Riga Aviation Forum is a high-level aviation business conference that focuses on opportunities and challenges of aviation in the Baltics.
Since 2016 Riga Aviation Forum brings together European and Baltic aviation stakeholders, leaders, experts, and scholars from various areas of aviation. The Baltic aviation leaders at RAF discuss the strategic development of the industry in the region, while the leaders of industry’s leading companies outline the solutions offered by the industry to today’s challenges, focusing on the innovation and efficiency on the way to sustainable and climate-neutral aviation.
The conference also focuses on the future innovations of aviation, multimodality, the creation of new urban environment around air hubs and the challenges of urban mobility.
Riga Aviation Forum 2026
10 Years Connecting Aviation Minds
Venue: Hanzas Perons, Hanzas Street 16A, Riga, Latvia
On 10 September, 2026, Riga will host aviation leaders, policymakers, and industry innovators at the 10th Riga Aviation Forum, a high-level gathering focused on the strategic resilience and future development of the Baltic aviation sector. This milestone edition of the forum will bring together senior decision-makers and industry leaders from across the Baltic States and Europe to discuss the future of aviation, connectivity, and sustainable growth.
Key themes at this milestone event will be:
The evolving role of aviation in European policy-making and regional competitiveness
Challenges and opportunities for small and mid-sized markets, such as the Baltic States
The future of airport development, innovation, and sustainability in a rapidly changing environment
Join us in Riga for a day of thought leadership, cross-sector dialogue, and actionable insight—designed to future-proof aviation in the Baltics and beyond.
Full program and speakers list will be availabe soon. Stay tuned for the latest information on the Riga Aviation Forum website and on social media of Latvian Aviation Association!
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See you in Riga Aviation Forum 2026!
Registration will be opened in June 2026.
8:30 - 9:00
Welcome Coffee
9:00 - 10:00
Opening Session
- Welcome speech by Mr. Zigmars Vestfals, CEO of Latvian Aviation Association
- Welcome speech by Mr. Rihards Kozlovskis, Minister of Transport of Republic of Latvia
- A Global Airport Perspective: Representative of ACI EUROPE
- A Global Airline Perspective: Mr. Rafael Schwartzman, IATA VP Europe
10:00 - 11:00
Hard Talk: Unlocking Unused Potential for the Baltic States in European Aviation Policy-Making
This opening discussion will focus on the shared Baltic perspective and interests within European aviation policy, addressing in particular:
- Coordination of positions at European level,
- The specific challenges faced by Baltic aviation market,
- Key messages the Baltic States wish to convey more clearly within European policymaking,
- The balance between acting jointly as a region and individually at EU level.
11:30 - 12:30
Panel Discussion I: Flying Demand or Creating It? Tourism and Aviation in a Chicken‑and‑Egg Loop
Tourism is a critical demand driver and strategic partner for aviation. This session examines the interdependence between airlines, airports, destinations, and tourism authorities, including seasonality, sustainability, destination/country branding, and shared responsibility for long-term growth.
12:30 - 13:30
Panel Discussion II. From Infrastructure to Intelligent Aviation Ecosystems in the Baltics
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The keynote would reflect how the Baltic region is evolving from individual airport infrastructure and expansion projects toward more connected, scalable, and digitally enabled aviation ecosystems.
It would highlight:
This approach keeps the message accessible and relevant for a broad audience, especially considering the extended reach via live streaming.
The keynote would reflect how the Baltic region is evolving from individual airport infrastructure and expansion projects toward more connected, scalable, and digitally enabled aviation ecosystems.
It would highlight:
- the Baltics as a growing aviation and connectivity hub
- how airports can prepare for future passenger growth, capacity needs and evolving operational requirements
- the shift from standalone infrastructure and terminal development toward integrated, intelligent airport ecosystems
- the role of digital platforms, automation, data, and self-service in enabling more efficient and resilient operations
- the importance of collaboration across aviation, cargo, ground handling, and wider transport networks
- how mid-sized airports can modernise in a cost-effective, future-ready way while remaining competitive
This approach keeps the message accessible and relevant for a broad audience, especially considering the extended reach via live streaming.
13:30 - 14:30
Baltic-Nordic Telebridge
A special live telebridge connecting the Riga Aviation Forum with the Tampere Business Forum, bringing together experts from the Baltics and the Nordics for a joint discussion.
14:30 - 15:30
Lunch
15.30 - 16.30
Panel Discussion III. No Growth Without People: Aviation’s Talent Challenge
As global aviation continues to grow, workforce shortages across pilots, engineers, ground operations, and technical roles are becoming a major industry challenge. On top of that retirements accelerate, training pipelines remain long and costly, and competition for skills intensifies across industries.
This panel will explore the key barriers — from working conditions and regulation to perception and employer branding — and how aviation leaders can attract, retain, and develop talent to support sustainable growth and operational resilience in an increasingly competitive market.
This panel will explore the key barriers — from working conditions and regulation to perception and employer branding — and how aviation leaders can attract, retain, and develop talent to support sustainable growth and operational resilience in an increasingly competitive market.
16.30 - 17.30
Panel Discussion IV. Exploring Supply Chains: Manufacturing, Innovations and Decarbonisation
- This session explores what it realistically takes to both enter and sustain a position in one of the world's most demanding industrial ecosystems. The conversation spans established manufacturing practices, the operational realities of 3D additive technology at scale, and the evolving expectations placed on suppliers as the industry navigates post-pandemic disruption and shifting geopolitical realities.
- Two central questions will drive the discussion: how new entrants can find viable pathways into a supply chain historically dominated by a small number of entrenched players, and conversely, how established manufacturers can absorb and implement innovation without compromising the precision and reliability standards the industry demands.
- The session then turns to the fuels that will define aviation's next chapter and challenges of bringing sustainable fuels to market at the volumes the industry needs. Panelists will explore what decarbonization actually demands of supply chains — in certification frameworks, investment models, and cross-sector collaboration. The underlying challenge: how an industry built on extreme precision and risk aversion can move fast enough to meet the urgency of its green transition taking into account the following - certification frameworks, investment models, and cross-sector collaboration.
17:30-17:45
Closing Remarks
- Mr Zigmars Vestfals, CEO of Latvian Aviation Association
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Riga Aviation Forum sincerely thanks our sponsors for supporting us and making RAF possible!
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