Riga Airport is certified with the 4-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating
By Peter Miller, Skytrax – London, UK
Riga Airport has been Certified as a COVID-19 4-Star Airport, by international air transport rating agency Skytrax. The COVID-19 rating includes cleaning and disinfection procedures, social distancing policies and control, face mask usage, sanitiser availability, standard and use of PPE by staff in the airport, and other hygiene applications being used. The audit evaluates how effectively COVID-19 procedures are being implemented to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, and the measures taken to improve health and safety standards of airport customers and staff.
The COVID-19 audit was conducted in December 2020 and is based on a combination of procedural efficiency checks, visual observation analysis and cleanliness checks using ATP sampling tests, with the consistency of standards being a key determinant in the final rating applied.
Riga Airport delivers clear public information regarding the policies and behaviour required when departing or arriving. The airport management have developed a lively brand for COVID-19 guidelines which is featured at multiple touchpoints and is fully immersive. The use of varied bright colours and large logos means that guidance is not onerous and is well considered with the broader terminal décor and design.
Riga Airport during COVID-19
There are strict rules for entry into the terminal space, and this is controlled by security staff conducting ticket checks on the departure and arrival level.
Despite the downturn in flight operations, the airport has maintained use of the entire terminal which means social distancing factors are managed well, and this is in addition to the use of floor and seat markers to guide customers here and reinforce the distancing advice.
There are frequent hand sanitisation points throughout the airport, and all customer facing counters are fitted with screens to protect staff and customers. Airport cleanliness and maintenance is delivering a high standard during these times of coronavirus.
Riga Airport during COVID-19
» Riga Airport 4-Star COVID-19 Safety Rating
COVID-19 safety rating places high importance on the implementation of face mask regulations and monitoring of social distance adherence amongst staff and customers, and how an airport applies these measures.
The 4-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating indicates a good standard of airport cleanliness and maintenance procedures. Airports achieving 4-Star deliver some Best Practice systems of cleanliness and hygiene monitoring, but these may be applied inconsistently. 4-Star rated airports deliver good visual cleanliness and terminal presentation standards, in addition to robust disinfection and hygiene measures which have been scientifically evaluated.
Riga Airport during COVID-19
About the COVID-19 Airport Safety Ratings
The COVID-19 Airport Safety Ratings are based on an amalgam of procedural efficiency checks, visual observation analysis and ATP sampling tests, with consistency being a key determinant in the final rating applied. To provide transparency, accuracy and consistency, COVID-19 Airport Safety Ratings are based on scientific study and analysis by Skytrax Airport Audit teams, and involve no element of self-testing or evaluation by an airport. To be credible, COVID-19 airport ratings and accreditation require actual testing, analysis and evaluation, provided with an in-depth experience of specialist airport auditing.
