airBaltic Route Closure Sparks Dispute

Latvian airline airBaltic will end direct flights between Vilnius and Düsseldorf on 23 November, triggering a dispute with Lithuanian Airports over a partnership agreement supporting the route.

The airline said the service, launched in 2024, had failed to meet its commercial targets. Passenger demand and revenue were below expectations, while operating costs, particularly fuel expenses, exceeded initial forecasts.

Lithuanian Airports disagrees with the decision and intends to challenge the termination of its risk-sharing agreement with airBaltic. The airport operator considers the route commercially viable and says it will seek to recover the funds invested in its development if the contractual dispute cannot be resolved.

According to Lithuanian Airports, airBaltic notified it of the termination during restructuring proceedings under Chapter 11 in a US court. The airport operator plans to defend its interests in those proceedings and may pursue legal action in Lithuania.

The partnership agreement was signed in October 2024. Since then, the route has carried approximately 37,000 passengers, with flights operating twice a week.

Lithuanian Airports has begun talks with other airlines about restoring the direct connection. Affected airBaltic passengers have been offered alternative flights via Riga or full refunds.