By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: Spilve, No Longer a Forgotten Airfield in Riga, Latvia
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Spilve, No Longer a Forgotten Airfield in Riga, Latvia

Spilve, No Longer a Forgotten Airfield in Riga, Latvia

Travel Radar
Last updated: 20 August 2020 11:09
By Travel Radar Staff 4 Min Read
Share
Antonov An-2 at Spilve Airport in Riga, Latvia
Antonov An-2 at Spilve Airport in Riga, Latvia Credit: Valery Collins
SHARE

When Nik approached me, I thought he was going to ask me to leave.  I was strolling along the runway at Spilve Airport in Riga, Latvia so it would not have been a surprise.

Summary
Spilve Airport in Riga, LatviaThe Terminal Building at Spilve Airport in Riga, LatviaThe Airfield at Spilve in Riga, Latvia

Spilve Airport in Riga, Latvia

Nik at Spilve Airport in Riga, Latvia
Nik at Spilve Airport in Riga, Latvia Credit: Valery Collins

Fixed wing microlights rumbled past me and flex wings microlights buzzed above me like angry wasps.  But no.  He said that because I was not wearing a Hi Vis jacket and he was; he must walk with me. His English was surprisingly good for someone of the Soviet occupation generation.  He even chided me for having missed the air show the day before. But it did explain why the airfield resembled a car park for microlight planes.

The Terminal Building at Spilve Airport in Riga, Latvia

Spilve Airport is located five kilometres from the centre of Riga in Latvia.  Planes started flying from here in 1915.  Since then it has been a military base for the Latvian Air Force and occupying forces of Russia, Germany and the Soviet Union.  It also served as an international passenger airport.  When the Soviets captured the airfield all the original buildings were destroyed and it was renamed Riga Central Airport.  In 1954 a new terminal building was constructed in the Soviet neoclassical style.  It is one of the few Stalinist-era buildings in Riga.

Terminal Building at Spilve Airport in Riga, Latvia.
Terminal Building at Spilve Airport in Riga, Latvia Credit: Valery Collins

The imposing exterior still displays the hammer and sickle above the main entrance.  A complete renovation of the interior in 2012 restored the magnificent great hall and Soviet murals to their original splendour.  Today it hosts art exhibitions and other events but there are plans to base a Latvian Aviation Museum here.  Beyond the main building the airfield was coming to life.

The Airfield at Spilve in Riga, Latvia

Spilve Airport was one of the largest airports in the western part of the USSR until the new Riga International airport opened in 1975.  Spilve was then used for local flights and for training students of the Riga Civil Aviation Institute until the late 1980s.  Rumours that it has since been abandoned are untrue.  Two new hangars have been built and it is becoming increasingly popular as a base for training private pilots.  Flex wing microlights were emerging from one of the new hangars, eager visitors were scrambling aboard and were soon airborne.

Flex Wing Microlight over Spilve Airport in Riga, Latvia
Flex Wing Microlight over Spilve Airport in Riga, Latvia Credit: Valery Collins

Nik pointed out the different planes parked alongside the runway.  A Swiss-owned Antonov An-2 registered in Latvia is awaiting a service.  A Latvian Air Force Antonov An-2R is undergoing a service.  As we chatted a helicopter from the Ukraine hovered momentarily beside us before wheeling away and heading back home.  It was a thrilling experience and such a contrast to Riga International airport my next destination.

You Might Also Like

Global Air Travel Maintains Steady Growth in July 2025, IATA Reports

Cebu Pacific strengthens its partnership with Lufthansa Technik for integrated consumables and expendables supply

Lufthansa Welcomes First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Frankfurt

The future of travel loyalty: How airports are becoming aspirational destinations

Deutsche Aircraft and DLR complete ground vibration test on D328 Uplift

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Travel Radar
By Travel Radar Staff
Follow:
Articles from guest contributors wishing to remain anonymous are credited to this account. Want to contribute to Travel Radar either in-name, or anonymously? Get in touch: [email protected]
Previous Article India Marches Towards Opening Air Transport Operations By Creating Air Bubbles
Next Article Riga Airport Latvia Soviet Aviation Museum Latvia Soviet Aviation Museum: A Melee of MiGs
Leave a comment
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

EVA Air Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
EVA Air and Southwest Airlines: New Interline Partnership
Airlines Aviation Route Development
Boeing 737-800 Virgin Australia on the runway
The Most Scenic Airport Landings in New Zealand
Airports Aviation Travel Radar
Representatives from DHL Express and Cathay Pacific Group at the deal signing event.
DHL and Cathay: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Partnership
Airline Economics Aviation
People playing casino games on an aircraft
In-Flight Gambling: A Multi-Billion-Dollar Opportunity Grounded by History and Law
Aviation Technology Travel Radar
Person Holding World Globe Facing Mountain
Moving Abroad: How to Choose the Right Country for Your Next Adventure
Travel Travel Radar
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Ads help us bring you high-quality, independent journalism for free. Support us by whitelisting us from your ad blocker.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?