Daily flights to Moscow are operated by the company Norma-A, working under the Ecolines brand. The permit for servicing this route is valid until January 9, 2027. The ATD emphasized that for almost a year, applications for the opening of new routes to Russia and Belarus, as well as for the extension or modification of existing permits, have been rejected. This decision is explained by national security considerations. The directorate also noted that carriers from different countries often cooperate in servicing routes. Therefore, if the Baltic countries do not agree on a joint cessation of passenger bus services with Russia and Belarus, travelers will be able to use connecting routes through Lithuania and Estonia. As of September last year, passenger bus services from Latvia were operating on four routes to Russia and three to Belarus. Earlier, the National Association (NA) called for a complete cessation of passenger services with Russia and proposed to the Ministry of Transport not to extend permits for carriers to operate regular flights to this country. According to the NA, in the first half of 2026, 9,079 passengers were transported on the Riga – Moscow route. At the beginning of summer, demand increased: in June, the number of passengers rose by more than a quarter compared to January. The association believes that the risks associated with such transport for security are also increasing. The Ministry of Transport has already submitted amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers' regulations for approval. They provide for the possibility of prohibiting the issuance of new permits, re-registration of existing ones, or canceling already issued permits for bus passenger transport, including transit, to Russia and Belarus, if they pose a threat to Latvia's national security. Since November 1 of last year, carriers have already been prohibited from operating international irregular bus routes across the Latvian-Russian and Latvian-Belarusian borders. According to the government's order, by October 31, 2026, the State Border Guard must prevent such transport through the border points of Paternieki, Grebnevo, and Terekhovo. Irregular transport refers to one-time bus trips along a predetermined route — for example, excursions, trips to sports competitions, theatrical performances, the Song Festival, and other events. The ATD is responsible for implementing state policy in the field of international road transport, licensing commercial carriers, and planning public transport.
