Latvian carrier airBaltic has launched an automatic COVID-19 travel document check for passengers on direct flights to Riga.

The new initiative involves passengers having their COVID status verified as they check in online. If they choose not to do so or are unable to upload the documentation, they can opt instead to have it verified at check-in or boarding desks at the airport. According to airBaltic, several thousand passengers have used the service in the weeks since its launch. The airline plans to extend the service to international flights in the near future.

airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss said: “Due to changing COVID-19 restrictions, it may take passengers extra time to check in at the airport. By introducing an automatic travel document check during the online check-in process, we expect the waiting times to fall significantly, improving the travel experience for our passengers.”