LATVIA. In a key regional gain, Avolta has been awarded a 12-year contract at Riga Airport, gateway to the country’s capital, Riga.
The contract gain marks the company’s debut in Latvia. Under the agreement, Avolta will create an integrated travel retail and food & beverage offer, including two innovative hybrid concepts, adding further depth to its European footprint.
The concession includes eight shops and 22 food & beverage outlets, establishing a long-term platform for Avolta in the Baltic region and positioning the company to grow alongside Riga Airport’s expansion and renovation plans.
As reported, Riga Airport issued an open tender last July embracing a floor area of more than 4,000sq m embracing duty free (2,006sq m), food & beverage (1,314sq m), convenience stores (209sq m) and a business lounge (633sq m).
The tender was divided into four separate lots, however combined bids were allowed for duty-free, F&B and convenience stores.
The 12-year contract will commence in Q1 2027, following the expiration of the current concession agreement with TAV Latvia, and finish at the end of 2038.
A terminal extension project, now underway, will eventually more than double the current commercial area. Notably, the food & beverage offer will almost triple in size to 3,618sq m.
Riga Airport served 7.1 million passengers and 63,000 flights in 2025, roughly flat year-on-year. The number of direct passengers increased +2%, while transfer and transit passenger traffic declined -6%, mainly due to reduced summer flight programmes by several airlines and changes in carrier route networks.
In travel retail, Avolta will develop a main walk-through duty-free store featuring the company’s Haute Parfumerie concept and a dedicated area for Latvian products.
Within the terminal, Avolta will introduce Spirit of Latvia, a new hybrid store showcasing the country’s culture and craftsmanship through a curated assortment of local products and coffee.
Beyond general travel retail, the new offering balances local concepts with globally recognised names.
In F&B, Avolta’s next-generation dining offer combines proprietary, international and local brands, with a strong emphasis on Latvian identity.
7th Player, a hybrid sports bar inspired by Latvia’s strong ice hockey culture, will combine hospitality and merchandise in one format, while three of Latvia’s best-known homegrown brands step into the airport:
· Kalve, bringing Baltic specialty coffee expertise;
· Vīnkalni Picērija, a family-run pizza concept;
· Ausmena Kebabs, a popular Riga street food brand.
International coffee brand, Espresso House, marks its introduction to Latvia.
Avolta Europe, Middle East & Africa President and CEO Luis Marin said: “This contract marks Avolta’s entry into Latvia and the Baltics region, further strengthening our presence across Northern and Eastern Europe.
“The 12-year agreement reflects our focus on securing high-quality concession assets in growing travel markets. Riga Airport offers a compelling opportunity to deploy our integrated retail and F&B model at scale, while advancing hybrid formats.”
Riga Airport Chairperson of the Board Laila Odiņa said, “We are pleased to welcome Avolta to Riga Airport and to Latvia.
“Avolta’s experience across major international aviation hubs, combined with its ability to integrate globally recognised brands with locally tailored concepts, will bring a new quality to the passenger experience at Riga Airport.
“The company’s approach aligns with our long-term vision to develop Riga Airport as a modern Northern European travel hub offering high-quality, innovative and locally relevant services.” ✈ 
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