"The situation at the national airline airBaltic is very serious, and it is necessary to speak about it openly and clearly with the public," said a government release paraphrasing Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (United List).

"Taking into account the ratings of the international rating agencies Fitch and S&P, the company's financial situation, the business plan approved by the airBaltic Council, the need to raise EUR 225 million in temporary financing using the existing collate...