Moldova plans major upgrade of Chișinău International Airport - EXCLUSIVE
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Moldova has outlined ambitious plans to modernize airport infrastructure and strengthen the country’s role as a regional aviation and logistics center.
This was said by the source in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Moldova, in an exclusive interview with CE Report.
The Ministry emphasized that the rapid growth in passenger traffic has made it urgent to expand and upgrade Chișinău International Airport. A major reconstruction and expansion of the passenger terminal is currently in preparation.
An initial procurement process launched for the project was canceled on January 15, 2026, after a detailed technical evaluation and consultations with interested companies. Authorities identified the need for more precise design solutions, clearer specifications for materials and equipment, and finalization of engineering and operational details. Revised documentation is expected to be completed in early May 2026, followed by a new international tender.
In the short and medium term, the Ministry plans to increase passenger processing capacity, modernize operational flows, introduce digital and smart technologies, and enhance the overall comfort and quality of passenger services.
Alongside these efforts, the government is prioritizing the transformation of Mărculești Airport into a multimodal logistics hub integrated with a free economic zone. The project aims to combine air cargo operations with improved road connectivity and logistics infrastructure, creating a competitive platform for regional distribution.
To attract international investors, authorities are considering a range of measures, including fiscal and customs incentives within the free economic zone, public-private partnership mechanisms, simplified administrative procedures, and alignment with European Union standards in logistics and cargo services.
The Ministry also confirmed that work is underway on an integrated Master Plan for airport infrastructure in Moldova. The procurement process for the plan began on February 5, 2026, and is expected to be completed within 12 months.
The Master Plan will define medium- and long-term priorities, focusing on sustainable infrastructure development, increased passenger and cargo capacity, improved operational efficiency, and the integration of environmental and social standards. It is also intended to strengthen Moldova’s position as a regional aviation and logistics hub.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and close cooperation with international partners, including investors and financial institutions, throughout all stages of planning and implementation.
Photo: Wikipedia
This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman
