Romanian Airports See Summer Traffic Spike, Air Navigation Service Faces Funding Crisis

In July 2026 Suceava International Airport recorded a new monthly peak of 106,060 passengers, bringing its total to 604,480 travelers in the first seven months of the year and placing it sixth nationally in passenger and aircraft movements. County Council President Gheorghe Șoldan noted that the addition of new routes and ticket prices depend on airline decisions, not the airport administration.

Across the country, the summer travel surge has strained airport infrastructure. Romania logged a record 153,000 commercial flights worldwide in a single day, and May saw 2.57 million passengers at Romanian airports, a 10 % rise over the same period last year and more than 25 % above 2019 levels. At Bucharest's Henri Coandă International Airport (Otopeni), passengers reported long queues, delayed baggage and on‑ground traffic chaos.

Compounding the operational pressure, the national air navigation service provider Romața faces a financial crisis after its accounts were frozen in a dispute with Pfizer. The company warned that available funds may only cover a few weeks of operations, prompting government discussions on state aid or loans to ensure continued air traffic control services.