In the first six months of 2025, almost half a million passengers (477,603) traveled domestically within Romania, according to data published by BoardingPass based on official INS statistics. This represents a +15.9% increase compared to the same period last year!
The busiest route was Bucharest – Cluj-Napoca, with over 176,000 passengers and 2,183 flights. It was followed by Bucharest – Timișoara (123,021 passengers) and Bucharest – Iași (83,307 passengers). Other notable domestic destinations include Oradea, with a spectacular 57% growth (58,105 passengers), as well as Suceava (21,889), Baia Mare (11,000), and Satu Mare (3,691).
The big news compared to previous years? TAROM is no longer the only carrier on domestic routes. In 2025, AnimaWings – a member of the Romanian Airline Companies Association Carpathia – entered the market, alongside HiSky with a few selected flights.
The real game changer, however, has been AnimaWings: the Romanian airline has raised the bar by introducing modern jet aircraft on domestic routes, more comfortable seating, business class, and competitive fares. In a market where alternatives were missing for years, the arrival of a Romanian airline offering standards comparable to those in Western Europe is a major step forward.
Today, all domestic routes are operated by Romanian carriers – TAROM, AnimaWings, and HiSky – proving that the local market is growing through its own strength, without reliance on foreign operators. And importantly, without low-cost solutions dominating the picture.
Challenges remain, though: Bucharest Otopeni Airport, the country’s main hub, is under pressure with ongoing construction works, limited infrastructure, baggage handling delays, and the perception that low-cost operators receive preferential treatment. All these issues risk affecting the passenger experience at a time when traffic is on the rise.
The conclusion is clear: domestic aviation in Romania is on an upward path. Airlines carrying the Romanian tricolor on their fuselage are delivering better services, and passengers are the first to benefit. Progress is visible both in numbers and in quality.
What can we expect from the second half of 2025? Continued growth, more flights to Oradea, Suceava, and Timișoara, but also a serious test for Otopeni’s ability to handle steadily increasing traffic.