Most regional airports recorded a slow economic recovery last year, though with a clear upward trend, while 3 out of the 13 regional airports experienced a dynamic economic recovery.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the transport sector was among the most severely affected; passenger numbers dropped dramatically in 2020 compared to 2019 due to the pandemic, a situation that persisted relatively in 2021, albeit with an increasing trend.
Furthermore, the Government provided significant budget aid to regional airports affected by the pandemic, and as a result, the number of employees was kept relatively constant.
Following an analysis of indicators regarding passenger numbers, domestic and international flights, investment value, and the gross result at the end of 2021, government authorities indicate that regional airports can be grouped into three categories.
Aeroporturi regionale unde a fost inregistrata o redresare economica dinamica: Cluj, Timisoara, lasi. Potrivit sursei citate, aceste aeroporturi si-au dovedit viabilitatea si eficienta economica. Cele 3 aeroporturi vor avea o dezvoltare cu sau fara sprijin guvernamental. Pe anumiti indicatori si-au revenit (au recuperat) si chiar au depasit nivelurile de dinainte de pandemie.
Regional airports where a dynamic economic recovery was recorded: Cluj, Timișoara, Iași. According to the cited source, these airports have proven their viability and economic efficiency. These 3 airports will develop with or without government support. On certain indicators, they have recovered and even exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
According to the authorities, it would be advisable for these airports to prioritize attracting structural funds offered by the European Union or other donors.
Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport ranks 1st among regional airports in Romania and 2nd in the overall ranking of Romanian airports, after the Bucharest National Airports Company, based on passenger numbers and the domestic and international flights operated.
At the end of 2021, Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport was named, for the first time in Romania, the best airport in Europe in the category of under 5 million passengers annually, during the 17th edition of the annual ACI Europe Awards Gala held in Geneva.
Regional airports with a slow economic recovery but a clear upward trend are: Sibiu, Craiova, Bacău, Suceava, Arad, Baia Mare, Oradea, Satu Mare, Târgu Mureș. The recovery trend at these airports is based on the improvement of all analyzed indicators.
Government officials indicate that these airports must supplement their own revenues by attracting structural funds offered by the European Union or other donors, as well as with support from public funds.
Delta Dunării Tulcea Airport records the lowest passenger traffic and has the fewest flights operated, both domestic and international. Consequently, government officials indicate that it is necessary to rethink the development strategy, in full accordance with county strategies impacting tourism.
However, Tulcea Airport is the airport with the highest potential for rapid growth given the extraordinary tourism potential in its operating area, namely the Danube Delta, according to authorities, who also believe that discussions with tourism operators, especially those who can bring foreign tourists, must be started urgently.
According to the Investment Program for the development of transport infrastructure for the period 2021-2030, the total financing requirement for the aviation sector amounts to EUR 2.794 billion.
Government officials maintain that the pandemic did not affect investment interest, so they will conduct individual analyses for each airport, with strategic proposals for improving and developing airport activity for each site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Romanian airports saw the fastest recovery in 2021?
Cluj, Timișoara, and Iași recorded dynamic economic recovery, even exceeding pre-pandemic levels on some indicators.
What recognition did Cluj International Airport receive?
It was named the best airport in Europe in the under 5 million passengers category at the 2021 ACI Europe Awards.
What is the total investment needed for Romania’s aviation sector by 2030?
The total financing requirement is estimated at EUR 2.794 billion according to the 2021-2030 investment program.