The event marks an important milestone for the development of Romania’s regional airport infrastructure and for strengthening the air connectivity of the Oltenia region. According to the official invitation issued by Craiova International Airport “George Gogu Constantinescu”, a partner member of RACA, the inauguration will take place on Thursday, 18 December 2025, starting at 10:00, at the Arrivals Terminal, located at 325 A Calea București, in the city of Craiova.
Growing traffic and solid development prospects
The year 2025 has confirmed the positive evolution of Craiova International Airport. In November alone, 47,499 passengerswere recorded, representing an increase of 66% compared to the same period last year, reflecting both rising demand and the airport’s increasingly important role within the regional air transport network. For December, traffic forecasts indicate the continuation of high passenger volumes, with the new terminal prepared to offer passengers a modern, efficient experience aligned with current European standards.
A strategic infrastructure project
The new terminal is the result of a complex modernization project carried out over several years, which involved overcoming significant administrative challenges. The investment is part of a broader airport infrastructure development program, including numerous objectives and related works implemented across an extensive area. The terminal is designed to handle up to 2 million passengers annually, with clear growth prospects: approximately 1 million passengers in 2026 and reaching full capacity over the following decade.
The project stands out both for its functionality and for a modern, fluid architectural concept, designed to meet the specific requirements of airport passenger flows and to become a visual landmark for the city of Craiova. The airport serves a catchment area estimated at approximately 4.5 million inhabitants, including the counties of Oltenia, areas in southern Muntenia, as well as passengers from northern Bulgaria and north-eastern Serbia, contributing to the region’s openness to new economic and tourism opportunities.
ACAR welcomes the inauguration of the new passenger terminal and underlines that this investment plays an important role in enhancing Romania’s air connectivity, supporting Romanian airlines, fostering regional economic development, and attracting new operators and air routes.
Craiova International Airport, as a partner member of RACA, represents a relevant example of coherent development of air transport infrastructure and of effective cooperation between airports, air operators and public authorities.
The Romanian Airline Companies Association “Carpathia” (ACAR) congratulates the management of Craiova International Airport and all institutions involved for the completion of this strategic project and expresses its support for initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of civil aviation in Romania.