Laila Odiņa to Lead RIX Riga Airport for Another Five Years

The Supervisory Board of State Joint Stock Company “Riga International Airport” has reappointed the current Chairperson of the Board, Laila Odiņa, for another five-year term, effective 16 April 2026. 

The decision was made following an evaluation of Laila Odiņa’s performance to date, including the results achieved in implementing the company’s strategic objectives, as well as the stability and continuity she has ensured in its operations.

“As the operator of infrastructure vital to the state, Riga Airport requires particularly responsible, professional, and consistent leadership. Ms Odiņa’s work to date demonstrates her ability to ensure both the company’s strategic development and operations that are aligned with the interests of the state and society,” said Juris Kanels, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Riga Airport.

Laila Odiņa, continuing in her role as Chairperson of the Board and Aerodrome Accountable Manager says: “Although the Airport’s growth in recent years has been significantly affected by geopolitical uncertainty and rapidly evolving conditions in the aviation sector, the company has continued to pursue its objectives with consistency – maintaining stable financial performance, making targeted investments in infrastructure, and advancing sustainability and innovation initiatives to deliver the highest quality services to airlines and passengers. Given the new challenges in the aviation industry, my priority is to continue this development path by balancing the interests of carriers with the Airport’s investment needs – strategically refining Riga Airport’s tariff policy in line with market conditions to strengthen competitiveness, and advancing major infrastructure projects vital to the company’s future, including the construction of a new passenger terminal and the development of RIX Airport City. This will make Riga Airport even more attractive to carriers and passengers in the Baltic and Northern European region.” 

Laila Odiņa has been leading RIX Riga Airport since the spring of 2020 and has worked in the aviation sector since 1995. Her professional experience covers operational management, human resources management, and strategic planning. Before joining the team at Riga Airport, Laila Odiņa held senior positions in several airlines and has also worked in the Board of the Transport and Telecommunication Institute as well as in the Supervisory Board of Riga Airport. In 2024, Laila Odiņa was elected to the Board of Airports Council International (ACI Europe), which reflects her active involvement in the development of the aviation industry in Europe. Since 2020, she has held the position of Chairperson of the Board of the Latvian Aviation Association.