The Latvian airline Air Baltic was able to grow steadily over many years and in some cases recorded double-digit growth. This ended abruptly from March 2020, because the corona pandemic struck. The number of passengers carried fell by 73 percent to 1.340.900 passengers.

Air Baltic was also significantly less in the air, with only 2020 flights operated in 22.300. In direct comparison with the record year 2019, this means a decrease of 64 percent. In December 2020, Air Baltic had 54.200 passengers on board, 85 percent fewer than in the same month last year. 77 percent fewer flights were carried out. Air Baltic took off only 1.100 times.

“2020 will go down in history as the toughest year in commercial aviation. For most of the year we were able to maintain essential connectivity for Riga and the Baltic States. However, a significant part of the region's GDP decline is due to the fact that we are only allowed to fly. For the future development of the Baltic region, it is crucial that Air Baltic returns to its growth path after successfully fighting the pandemic, ”says company boss Martin Gauss. “In 2020 we have certainly seen our most difficult challenges, but together with tremendous effort and hard work, we have ensured that Air Baltic survives and continues to operate. We have made a clear commitment to grow above the old level again. Our vision is for Air Baltic to become a sustainable airline in the EU air transport market while maintaining a continuous growth path and innovative improvement in the passenger experience. "