Joining the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA) in 2012, has allowed Moldova to develop its aviation market. Today, the Chişinău International Airport manages flights to over 40 cities, offering hundreds of connections. 2017 saw the launch of routes such as Geneva, Berlin, Krasnodar. Ticket prices have fallen considerably, claims the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) in an answer to IPN.
WizzAir, the largest low-cost flight company in Central and Eastern Europe has opened an operational base at the Chişinău International Airport, and is working on offering flights out of Chişinău. “We are expecting new companies in 2018, and thus new price and destination offers,” AAC management mentioned.
A notable achievement for civil aviation in 2017, mentioned by both the AAC and the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure is the commencing of upgrades to the Chişinău International Airport runway. “The bearing index of the runway layer has risen from 51 to 70, allowing the Chisinau airport to serve any kind of aircraft, without restrictions, including large fuselage planes. Furthermore, runway lighting has been upgraded on the 1km sector of the runway, allowing to expanding the current landing category from II to III, and will facilitate landing in very low visibility conditions,” IPN learned from the Ministry.
The Civil Aviation Authority also notes that by updating and renovating the running surfaces and the platforms, both the levels of security of flights serviced by the Chişinău airport, as well as the quality of services provided to airlines grow, the passengers being the final beneficiaries of these developments.
According to the Chişinău International Airport, the upgrades to its second runway are 80% complete. Furthermore, over 145 sq. m. of the airport’s surface have been renovated.
