Riga Airport in Latvia has finalized an international tender for its passenger terminalâs commercial areas, selecting winners across four categories: duty-free retail, food & beverage, convenience retail, and business lounge services. The new operators will begin work on 1 January 2027, following the expiration of the current concession agreement with SIA âTAV Latviaâ.
The duty-free retail and food & beverage contracts have been awarded to Avolta, a global travel retail leader operating under the Avolta brand. The 12-year agreement includes plans for eight retail stores and 22 F&B outlets, aiming to blend international and local offerings. Avoltaâs CEO for EMEA, Luis Marin, highlighted the move as a step into Latvia and the Baltics, positioning the company to grow alongside the airportâs expansion plans.
Avoltaâs approach includes two hybrid concepts: a main walkthrough duty-free store featuring its Haute Parfumerie concept and a dedicated space for Latvian products. A new hybrid store, Spirit of Latvia, will showcase local culture through curated goods and coffee. The F&B section will mix proprietary, international, and local brands, with a focus on Latvian identity. Venus, a hybrid sports bar inspired by Latviaâs ice hockey culture, will debut alongside three local brandsâKalve, VÄ«nkalni PicÄrija, and Ausmena Kebabsâand international chain Espresso House.
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Convenience retail operations will be managed by TheMillerGroup under the WHSmith franchise, while business lounge services will remain with TAV Latvia Operations Services, operating as Primeclass. Riga Airportâs chairperson, Laila Odina, praised the selected operators for their ability to integrate global and local concepts, calling it a step toward modernizing the airport as a Northern European hub.
Arturs SaveÄŒjevs, a board member overseeing commercial affairs, noted the tenderâs emphasis on including Latvian producers and local brands. The winning bids reflect this focus, ensuring a broader representation of Latvian-made products in the airportâs commercial offerings. This, he said, supports local producers and strengthens the economy.
The transition to new operators follows a competitive process that prioritized quality, innovation, and alignment with Riga Airportâs vision. Current operator TAV Latvia Operations Services will continue its partnership, though its concession expires in 2027. The new contracts aim to diversify services, boost non-aviation revenue, and enhance passenger experience through a mix of familiar and regionally relevant brands.
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Avoltaâs entry into Latvia marks its first presence in the Baltic region, a move it describes as strategic for long-term growth. The company plans to expand its integrated retail and F&B model, leveraging Riga Airportâs renovation plans to create a platform for future development. Local brands will play a central role, balancing global names with regional identity.
TheMillerGroupâs involvement in convenience retail brings international expertise to the airportâs retail landscape, while TAV Latvia Operations Servicesâ retention for lounges ensures continuity in a sector it has managed for years. Both decisions reflect Riga Airportâs goal of maintaining high service standards while introducing fresh perspectives.
The new commercial setup will take shape gradually, with operations beginning in early 2027. The airportâs leadership emphasized that the selected partners bring scale, innovation, and a commitment to quality. This shift is expected to elevate the passenger experience and solidify Riga Airportâs position as a key gateway in Northern Europe.