I had the chance to fly with airBaltic and experience not just one, but two Baltic capitals – Riga and Vilnius – in a truly memorable way. Departing from Istanbul, within just a few hours, I found myself discovering two cities full of history, charm, and culture. Riga, with its Art Nouveau architecture, vibrant Old Town, and riverside atmosphere, offers a fascinating mix of tradition and modern life. Vilnius, on the other hand, with its baroque beauty, cozy streets, and green surroundings, reflects a uniquely warm and creative spirit.

What makes this journey particularly appealing is the proximity of these destinations to Türkiye. For travelers seeking a new weekend escape, it is perfectly possible to explore two different Baltic capitals in just three days. A short flight from Istanbul takes you to Riga, and from there, Vilnius is only a brief connection away – an ideal combination of history, gastronomy, and design for those who enjoy exploring beyond the well-trodden paths of Europe.

This visit also coincides with an important milestone for airBaltic, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this September. Over the past three decades, the airline has evolved into one of Europe’s most dynamic and reliable carriers, connecting the Baltic region with more than 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus. To mark this occasion, airBaltic has launched a special website, 30years.airbaltic.com, offering insights into the company’s journey, milestones, and commemorative fleet liveries.

Bringing the Baltics Closer to Türkiye

For Turkish travelers, airBaltic offers convenient and growing connections. The airline operates direct Riga–Istanbul flights five times weekly during the Summer 2025 season, and four times weekly in Winter 2025/26. In addition, a brand-new route between Riga and Antalya will be launched in Summer 2026, extending airBaltic’s reach to one of Türkiye’s most popular coastal destinations and further strengthening ties between the two countries.

Comfort and Style on Board the Airbus A220

I  loved the bright, spacious cabin and the ambient lighting in AirBaltic’s signature colors, which created a fresh and modern atmosphere. The Airbus A220-300 offers an excellent flying experience, with benefits for passengers such as wider seats, larger windows, more hand luggage space in the cabin and an enhanced in-flight experience overall.

While recognized as a cost-efficient airline, airBaltic stands out for offering a true Business Class service, a rare feature among low-cost carriers. This combination of affordability and comfort reflects the company’s mission to deliver premium experiences to a wider range of passengers. The airline’s fleet consists entirely of the Airbus A220-300, one of the youngest in Europe, known for its spacious and quiet cabin, large windows, and advanced performance. Flying on the A220 feels remarkably comfortable – modern, airy, and refined.

With its differentiated passenger offer, airBaltic brings “the best of both worlds” with the benefits of both traditional and low-cost airlines. It provides high-quality service without excessive costs. Passengers can choose Economy Class tickets for flexibility, adding services such as baggage, meals on board, and seat selection, or Business Class tickets for a full-service package, including priority check-in, a front-row seat with extra space, a gourmet meal, and quicker disembarking upon arrival.

Connecting the Skies with Starlink

airBaltic is also at the forefront of digital innovation. It was the first European airline to introduce free SpaceX Starlink internet onboard, allowing passengers to enjoy high-speed connectivity throughout their flight. I had the chance to experience this service on my return to Istanbul, and it was surprisingly fast – fast enough to upload content in real time from 35,000 feet, a true game changer for frequent travelers.

The airline’s achievements have been widely recognized. It has been named the Best Airline in the Region by Skytrax for three consecutive years and received the APEX Five Star Major Airline Award 2026. In addition, airBaltic has earned a place among Airline Ratings’ Top 50 Global Carriers, recognized for its safety standards, sustainability, and passenger satisfaction. Behind these successes stands a dedicated team of nearly 3,000 employees from over 30 nationalities, consistently ranked among the top employers in the Baltic region.

Expanding Horizons Across Europe

In terms of expansion, airBaltic continues to strengthen its network with new destinations and increased frequencies. The Winter 2025/26 season will introduce routes such as Riga–Faro, Tallinn–Madeira, and Gran Canaria–Ljubljana, while Summer 2026 will see the addition of Riga–Kaunas, Riga–Oulu, Riga–Antalya, Tallinn–Athens, Tallinn–Hamburg, and Tallinn–Vienna. Several routes, including Aberdeen, Belgrade, and Yerevan, will also resume operations, reflecting strong post-pandemic demand.

Several successful summer routes will now continue into the colder months. Flights from Riga to Pisa and Porto will operate through November, while services to Catania will begin earlier than usual, at the end of February 2026. Popular Egyptian destinations Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada will see an increase to three weekly flights each. The airline will also resume flights between Riga and Dublin, operating twice weekly.

Ticket Rush 2026: One of the Year’s Biggest Sales

Alongside its expanded winter schedule, airBaltic has launched Ticket Rush 2026, one of its largest annual sales. The promotion, available from now until November 16, 2025, covers travel between November 24, 2025, and September 30, 2026. Passengers can book discounted fares to more than 80 destinations across airBaltic’s network, making it an ideal opportunity to plan next year’s getaways at the best rates.

Financially, airBaltic’s performance remains robust. The first half of 2025 marked record results, with revenues reaching EUR 349.6 million, up 3% year-on-year – the highest first-half revenue in the company’s history. Passenger numbers also grew to 3.9 million, an increase of nearly 9%, with load factors improving to 78.2%.

After thirty years in the sky, airBaltic continues to embody the spirit of the Baltics: innovative, forward-looking, and deeply connected to its community. From the heart of Riga to the world beyond, the airline has built not only routes but also relationships, linking people, cultures, and economies. As it looks toward the future with new aircraft, expanded destinations, and digital transformation, airBaltic remains a shining example of how regional ambition can lead to global success