airBaltic confirms plans to cut around 300 flight crew jobs

Latvian airline airBaltic has confirmed plans to cut approximately 100 pilot and 200 cabin crew positions as it prepares for a smaller flight programme in 2027.

The reductions will affect pilots at all three of the airline’s bases — Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. The planned cabin crew cuts, however, are concentrated in Riga, while the airline says it needs additional staff in Vilnius and Tallinn. Riga-based employees may be offered transfers where vacancies are available.

The figures, confirmed by airBaltic on October 28, remain preliminary. They also cover only flight crews, not the full workforce. Earlier in October, the airline estimated that its restructuring could affect between 500 and 700 positions across the company.

The workforce reductions follow airBaltic’s decision to scale back its fleet from 54 to approximately 36 aircraft by the end of 2026.

The Latvian Aviation Trade Union has challenged the employee selection process and the terms offered to departing staff. airBaltic maintains that the criteria were developed through consultations with trade unions.

Source: LSM, 28 October 2026.