Romanian air traffic controller ROMATSA faces financial crisis amid Pfizer lawsuit

Romania's state‑run air navigation service ROMATSA is in a severe financial and operational crisis after Eurocontrol blocked the airline route‑usage fees that fund the agency. The block follows a lawsuit by Pfizer Romania seeking repayment of 3.42 billion lei in capital, interest and €18.5 million in collection costs. ROMATSA says its cash reserves will only cover a few weeks of operation. The company has filed an appeal with a Belgian court, which is expected to rule on July 28.

If the dispute is not resolved quickly, the Defence Ministry could assume control of the airspace management, as the interruption threatens the safety of NATO's eastern flank. Although air traffic services are currently operating normally and no flights have been affected, the situation is deemed unsustainable without a resolution.