Ventspils, Latvia
Air freight in Ventspils
Ziem Logistics books air freight to and from Ventspils via Riga (RIX). We arrange pick-up and delivery in the Ventspils area and prepare the customs entries before the cargo flies. Air freight to and from Latvia is booked through our carrier network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Ventspils
- AirportRiga
RIX - SeaportFreeport of Ventspilsice-free
Ventspils is a port city first and foremost. The Freeport of Ventspils, at the mouth of the Venta river, is ice-free throughout the year and has special customs status, which makes it a year-round option on the Baltic coast for bulk and general cargo. The local airport has no meaningful cargo operations, so air freight to and from Ventspils runs via Riga International Airport (RIX), roughly 190 km away by road. We collect cargo in Ventspils and truck it to RIX, or to a larger European hub where the routing makes more sense, using air freight through our airline network.
The A10 motorway (part of route E22) links Ventspils with Riga, and a rail line connects the port with the Latvian broad-gauge network and onward transit routes. Regional roads lead south towards Liepaja and the Lithuanian border. For full container loads, combining sea freight through the port with road distribution via Riga is the usual setup for the Kurzeme region.
Operational logistics facts for Ventspils
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Freeport of Ventspils | Bulk, general cargo and wood products | Ice-free port that stays open all year |
| Freeport special customs status | Storage and processing under customs control | Duties can be deferred until goods leave the freeport area |
| A10 / E22 road to Riga | Trucking to Riga and Riga International Airport (RIX) | Air freight access through Latvia's main airport |
| Rail connection to the port | Bulk and transit flows by rail | Links the port with Latvia's rail network |
Industries in Ventspils and how we support them
Ventspils has built its economy around transit, bulk cargo handling and the wood industry, including timber products and wood pellets shipped by sea. Alongside the port, the city promotes manufacturing and technology businesses in its industrial areas under the freeport's special customs and tax regime. For these companies we arrange sea freight through the Freeport of Ventspils or Riga, road freight to Scandinavian and Central European customers, and air freight via RIX for spare parts and urgent components. Next Flight Out and On-Board Courier are available when a production stop has to be avoided.
Urgent parts to and from Ventspils
When a production line or a project in the Ventspils area is waiting for a part, we book Next Flight Out via Riga (RIX): the shipment goes on the first suitable flight, with the customs data prepared before departure.
For items that cannot wait for regular cargo handling, an On-Board Courier carries the shipment as hand luggage and hands it over in person.
Customs clearance in Latvia
Own clearance in preparation
We are setting up our own customs clearance in Latvia. Until it is in place, clearance is coordinated by our in-house customs teams in neighbouring markets.
Air freight to and from Latvia is booked through our carrier network.
Importers in Latvia need an EORI number issued by the Latvian State Revenue Service.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is used for air freight from Ventspils?
Air freight from Ventspils departs from Riga International Airport (RIX). We arrange collection in Ventspils and road transport to Riga, or to a larger European hub if that offers better capacity or connections for your destination. Cut-off times are confirmed with every booking.
Can you handle urgent spare parts for vessels or plants in Ventspils?
Yes. For urgent inbound parts we book Next Flight Out to Riga and arrange onward road delivery to Ventspils. If a part must not leave a person's hands, an On-Board Courier can carry it door to door. We agree the delivery address and any port access requirements in advance.
Is it better to send small consignments by air via Riga or by sea through Ventspils?
It depends on value, urgency and volume. Small, urgent or high-value consignments usually move by air via RIX, while heavy, bulky or non-urgent goods are better suited to sea freight through the port. We compare both options with you before booking.
How do I get a quote for air freight to or from Ventspils?
Send us the origin, destination, goods description, weight and dimensions. Our operations desk replies with a routing via Riga (RIX) and an itemised quote.