There is no way to return 30 million... 0 8

As is known, the government has approved the provision of a short-term loan of 30 million to airBaltic. However, the Saeima has not yet managed to approve this decision.

Economist and former vice president of "Latvijas dzelzceļš" Aivars Strakšas critically assessed airBaltic's ability to repay the loan and stabilize its financial situation:

"First, a few words about the short-term loan. A short-term loan is a loan with a term of up to one year. How does airBaltic plan to repay this loan?

The next question. In 2025, airBaltic was losing about 10 million euros monthly. A week earlier, the company's management stated that saving airBaltic this year would require between 100 and 150 million euros.

So it would be correct to say that airBaltic currently needs an urgent short-term loan of some 30 million euros, while the Saeima and the government will make a decision to allocate between 100 and 150 million euros, from which, if possible, airBaltic will repay this short-term loan. If not, the term of the loan will have to be extended. AirBaltic has no chance of repaying these 30 million euros from its business operations.

If this money is not allocated, airBaltic will not last until the elections. That is, most likely, money will be provided in one form or another.

Currently, a significant number of EU airlines will face problems, and the EU Commission will have to look more leniently at measures for their rescue.

Perhaps the government and the Saeima can get their act together and refinance the bonds amounting to 380 million euros and stop covering the expenses for these extremely expensive bonds from the state budget?

It would be a nice way to save money, save airBaltic, and be able to get rid of the collateral on the company's assets, which would allow for reorganization. An IPO could also become a real story. If the desire to save airBaltic is sincere, then there may be such an opportunity.

The government is ready to lend 30 million euros; now it is up to the Saeima. The decision in the government was made in great haste, which means that airBaltic's financial situation is critical. The decision to allocate money itself is not surprising. The promise to return the money by the end of August, however, is surprising.

Owners of "cherry" tickets can breathe a sigh of relief. Spring and summer vacations are unlikely to be spoiled.

It is interesting to see who is behind the promise to return in five months? Why August 31? One could have promised until November 30. The elections would have passed, and they could have started promises with a clean slate."

In my opinion, the most likely option is based on hopes of returning from the aforementioned 100 to 150 million euros, which may have been promised to be arranged by the end of August.

A pure bluff in the best traditions of the Ministry of Transport and airBaltic is also not excluded. But that would be too skillful. They will be caught lying before the elections. In any case, we will see soon.