May 17, the Ministry of Transport and Ventspils airport sign the agreement providing the realization of the «Ventspils airport development project» of the European Union Cohesion Fund. Its purpose – is to ensure the reachability of Ventspils, improving its development and competitiveness and create preconditions for regular flights.

«This project is very important for the development of Kurzeme region, because along with other transport means – land and sea, we plan to improve Ventspils connection with Riga and other international destinations with air transport as well», – notes Minister of Transport Aivis Ronis.

As part of the project, it is planned to lengthen the runway to reach 1 500m, to strengthen the airstrip,  create a runway security zone, construct an airfield drainage system, restore the ramp pavement, widen  road maneuvering, purchase and install new lighting system, repair the electrical systems, construct hangars and fences.

As a result of the realization of this project, Ventspils airport infrastructure will adhere to requirements for regular domestic and international flights, thereby ensuring the connectivity with destinations in Scandinavia, Western Europe and CIS countries in a long term perspective, Ministry of Transport reports.

Right now, Ventspils airport only offers general aircraft services, its runway length is not enough to allow receiving regular regional passenger flights in widely used airplanes without flight distance of weight limitations.

The general costs of the project are planned in the amount of 2 253 360 million LVL, 85% of which (1 915 356 LVL) are to be provided by the European Union Cohesion Fund. The projects realization is planned to be finished by the second quarter of 2014.

Ref: 102.109.109.1773