Beltsy Airport

Beltsy-Leadoveni International Airport, often simply referred to as Beltsy Airport, is the second-largest international airport in Moldova and the main aerial gateway to the country's northern region. Although it does not currently serve regular passenger flights, its modern infrastructure and strategic location make it a significant facility with great potential. For many travellers heading to the northern districts, it remains a key point on the region's aviation map.

Beltsy Airport. Source: Kupi.com AI

The main asset of Beltsy Airport is its modern runway, certified to international standards and capable of accommodating various aircraft types, including the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. This makes it attractive for the potential resumption of regular flights, including those by low-cost carriers. The airport is situated in a strategically advantageous location, providing convenient access to the entire northern part of Moldova. While the passenger terminal is not currently operating at full capacity, the infrastructure is maintained in working order, offering hope for the imminent revival of its role as a vital transport hub.

It is important to note that currently, the International Airport Beltsy-Leadoveni (BZY) does not serve regular passenger flights. For this reason, most standard contact channels for passengers are unavailable. Below is the current information regarding its location and the status of contact details.

• Official Website: At this moment, the airport does not have an active official website for passenger information.
• Help Desk Phone: There is no contact number for passengers, as regular air service is suspended.
• Airport Address: Republic of Moldova, Riscani District, Corlateni Commune, Aerodromului Street 1 (Strada Aerodromului 1, Corlăteni). The airport is located approximately 15 km from the city centre.
• Email: A public email address for general passenger inquiries is not available.
• Social Media: Official social media accounts for communicating with passengers are not maintained.
• Lost Luggage and Passenger Support: Since the airport does not accept regular flights, lost luggage and passenger support services do not function in the standard mode. If travelling on special or charter flights, all inquiries should be addressed directly to the air carrier.

Beltsy Airport is located approximately 15 km from the centre of Beltsy city, near the village of Corlateni. You can reach it in several ways, and the choice of the appropriate option will depend on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

The most convenient and fastest method is a taxi or pre-booked transfer. The journey from the city centre will take about 20-30 minutes. This is a particularly good choice if you are travelling with luggage or at night. The cost of a taxi ride is usually between 100–150 Moldovan Lei. It is recommended to use official services and agree on the price in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

A more budget-friendly but less predictable option is public transport. Direct city routes to the airport may run irregularly or be non-existent. Most often, one has to use suburban buses heading towards the villages located near the airport. Be prepared for the possibility of walking some distance from the bus stop. The fare will be minimal, though stating an exact amount is difficult as it depends on the specific route and carrier.

For those who value independence and plan to explore the region, car rental is the best solution. In Beltsy, both local and international rental companies operate. With a car, you will not only reach the airport in comfort but also be able to freely travel through the picturesque northern regions of Moldova. Parking is available within the airport territory.

It is important to remember that Beltsy Airport serves a limited number of flights. Therefore, many travellers use it as a starting point for further trips from larger neighbouring aviation hubs. The main alternatives are Iasi Airport (IAS) in Romania (about 74 km), the country's main airport Chisinau International Airport (RMO) (about 133 km), and Suceava Airport (SCV) in Romania (about 108 km). From these airports, Beltsy can be easily reached by intercity buses or a rented car.

Beltsy Airport (BZY) is a compact regional airport with infrastructure that is extremely simple and easy for travellers to navigate. It features one passenger terminal, which has historically serviced all flights.

Due to the airport's small size, its layout is very logical. All key areas — check-in, security screening, the waiting lounge, and baggage claim — are located in a single building and generally on one level. This completely eliminates the need for transfers between terminals or the use of shuttles. Navigation is intuitive, as all functional zones are within walking distance of each other.

The departure and arrival zones are in close proximity. Upon entering the terminal building, passengers immediately find themselves in the general hall where the check-in counters are located. After passing security control, travellers enter a small waiting lounge before boarding. The arrival zone is equally simple and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city.

Thanks to its compactness and low passenger traffic (when the airport is serving flights), completing all pre-flight formalities, such as check-in and security, takes a minimal amount of time. Typically, this takes no more than 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to arrive at the airport with the time buffer specified by your airline.

Navigating the terminal requires no special effort. The best advice is simply to follow the few available signs. Getting lost in the building is practically impossible, making Beltsy Airport convenient even for those travelling for the first time or with small children.

The history of the International Airport Beltsy-Leadoveni (BZY), the main air harbour of northern Moldova, began at the end of the Soviet era. The new, modern terminal complex was built to replace the old city airfield and opened in 1989. The project was ambitious: its mission was to provide direct links between the region and major cities and to accommodate modern jet aircraft, which was intended to be a powerful impulse for the development of the entire northern part of the country.

In the early years of operation, the airport functioned actively. Regular flights were operated from here to Moscow, Kyiv, Saint Petersburg, and other cities on Yak-42, Tu-134, and An-24 aircraft. However, following the dissolution of the USSR and subsequent economic changes, passenger traffic declined sharply. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, regular air service was suspended, and the airport shifted to a standby mode, servicing only rare charter and cargo flights.

One of the main achievements and key features of Beltsy Airport is its runway. Its length is 2,240 metres, which allows it to accommodate fairly large aircraft, including Il-76 cargo planes. At the time of construction, it was one of the most modern airports in the republic, and its infrastructural potential remains to this day, standing as an important asset for the economic development of the entire northern region.

An interesting fact: historically, there were two airports in Beltsy. The old one, located within the city limits, served local lines. The new one, with the code BZY, was built 15 kilometres from the city, near the village of Corlateni (formerly Leadoveni), and was originally conceived as an international hub. Today, the airport is used primarily for non-scheduled flights; however, plans for its modernization and the resumption of full-scale operations are periodically discussed, offering hope for its revival.

The Beltsy (BZY) Airport, also known as Beltsy-Leadoveni Airport, is a small regional airport in Moldova. Consequently, the range of services available to passengers is quite basic and focused on meeting essential needs before departure or upon arrival.

The airport infrastructure is minimal. There are typically no restaurants, cafes, or Duty-Free shops here, so passengers are advised to carry snacks and drinks with them. A general hall is provided for waiting for flights. Specialized VIP lounges are not available.

Modern amenities, such as public Wi-Fi or stationary charging stations for electronic devices, may not be available. It is recommended to carry a portable power bank. Banking services, including ATMs and currency exchange points, are not provided within the airport building. All financial matters are best settled in advance in the city of Beltsy.

Passengers with children and travellers with reduced mobility should contact their airline representatives in advance to clarify the possibility of special assistance. There are no specialized mother-and-child rooms or business centres at the airport. The nearest hotels and accommodation are located directly in the city of Beltsy.

When planning a trip through Beltsy Airport (BZY), passengers should take note of an important detail: there are absolutely no catering establishments within the terminal grounds. Unlike major international airports, you will not find cafes, restaurants, or even vending machines with drinks and snacks here. The airport's infrastructure is designed for basic passenger service, and options for purchasing food are not provided.

In light of this, we strongly recommend that you arrange your meals in advance. The optimal solution would be to dine at one of the numerous cafes or restaurants in the city of Beltsy before heading to the airport. This is also an excellent opportunity to experience the hospitable cuisine of Moldova and enjoy local dishes at a leisurely pace (we recommend checking for Halal options if required).

If you are travelling with children, following a specific diet, or simply prefer to have a snack on hand, the most reliable option is to bring food and drinks with you. This simple action will help you avoid inconvenience and spend your waiting time comfortably.

Travelling through Beltsy Airport has its own specific character, as this aviation hub is currently used primarily for charter flights, irregular transport, and small aviation. There is no dense schedule of departures typical of major capital hubs, so the atmosphere is calmer, and procedures are completed faster.

When planning your time, please note that for charter flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is quite sufficient to complete check-in and pre-flight screening in the small terminal without rushing. Since there is no regular schedule, it is important to adhere strictly to the time indicated on your ticket or travel voucher.

The check-in procedure takes place exclusively at the counters in the terminal building. Online check-in or self-service kiosks are generally not available here. Prepare your passports and printed tickets in advance, as electronic scanners may be absent. Seats on the plane are usually assigned by staff at check-in on a first-come, first-served basis.

Requirements for hand luggage comply with international safety standards. Liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml, as well as sharp and cutting objects, must be checked in as luggage. Take only essentials into the cabin: documents, valuables, gadgets, and external batteries. Given the nature of charters, baggage allowances may differ from regular lines, so verify the permissible weight with your tour operator in advance.

The airport is oriented towards direct point-to-point flights, so complex connections are unlikely here. If your journey involves a further transfer at another airport, consider that you will likely need to collect and re-register your luggage at the point of arrival.

At customs control, the general rules of the Republic of Moldova apply. Cash amounts exceeding 10,000 Euros (or equivalent) must be declared. Also, please pay attention to the regulations regarding the export of local beverages and tobacco products to ensure they comply with the rules of your destination country.

To save time and avoid unnecessary expenses, be sure to weigh your luggage at home. In small airports serving charters, surcharges for excess weight can be significant, and opportunities to repack items on-site may be limited. Arrive with suitcases already ready for drop-off.

In the event of a flight delay, information is usually relayed through airline representatives or the tour operator present at the airport, as well as via the public address system. Since the terminal infrastructure may be limited, during long waits, it is recommended to stay in contact with your trip organizer to clarify questions regarding the provision of meals and drinks.