Technical problems slow baggage drop-off at Riga Airport, some flights depart late
Technical problems slowed checked-baggage screening at Riga International Airport on the morning of 17 October, leaving passengers in long queues. The airport urges travellers to arrive early and says there is no reason to suspect malicious action.
Long queues formed at baggage drop-off at Riga International Airport on the morning of 17 October, after technical problems significantly slowed the screening of checked baggage for departing passengers. Riga is the largest aviation hub in the Baltic states, so the delays affect many travellers.
Several people posted on social media about long lines and chaos at the airport. According to them, they had to wait for hours this morning to hand over their luggage.
The airport's explanation
Ilze Salna, communications project manager at Riga Airport, confirmed to the news agency LETA that baggage screening is currently delayed because of technical issues. The airport asks passengers to arrive in good time and to expect a longer baggage drop-off process.
She said airlines had told their passengers in the morning to come to the airport early. Several flights departed later than scheduled so that all passengers and their baggage could be accommodated, and for some passengers airlines rebooked flights so they could still travel as planned.
The airport spokeswoman also stated that there is currently no reason to suspect malicious action.
What the airport is doing
Airport technicians are working to fix the problem as quickly as possible. Passengers are asked to follow updates on the airport's website, riga-airport.com, and its social media accounts.
