Major Airports in Romania: A comprehensive overview

So you are planning a trip to Romania but are wondering which airport you should fly into. Romania boasts several significant airports that play a crucial role in the country's transportation infrastructure. In this article I will explore the major airports, their characteristics, international connections, and unique features so you can decide on the best one for your Romanian adventure. I will go over the list of airports, the different airport codes (IATA code), and some pros and cons of each. 

Henri Coandă International Airport (Bucharest) - OTP

Bucharest

Henri Coandă International Airport, located in Otopeni, just 16 kilometers north of Bucharest's city centre, is Romania's busiest International airport. Also known as the Otopeni airport, it was originally opened in 1952 and named after the renowned Romanian aviation pioneer Henri Coandă. The airport has undergone significant transformations over the decades, emerging as a modern international transportation hub.

The airport features two main terminals - Terminal A for international flights and Terminal B for domestic and Schengen area flights. As the country's main international airport, it has a capacity to handle over 6 million passengers annually and serves as the primary entry point for international travelers visiting Romania. It offers extensive connections across Europe, with direct flights to major cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, and Istanbul as well as intercontinental routes such as Dubai and Tel Aviv. The airport is particularly strategic for business and leisure travelers, providing efficient connections to both Western European destinations and markets in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. This is the airport where you will find the most connections and probably the cheapest prices. Major Airlines flying in and out of this airport include Lufthansa, British Airways,Turkish airlines, Air France and others. There are no direct flights to the US. 

Infrastructure at the airport is continually improving, with modern facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental companies, and free Wi-Fi. Multiple transportation options connect the airport to Bucharest, including express buses, taxi services, and a dedicated railway link. 

Pros

- Modern infrastructure

- Extensive international connectivity

- Close proximity to Bucharest city center

- Multiple transportation options (train, bus, taxi)

Cons

- Because it is the country's busiest airport, it can be crowded during peak seasons

- Parking can be expensive

- Some terminal areas feel cramped during high passenger traffic periods

Cluj Napoca International Airport (Cluj-Napoca) - CLJ

Cluj International Airport (Aeroportul Internațional Avram Iancu Cluj) serves as the primary air transportation hub for Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant city in the heart of Transylvania. Strategically located just 10 kilometers east of the city center, the airport has become increasingly important for both business and tourism in recent years. 

The airport has experienced remarkable growth, particularly since the rise of low-cost carriers and the expansion of regional routes. It currently handles approximately 2.5 million passengers annually, with a network of flights connecting Cluj-Napoca to numerous European destinations. Major airlines like Wizz Air, Ryanair, and several other carriers operate routes to cities such as London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and Munich. The airport serves as a critical transportation link for both business travelers and tourists exploring Transylvania.

Modern facilities at Cluj-Napoca Airport include a well-designed terminal, efficient security systems, rental car services, and comfortable waiting areas. The airport's management has been proactive in developing infrastructure and expanding route networks, positioning Cluj-Napoca as an increasingly important aerial gateway in Romania. 

Pros

- Modern facilities

- Growing number of international routes

- Important for business and academic travelers

- Efficient airport management

Cons

- Smaller terminal compared to Bucharest

- Limited long-haul flight options

Timișoara International Airport - TSR

Timisoara Airport (Aeroportul Internațional Traian Vuia Timișoara) stands as a critical transportation infrastructure in western Romania, serving the dynamic Banat region. Located approximately 12 kilometers from Timișoara's city center, the airport is named after Traian Vuia, a pioneering Romanian aviation inventor. Strategically positioned near the borders of Hungary and Serbia, the airport plays a vital role in both regional connectivity and international travel.

The airport has gradually evolved to become an important economic gateway, particularly for the industrial and business sectors of western Romania. It offers connections to major European cities, with a strong emphasis on routes to Germany, Austria, Italy and other Western European destinations. Airlines like Lufthansa, Wizz Air, and Ryanair operate regular flights to cities such as Munich, Madrid, London, and Paris. The airport is particularly significant for business travelers, serving the robust manufacturing and technology industries in the Banat region, and providing crucial international links for local companies. With modern facilities, efficient infrastructure, and a growing network of routes, Timișoara International Airport continues to play a pivotal role in the region's transportation network.

Pros

- Strategic location near industrial centers

- Modern runway and navigation systems

- Close to western European markets

​Cons

- Fewer passenger routes compared to Bucharest

- Limited intercontinental connections

- Smaller terminal infrastructure

Sibiu International Airport - SBZ

Sibiu International Airport (Aeroportul Internațional Sibiu) is a strategically located airport nestled in the heart of Transylvania, serving the historic city of Sibiu and its surrounding regions including Sighisoara and Brasov. Positioned just 5 kilometers from the city center, the airport has grown significantly in recent years, becoming an important transportation hub for both tourism and business travel. Its location is particularly noteworthy, offering stunning views of the surrounding Carpathian Mountains and providing easy access to some of Romania's most picturesque areas.

While the Sibiu airport has continued to develop a network of routes, connecting Sibiu to major European destinations through carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair, as a smaller international airport there are fewer options for direct flights. Typical routes include direct flights to cities such as London, Munich, Rome, and Vienna. Most of the direct flights are to destinations in Germany. There are some seasonal routes that expand your options. With a focus on enhancing regional connectivity, the airport plays a crucial role in supporting the area's growing tourism industry, particularly for travelers interested in exploring medieval towns, historic castles, and the unique cultural landscape of central Romania. Despite being smaller compared to major Romanian airports, Sibiu International Airport continues to modernize its facilities, improve passenger experience, and expand its route network, cementing its position as a key transportation infrastructure in the region.

Pros

- Gateway to Transylvanian tourism

- Scenic location

- Efficient for regional travel

- Modern facilities

Cons

- Seasonal flight variations

- Limited long-haul options

- Smaller airport infrastructure

Iași International Airport - IAS

Iași International Airport (Aeroportul Internațional Iași) serves as the primary air transportation hub for the Moldova region in northeastern Romania. Located approximately 8 kilometers from Iași city center, the airport has significant importance, particularly due to its proximity to the Republic of Moldova and its position as a key regional transportation link. 

The iasi airport has been steadily expanding its international connectivity, offering routes to major European destinations through carriers like Wizz Air, Ryanair, and other airlines. Typical routes connect Iași to cities such as London, Vienna and Munich, providing crucial links for business travelers, students, and tourists. Its growing importance is particularly evident in its role as a bridge between eastern Romania and Western Europe. Iași International Airport has been investing in modern infrastructure, improving passenger facilities, and expanding its route network to meet the increasing demand for regional and international air travel. 

Pros

- Key regional transportation hub

- Modern navigation systems

- Growing international routes

Cons

- Limited intercontinental flights

- Smaller passenger capacity

- Less developed infrastructure compared to Bucharest airport

​Choosing from the Airports in Romania

The above list are the largest airports in the country, but there are also medium-sized airports and small airports that may be great choices depending on your itinerary. Mihail Kogălniceanu airport, for example is located in southeast Romania and gives easy access to Constanta and the Black Sea area. 

When choosing which airport is the best option for you, there are many things to consider such as prices and connectivity options. While Henri Coanda International airport located near the capital of Romania is perhaps an obvious choice based on the number of options available, make sure to consider other airports that may be more convenient to the area of Romania you are wanting to explore. The mid-size and smaller airports can be a great choice depending on your needs. A great way to figure out which airports have direct flights to which destinations is to visit https://www.flightsfrom.com/map. You just type in the name of the airport and click on the map and it will show you all the destinations it is connected to. 

Romania airports have seen significant improvements in the past decade, with modernization efforts focusing on enhanced security systems, improved passenger facilities, better connectivity and increased international routes. Travelers can expect continued improvements and expanded connectivity in the coming years, making Romanian airports increasingly competitive in the European aviation world.

Ready to travel to Romania? Contact me at stefanie@eurotravelsbydesign.com and I will custom design your perfect itinerary.