frequent monitoring may lead to being asked to leave.

Bonus: Aviation Heritage Nearby

Photo (c) Johnny Comstedt

No visit to Riga Airport for an aviation enthusiast would be complete without exploring the Riga Aviation Museum, one of the largest and most unique collections of Soviet-era aircraft in Europe.

Originally located within the airport grounds, the museum was relocated to a nearby site in Skulte in 2022 to allow for terminal expansion. Today, it remains easily accessible from the airport (just a few minutes’ drive or a short walk) and continues to offer an atmospheric experience with its open-air display.

The museum showcases over 40 historic aircraft and helicopters, most of which are of Soviet origin — making it a rare opportunity to get up close to types you won’t see flying anymore. The collection includes:

• Tupolev Tu-134, Tu-22M Backfire, and Tu-16 bombers
• Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-25 fighters
• A Yakovlev Yak-40 jet and various Antonov and Mil helicopter models
• Ground equipment, ejection seats, engines, and aviation memorabilia

While the museum grounds may feel a little rough around the edges, the access is excellent — you can walk right up to many of the aircraft — and the photographic opportunities are outstanding, especially for those interested in Cold War-era aviation.

Check opening hours in advance (website), as it may close in poor weather or during the off-season. Entry fees are modest, and English-language signage is available on most exhibits. For serious spotters and history fans, it’s an essential addition to your Riga airport visit.

A stored Boeing 737 used as a training aid on the western side of the airport. Photo (c) Kārlis Dambrāns