Latvian-based carrier airBaltic has reached new heights in 2024, proudly announcing that it successfully transported a staggering 8.3 million passengers and completed 73,300 flights. According to preliminary data released by the airline, these figures exceed their pre-pandemic records, marking a significant milestone for the company. "We are thrilled to have achieved an all-time high in passenger numbers last year," comments airBaltic CEO in a statement released on January 15, 2025.

In comparison to the 7 million passengers transported in 2023, the total of 8.3 million in 2024 signifies an impressive 18% increase. Notably, 5.2 million of these passengers traveled from the airline's main bases located in Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Tampere, and, seasonally, Gran Canaria. The momentum continued through December 2024, where airBaltic reported carrying 423,000 passengers - a notable 25% surge from the previous year - alongside operating 3,820 flights.

The airline's flight operations included Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) operations, which saw a notable increase from 65,500 flights in 2023 to 73,300 flights in 2024. Within its network, airBaltic operated 47,000 flights, marking a 7% growth from the previous year. Impressively, the load factors for the year hit 81.2%, indicating a substantial 4.5% year-over-year increase in capacity utilization.

While 2024 ended on a high note for airBaltic, the dawn of 2025 brought unexpected challenges. On January 2, 2025, the carrier made the difficult decision to cancel 4,670 flights from all its bases for the upcoming summer season. This announcement included the cancellation of 19 routes and frequency reductions on 21 others. Approximately 67,160 passengers are expected to be affected by these changes.

The reason behind this decision was identified as "unexpected delays and prolonged engine maintenance" by the airline’s supplier, Pratt & Whitney. Delays in meeting maintenance obligations significantly impacted the operational capabilities of airBaltic’s Airbus A220-300 fleet, prompting this necessary course of action. Though facing setbacks in the new year, airBaltic remains committed to providing safe and reliable air travel to its passengers.