airBaltic files for Chapter 11

Importantly, passengers with valid reservations should not cancel their own bookings simply because airBaltic has filed for Chapter 11. Doing so could affect their contractual rights or eligibility for a refund depending on the fare conditions.

The airline's management says maintaining flights while restructuring its finances is a central objective.

airBaltic President and CEO Erno Hildén said that operations continue as normal, including flying passengers, selling tickets and planning future schedules. Chairman Andrejs Martinovs has similarly said that maintaining Latvia's air connectivity while substantially reducing the company's financial obligations is a priority.

The Latvian government, which remains the airline's majority shareholder, has also described Chapter 11 as providing protection from creditors while allowing the carrier to continue its day-to-day flight operations during restructuring.

Passengers with an existing airBaltic booking do not currently need to take action simply because of the Chapter 11 filing.

Continue to check the status of your flight, retain your booking confirmation and other travel documentation, and watch for direct communication from the airline.

The situation could evolve as airBaltic moves through its restructuring, but for now the key distinction is clear: airBaltic is restructuring under court protection, not ceasing flight operations.

Written by Airports Transfer for passengers travelling to and from London airports.