RIGA— A maintenance-related ground fire has led to the confirmed hull loss of an Airbus A220-300 operated by airBaltic (BT) at Riga International Airport (RIX). The incident marks the first known total loss of the A220 aircraft type since its commercial introduction in 2016.

The aircraft, registered YL-AAO, was undergoing scheduled heavy maintenance when the event occurred. Engineers initiated a routine auxiliary power unit test, which is a standard procedure before returning an aircraft to active service.

airBaltic A220 Hull Loss

The fire broke out on June 14, 2025, while the aircraft was parked at Riga International Airport. Maintenance crews had begun post-maintenance testing when flames emerged in the central fuselage area.

Investigators later identified the ozone filter unit as the origin of the fire. This component plays a key role in the environmental control system by converting ozone into breathable oxygen and filtering cabin air.

The fire caused extensive thermal damage to the fuselage and wing root structure. As a result, the aircraft remained grounded for detailed inspections and technical evaluation.

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Aircraft Damage Assessment

Airbus engineering teams completed a full structural and economic analysis in December 2025. Their findings confirmed that repairing the aircraft would not be financially viable.

The damage affected critical structural sections, making restoration impractical despite the aircraft’s relatively young age.

According to Aerospace Global News, at just over six years old, the jet had been one of the earlier A220 deliveries to the airline.

The aircraft was insured and operated under a leasing agreement. airBaltic confirmed that it has filed an insurance claim, which remains under review.

A220 Safety Record

The Airbus A220 has maintained a strong safety performance since entering service. This incident represents the first hull loss of the aircraft type globally.

Although no prior A220 incidents resulted in total aircraft loss, some events have involved operational disruptions. A 2024 incident involving Swiss International Air Lines (LX) included an engine failure and smoke event, leading to one fatality after an emergency diversion.

Another unrelated fatal event occurred the same year in the United States, where an individual unlawfully entered an airport engine area. That case involved a Delta Air Lines (DL) A220 during ground operations.

Despite these isolated cases, the A220 fleet continues to operate with a high safety standard. Airlines worldwide rely on the type for its efficiency and reliability.

airBaltic remains one of the largest A220 operators, with over 50 aircraft in service. The airline continues to center its fleet strategy around the aircraft despite this rare loss.

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