Mărculești Airport to become regional cargo hub
The Moldovan government has announced plans to transform Mărculești Airport into a regional cargo hub by merging it with Chișinău International Airport.
According to Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea, this strategic decision is aimed at significantly increasing the country's cargo transport capacity and generating additional revenue for the state.
Bolea explained that the current infrastructure at Chișinău Airport is insufficient for long-term freight operations, and the merger with Mărculești Airport offers a practical solution. “We need to develop a regional cargo hub that can attract foreign investment and support the national budget,” he stated.
The draft legislation required to facilitate the merger has passed all necessary legal reviews and is ready for debate in Parliament. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development will oversee the integration and modernization of the two airports.
Mărculești Airport has logistical advantages that make it an ideal location for a regional freight center. Situated near the Ukrainian border, it already has functional infrastructure, including a fuel depot, storage facilities, and customs terminals. It is also connected to major European road and rail routes, providing seamless access for cargo movement.
Plans for development include building a new railway spur that connects directly to the airport, constructing a fuel and cargo terminal, and rehabilitating surrounding roads to handle increased freight traffic. The goal is to establish a fully modernized, operational complex that can accommodate both cargo and seasonal charter flights.
By repurposing Mărculești Airport as a logistics hub, Moldova aims to strengthen its role in regional transport networks and attract international partnerships in the field of air freight.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
