At Riga Airport, I had the pleasure of meeting with Hakan Uzunosmanoğlu, Country Director of TAV Latvia and Tamer Ciğeroğlu, ATU Latvia Operation Director. Our inspiring conversation highlighted how Turkish companies continue to add value to Latvia’s aviation ecosystem.  

TAV Airports has been active at Riga Airport for over a decade. Ground handling services with Havaş started in 2010, and since 2011, TAV Airports has managed all commercial areas including duty-free shops, F&B outlets, lounges, and leased spaces through its subsidiaries ATÜ-BTA and TAV Operation Services. TAV Technologies, another group company, has implemented AODB and A-CDM systems, providing ongoing technology support to the airport.

Beyond TAV Group companies, Turkish firms are making a strong presence at Riga Airport. Media Port, for example, expanded internationally in 2022 by adding Riga International Airport (RIX) to its portfolio, marking its first overseas investment. Similarly, Kepler Capsule Hotel, Europe’s first capsule hotel, also operates at RIX, offering innovative accommodation solutions to travelers. These Turkish companies underline the growing influence and expertise of Turkish businesses in the international airport sector.

ATU Latvia: Redefining the Airport Retail Experience

ATU Latvia stands out as a leading example of innovation in airport retailing, seamlessly combining convenience, technology, and local culture. Its dedicated Promotion Zone, which supports Latvian brands and small businesses, has earned international recognition which has been shortlisted as a finalist at the Cannes DFNI Frontier Awards.

Among ATU’s most customer-centric innovations is its Order & Collect online shopping service, designed to make travel retail more effortless than ever. Passengers can browse and purchase their favorite products through www.atudutyfree.lv, completing orders up to 24 hours before departure. Upon arrival at the airport, they simply proceed to the ATU Duty Free pick-up point located just beyond security, show their confirmation, make payment, and collect their purchases — saving valuable time before their flight.

ATU Latvia has introduced this  unique partial delivery service, enabling customers to have their Riga Duty Free purchases delivered to over 4,800 pick-up points across the Baltics. This forward-thinking solution has also been recognized at the Cannes DFNI Frontier Awards, underlining ATU’s role as a pioneer in travel retail digitalization.

Innovation at Riga extends beyond passenger convenience. The Crew Shop, located landside and exclusively serving aviation personnel, remains the only one of its kind across ATU’s global network. In addition, Riga became the first ATU location worldwide to introduce self-payment kiosks, reflecting the company’s continuous drive to elevate operational efficiency and customer experience.

In collaboration with TAV Latvia, ATU has also helped bring Turkish innovation to the Baltic market. One notable example is the Kepler Capsule Hotel, Europe’s first capsule hotel operating both landside and airside. Already welcoming more than 2,500 transit passengers, it represents a new benchmark in smart accommodation for modern travelers.

Victoria Secrets

With 7.3 million passengers annually, Riga International Airport — home hub of airBaltic — continues to strengthen its role as a major regional gateway. Within this dynamic ecosystem, TAV and ATU are shaping a distinct sense of place through 12 retail outlets that blend local brands with global names, including Victoria’s Secret, creating a vibrant and uniquely Baltic shopping experience.

TAV Airports: Enhancing the Passenger Experience at Riga Airport

TAV Airports has been a key player at Riga Airport for over a decade, providing comprehensive services that enhance both operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction. The company began its ground handling operations in Riga in 2010 in partnership with Havaş, marking 15 years of activity in the Latvian capital. Since January 2011, TAV Airports has managed all commercial areas within the terminal, including duty-free shops, food and beverage outlets, lounges, and other leased spaces, through its group companies ATÜ-BTA and TAV Operation Services.

Additionally, TAV Technologies, a subsidiary of TAV Airports, has implemented the AODB (Airport Operational Database) and A-CDM (Airport Collaborative Decision Making) systems at Riga Airport, continuing to provide crucial technology support under a separate agreement with the airport.

TAV Airports’ presence at Riga reflects its broader international footprint. Operating 15 airports across eight countries and providing services at 110 airports in 30 countries through its service companies, TAV Airports brings expertise across a range of areas, from airport management to technology solutions, duty-free operations, and food and beverage services.

Riga Airport, the hub for Latvia’s national airline Air Baltic, has recently launched an international tender for the management of its commercial spaces. The tender aims to enhance the modern passenger experience and increase non-aviation revenues, both in existing commercial areas and in the upcoming terminal expansion. The extended terminal, nearly double the current size, offers a ten-year operational opportunity for the selected operator(s) across four key areas: duty-free shops, convenience stores, food and beverage outlets, and business lounges.

The tender invites experienced international operators in airport or cruise ship commercial areas to participate, with shortlisted candidates submitting detailed technical and financial proposals. Results are expected in early 2026, and operations under the new agreement are scheduled to begin on 1 January 2027, following the expiration of the current concession with TAV Latvia.

Through these activities, TAV Airports and its subsidiaries continue to reinforce Riga Airport’s status as a modern, passenger-focused hub, combining operational excellence with high-quality commercial offerings