About BT
airBaltic — flying under the BT code — is a Latvian carrier that sits somewhere between regional and mid-sized European airline. It's not a true low-cost operation, but it's not a full-service legacy airline either. Think of it as the airline that quietly built a serious Baltic hub network out of Riga (RIX), connecting a part of Europe that bigger carriers often treat as an afterthought. With 286 non-stop routes spread across 91 airports and a total network spanning over 584,000 km, it punches well above its geographic weight.
Why fly BT?
The honest case for BT is its Baltic coverage. If you're trying to move between Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius — or connect onward into Western Europe — there's often no better option. Spain is the airline's biggest non-Baltic market with 32 routes, which tells you something about where the leisure demand runs. The Tallinn to Tenerife South (TLL-TFS) route stretches nearly 4,700 km, which is genuinely impressive for an airline based this far north. Pricing tends to be competitive on routes where BT has real network strength, especially out of RIX. If you're based in the Baltics or passing through, it earns genuine loyalty.
BT hub airports
- RIX Riga — 79 BT routes from Latvia
- TLL Tallinn — 29 BT routes from Estonia
- VNO Vilnius — 21 BT routes from Lithuania
- LPA Las Palmas — 11 BT routes from Spain
- TFS Tenerife — 8 BT routes from Spain
Top destination countries on BT
- Latvia — 79 BT routes
- Spain — 32 BT routes
- Estonia — 29 BT routes
- Lithuania — 25 BT routes
- Germany — 13 BT routes
- Italy — 9 BT routes
- Greece — 9 BT routes
- Finland — 8 BT routes
Tips for booking BT
Book direct through airBaltic's site if you want the clearest picture of what's included in your fare — bundled versus unbundled options can catch you off guard on third-party platforms. RIX is the main hub with 79 routes, so connections through Riga give you the most flexibility. Tallinn (TLL) has 29 routes and works well if you're starting from Estonia. Las Palmas (LPA) appears as a hub too, useful for Canary Islands connections. Check baggage allowances carefully by fare class — carry-on restrictions can be tighter than you'd expect on base fares.
Frequently asked questions about BT
Where does BT fly?
BT operates 286 routes primarily connecting Latvia, Spain, and Estonia. The airline focuses on serving destinations across the Baltic region and Southern Europe.
What is BT's main hub airport?
BT's main hub is Riga International Airport (RIX) in Latvia, which serves as the primary connection point for the airline's network.
Is BT a low-cost, legacy, or regional carrier?
BT operates as a regional carrier, focusing on connecting smaller and mid-sized markets across the Baltic states and Europe with a streamlined route network.
When should I book my BT flight?
For the best fares, book BT flights 4-8 weeks in advance, though regional routes may have different pricing patterns. Avoid booking during peak travel periods for better availability and rates.
What are BT's baggage and check-in policies?
BT typically allows carry-on baggage with standard dimensions; checked baggage allowances vary by fare type. Check-in opens 24 hours before departure, and online check-in is available through BT's website.