Riga Airport (EVRA)

Riga International (EVRA) is a large international airport with formal procedures and compulsory handling for general aviation. Handling is typically arranged through RIX Handling, which manages all ground services; advance contact by email is required, and several documents must be submitted before arrival. The handling process includes security checks for crew and passengers, issuance of access cards, and transfer by bus or car to the aircraft. Security procedures can be time-consuming, often taking 30–90 minutes, with requirements such as wearing high-visibility vests on the apron and boarding passes even for private flights.

Fees are generally high for GA. Handling charges are significant, with examples including about €160 for handling, about €30 for three days' parking, and landing fees around €10. Another example: handling about €400 for three days (including VAT), parking under €20 per day, landing about €60, safety fee about €30, night parking about €30 per night, and passenger fee about €5 per person. Some reports mention much higher quotes; procedures and costs may vary—see AIP/NOTAM.

AVGAS availability is unreliable; fueling can be slow or problematic, especially for non-jet aircraft. Jet fuel is available but payment methods may be restricted; credit card payment is sometimes possible but not guaranteed—advance confirmation with fuelers is recommended.

ATC and ground staff are generally friendly and helpful. VFR arrivals require specifying entry point altitudes in flight plans; ATC may assign different altitudes on approach. Apron-side operations are efficient once security is cleared. A follow-me car is often provided to parking stands.

Facilities include a crew-only store (liquor only), briefing facilities after security, chocks and tie-downs installed by staff, and an airport hotel (Sky-High) 200 meters from the crew gate with an aviation-themed restaurant. No on-field café or food service airside except in the arrival hall (extra fee applies).

Ground transport to Riga city center is available by public bus or taxi; buses depart directly outside the terminal with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes at a cost of around €1–€20 depending on mode.

Procedures can be confusing or inconsistent at times; see AIP/NOTAM. Riga International offers professional services but at a high cost and with complex handling requirements for GA pilots.