Lithuania Prepares Contingency Plan for AirBaltic Flight Reductions or Exit

Lithuanian Transport Minister Juras Taminskas said on Thursday that the country is preparing a short-term action plan for the event that AirBaltic reduces or completely ceases flights. This step comes in response to the financial troubles of the Latvian national carrier. The minister acknowledged that a halt to AirBaltic flights would be highly unpleasant and cause significant disruption, but stressed that risks are currently being managed. He noted that next week he will meet with the management of airport operator Lietuvos oro uostai to draft a concrete response plan. "We cannot bury AirBaltic while it is still alive," Taminskas said, adding that the company is still operating flights and handling all operations. Earlier, Latvian Finance Minister Maris Kucinskis stated in early July that AirBaltic would likely need to scale back its operations. Meanwhile, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs emphasized that the company cannot operate without additional financial support. Talks are currently underway with three potential investors, and the goal is to attract one that guarantees the company will not require annual taxpayer subsidies.