Romanian air‑traffic regulator ROMATSA faces possible suspension, prompting security contingency plans

A Court of Appeal in Bucharest ordered the suspension of ROMATSA’s certificate for one month after a group of air‑traffic controllers sued the regulator for alleged discriminatory hiring practices. The decision is not yet final, but the Supreme Court of Justice may uphold it.

The Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT), chaired by President Nicușor Dan, warned that a suspension would create a “major systemic vulnerability to national security”, jeopardising integrated air‑space surveillance and NATO tactical‑logistic missions on the Eastern flank. CSAT urged the government to prepare a backup from four pre‑identified solutions to ensure uninterrupted air‑navigation services.

President Dan stressed the need for “a plan B so we do not wake up one day without flights in Romania”. The Judicial Inspection has opened an ex‑officio review of the court ruling, citing its possible impact on up to 2,000 daily flights and on European air corridors. ROMATSA has said it will appeal the decision and that, until the ruling becomes definitive, its services continue to operate.