The Romanian government has officially approved a strategic programme for the modernisation and development of Bucharest Băneasa – Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (AIBB-AV), paving the way for a decade-long transformation aimed at expanding capacity and aligning the airport with international aviation standards.
Published in a draft Government Decision and confirmed by Agerpres on June 20, the 2025–2035 master plan includes the construction of a new passenger terminal, significant infrastructure upgrades, and the reorganisation of existing facilities to improve operational efficiency.
At the core of the plan is an increase in the airport’s peak-hour processing capacity from the current 600 passengers to at least 800 passengers per hour. The enhanced capacity will be supported by:
Reconfiguring the current terminal
Building a new terminal to the east of the existing structure
To facilitate the expansion, the government is also evaluating the acquisition or expropriation of adjacent properties, if required.
Currently, Băneasa Airport handles traffic with a breakdown of 200 passengers for departures (160 non-Schengen, 40 Schengen) and 400 passengers for arrivals during peak hours. The future configuration aims to streamline and balance passenger flows, targeting 200 passengers per hour in each of the four key streams:
- Schengen departures
- Non-Schengen departures
- Schengen arrivals
- Non-Schengen arrivals
The modernisation strategy reflects broader efforts to revitalise Bucharest’s secondary airport, one of Europe’s oldest, and position it as a more prominent player in the capital’s air transport infrastructure alongside Henri Coandă International Airport (Otopeni).
Once a hub for business and charter flights, Băneasa Airport reopened for commercial traffic in 2022 after a long hiatus. The new investment programme is expected to bolster passenger experience, improve operational resilience, and support growing demand, particularly for low-cost and regional flights.
Final details on funding, timelines, and tender procedures for the construction projects are expected to be announced following the adoption of the final Government Decision.
