airBaltic, Lufthansa Expand RIX–FRA Codeshare

‍RIGA — airBaltic (BT) and Lufthansa (LH) have announced an expansion of their existing codeshare partnership, strengthening connectivity between the Baltic States and Lufthansa’s global network via Frankfurt, one of Europe’s primary aviation hubs. The enhanced agreement takes effect December 17, 2025, with tickets already available for sale.

Under the expanded arrangement, Lufthansa will place its LH code on airBaltic-operated flights between Riga (RIX) and Frankfurt (FRA). In contrast, airBaltic will place its BT code on Lufthansa-operated services on the same route. The codeshare applies specifically to transit passengers connecting via Frankfurt, improving access from Latvia to Lufthansa’s long-haul and intra-European destinations.

Building on a Longstanding Partnership

The two carriers have maintained a codeshare relationship since December 2020, initially covering routes from airBaltic’s bases in Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius to Munich, and subsequently expanding connectivity through Lufthansa’s German hubs.

“Since launching our codeshare cooperation with Lufthansa in 2020, we have steadily expanded the opportunities it creates for our passengers,” said Mantas Vrubliauskas, VP Network Management at airBaltic. “This next step strengthens our shared commitment to making global travel more seamless and accessible.”

airBaltic currently serves around 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus, operating a single-type fleet of 51 Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

Strategic Context

Frankfurt’s role as a central intercontinental hub makes the expanded codeshare particularly relevant for business and leisure travelers seeking one-stop connections from Latvia to long-haul markets. The agreement also reinforces airBaltic’s position as the primary connector between the Baltics and Western Europe, while allowing Lufthansa to deepen its reach in the region without adding capacity.

airBaltic is majority owned by the Latvian state, with Deutsche Lufthansa AG holding a 10% stake, underscoring the strategic alignment between the two groups as European airlines prioritize partnerships over network duplication.

What This Means for the Industry

Codeshares remain a low-risk growth tool. Rather than adding aircraft, airlines are using deeper partnerships to extend market reach while controlling costs.

Frankfurt’s hub power endures. The agreement highlights FRA’s continued role as one of Europe’s most effective connecting hubs for secondary and regional markets.

Small hubs need big partners. For airlines like airBaltic, access to a global network through a major carrier is critical to sustaining long-haul connectivity without operating widebodies.

Equity plus cooperation is the new model. Lufthansa’s minority stake in airBaltic, combined with expanding commercial ties, reflects a broader strategy of influence without full acquisition.