The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure will launch, with the support of the World Bank Group through its investment division, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a preliminary analysis to evaluate the current situation and identify development options for Henri Coandă International Airport – Otopeni (AIHCB).
Authorities state in an official memorandum that Romania is one of the most important international air transport markets in the region, recording an average annual growth rate of approximately 8% between 2011 and 2019, thus surpassing the growth recorded by other mature markets in Western Europe.
Furthermore, authorities point out that while AIHCB has seen a significant increase in passenger numbers, the airport’s infrastructure and facilities have faced a series of challenges, particularly impacting the management of passenger flows during peak hours. At the same time, the quality level of services provided to passengers and airlines requires optimization, given that the last expansion of the existing AIHCB terminal took place in 2012. Additionally, runway 1 and the associated taxiways require major investments for modernization to become compliant with European Commission Regulation No. 139/2014 regarding minimum technical requirements for aerodrome operations.
Recently, Henri Coandă Bucharest International Airport announced that it has completed the modernization works on runway no. 2, with consultancy and execution works totaling approximately 127 million RON.
Taking into account both the increase in passenger traffic/aircraft movements recorded over the last 10 years and the medium and long-term growth estimates, the Strategic Development Program for airport infrastructure at AIHCB includes necessary investments to allow the airport to consolidate its already established position in the region and continue its development.
The Government is set to approve the conduct of a preliminary analysis to evaluate the current situation and identify development options for Henri Coandă Bucharest International Airport, which will be carried out by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, with the support of the World Bank Group, through the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
According to the ministry, the analysis will be funded by the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF), a body coordinated by the World Bank, with no financial implications for the Government of Romania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is conducting the analysis for Otopeni Airport’s development?
The analysis is being conducted by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure with support from the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation (IFC).
What are the main challenges currently facing Henri Coandă Airport?
The airport faces challenges in managing passenger flows during peak hours, outdated terminal facilities (last expanded in 2012), and the need for runway modernization to meet EU standards.
How is this preliminary study being funded?
The study is funded by the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF), a World Bank-coordinated body, at no cost to the Romanian Government.