Chișinău International Airport launches modernization and expansion
The "Eugen Doga" International Airport in Chisinau is undergoing a significant modernization and expansion phase, with investments expected to reach nearly 180 million lei in the first phase alone. According to Sergiu Spoială, the director of Chisinau International Airport, the expansion will involve the construction of additional facilities covering approximately 5,000 square meters, which accounts for about 20% of the airport's current area. This information was shared during a show on Realitatea.
"The expansion of these areas is solely intended to improve the waiting conditions for passengers. There is no intention to create spaces for commercial purposes or to generate additional income for the company. Our focus is entirely on enhancing passenger comfort," stated Sergiu Spoială during the "Rezoomat" show on Realitatea.
He emphasized that the renovations will be funded exclusively through the company's own resources, and the first phase of the project is expected to be completed by early 2027.
Simultaneously, the airport is preparing to fully modernize its security equipment.
"We plan to upgrade our systems by acquiring the latest generation scanners. When passengers go through security, they will only need to place their luggage on the conveyor; they won't have to remove laptops, chargers, or bottles of water. This will significantly reduce the time each passenger spends at the security check," Spoială explained.
According to him, these investments are made possible by diversified income sources. In 2023, nearly 96% of the airport's revenue came from airport taxes, but now this figure has dropped to around 65%, with the remainder generated from new activities, as detailed by the director.
Data from the airport management shows a substantial increase in passenger traffic.
"The total passenger flow has increased by approximately 30%. At most, 30% of passengers are Ukrainian citizens. This growth is primarily driven by the expansion of our route network and the addition of more airlines," Spoială said.
For 2026, airport taxes will remain unchanged.
"I believe that in our region, we are the most cost-effective airport in terms of airport taxes, making us very attractive to airlines," concluded Sergiu Spoială.
"Eugen Doga" International Airport in Chișinău returned to state management in the spring of 2023. It is currently among the most efficient airports in Europe, serving between 1 and 10 million passengers annually.
