Moldova to elaborate in 2026 a development strategy for Chisinau and Marculesti airports, which are part of the capital's airport structure
This was announced by the Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Vladimir Bolea, who noted that this comprehensive master plan will provide a scientifically sound and analytical approach to making systematic and effective investments in Chisinau and Marculesti airports so that Moldova can further strengthen its position in the regional aviation market. The company that will develop the master plan will be selected through an open tender. Vladimir Bolea recalled that passenger traffic at Chisinau Airport is growing rapidly due to the emergence of cheaper tickets, the expansion of flight geography, the launch of new destinations, and increased demand for the capital's airport services from citizens of Moldova, Ukraine, and other countries. At the same time, the authorities decided to abandon the construction of a new terminal at Chisinau Airport, taking into account the lengthy nature of this project, its high cost, and the need to attract large investments in the form of borrowed funds, the repayment of which would require an increase in airport charges and fees, which would ultimately have a negative impact on ticket prices and competition among airlines in the regional market. As a result, it was decided to expand Chisinau Airport by approximately 5,000 square meters (+30%) and to implement this project using the capital city airport's own funds, rather than by attracting loans and borrowings. The project to expand the capital's airport terminal provides for the modernization of infrastructure, an increase in the number of boarding gates (from 7 to 13), and the creation of more comfortable spaces for passengers, which will ensure more efficient services and better passenger flow. Earlier it was reported that Marculesti Airport will be modernized to serve both cargo and passenger flights. This is provided for by the relevant amendments to the Law on Marculesti International Free Airport, passed by parliament with the aim of creating optimal conditions for the diversification of airport infrastructure. The bill stipulates the transfer of Marculesti Airport under the management of the Chisinau International Airport State Enterprise, which will allow for more effective coordination of activities and investments in the modernization of Marculesti Airport's infrastructure. As noted by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, given the growing demand for air transport services, it is necessary to create all the necessary conditions to ensure access to the market for a greater number of budget airlines. Marculesti Airport is located 150 km from Chisinau, and its runway allows it to accept passenger and cargo aircraft. Currently, the airport's economic activity includes the following related activities: airport operator services through the collection of airport charges; services for the lease of the enterprise's assets (land, hangars, office space). Given the airport's existing infrastructure, with state support and some investment, it will be possible to launch commercial passenger transport and develop the cargo segment. Negotiations with interested airlines are already underway. According to preliminary estimates, the total cost of the measures necessary to start passenger air transport at Marculesti Airport is about €4.2 million (repair work on the runway, taxiways, aprons and aircraft parking areas, passenger terminal, aviation security system in the complex, lighting system). Vladimir Bolea noted that Marculesti Airport has the potential to become a key point on the regional transport map with a clear prospect of transforming into a multimodal regional logistics hub (road, rail, air), strategically located on the extended TEN-T network corridor. The initial investment will be made by Chisinau Airport. // 24.12.2025 — InfoMarket.
