Chișinău International Airport

Chișinău International Airport (RMO) is the main air gateway to Moldova, welcoming guests to the capital and opening the way to the heart of this hospitable country. Located just 13 km from the city centre, it is a modern and key transport hub, which since 18 January 2024 bears the new IATA code — RMO, symbolising the country's name (Republica Moldova). It is the only airport in Moldova operating scheduled passenger flights, and its infrastructure is constantly developing to meet growing passenger traffic and offer travellers a high level of comfort.

Chișinău Airport offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable journey. The terminal building houses Duty Free shops, various cafés and restaurants, a post office, ATMs, and currency exchange points. For the convenience of travellers, baggage wrapping services, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi are available. Passengers with children can use the mother and child room, and for those who value enhanced comfort, VIP and business lounges with personalised service are provided. You can get to the centre of Chișinău by trolleybus No. 30 or minibus No. 165, as well as by taxi or rental car.

Official website: www.airport.md

Information desk phone: +373 22 525 111

Airport address: Dacia Boulevard 80/3, Chișinău, MD-2026, Republic of Moldova

Email (Information): avia-info@airport.md

Social media: The airport maintains an active page on Facebook.

Lost & Found Information: Phone: +373 22 52-54-19; Email: lost.found@airport.md

Passenger Support Service: For general enquiries and support, it is recommended to contact the information desk via the main airport phone number.

Reaching Chișinău International Airport, located approximately 13 kilometres southeast of the capital of Moldova, is possible via several convenient methods. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public transport is the most economical option. Trolleybus No. 30 and minibus No. 165 run regularly from the centre of Chișinău to the airport. The trolleybus journey takes approximately 35-45 minutes and is the cheapest method. The minibus will get you there slightly faster, in about 25-35 minutes. This method is excellent for travellers without a large amount of luggage.

Taxi and transfer are the ideal choice for those who value speed and comfort. The journey from the city centre takes just 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. To ensure a fair price, it is recommended to use official taxi services or book a car via popular mobile apps. This is especially convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. A pre-booked transfer can be an even more reliable solution.

For maximum freedom of movement around the country, you can use car rental services. Many international and local rental companies offer their services both in the city and directly at the airport. If you arrive at the airport in a personal or rented car, parking is at your disposal. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking, allowing you to leave the vehicle for any required duration.

Chișinău International Airport (RMO) has one passenger terminal that serves all international and domestic flights. It is a modern and well-organised building, making navigation simple and intuitive for passengers. The absence of the need to move between different buildings significantly saves time and eliminates unnecessary stress before departure.

The terminal has a simple and logical two-level structure. The Ground floor is intended for arriving passengers. Located here are the passport control zone for arrivals, baggage claim belts, customs control, and the arrivals hall with exits to taxis and public transport. The Second floor is the departure zone. Passengers enter here upon arrival at the airport; check-in counters and baggage drop-off points are located here.

After passing check-in on the second floor, passengers proceed to pre-flight screening (security control) and passport control, after which they enter the "airside zone". In this area, travellers can find Duty Free shops, various cafés, waiting lounges, and boarding gates. Thanks to the terminal's compactness, the path from check-in counters to the gate takes little time, and all signs are in multiple languages and clearly visible.

To complete all formalities — check-in, baggage drop, and security control — it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-2.5 hours before departure. During peak hours or the holiday season, it is better to allow a little more time, around 3 hours. In general, procedures are organised efficiently, but an extra time buffer will allow you to pass all stages calmly, have a coffee, and visit the shops before boarding your flight.

The history of civil aviation in Chișinău began long before the appearance of the modern airport complex. The first scheduled passenger flights were launched back in 1926, connecting the city with other major centres. However, the airfield was located in a different place at that time. The modern history of the air harbour begins after the Second World War, when air traffic was moved to its current location.

A key stage in the airport's development was the construction of a new terminal, which was commissioned in 1974 and still serves as the foundation of the entire complex. Designed to handle significant passenger traffic, this building became an important transport hub for the entire region for many years. During the Soviet period, flights to numerous cities were operated from here, contributing to economic and cultural development.

After Moldova gained independence, the airport received the status of the country's main international hub. In 2000, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out, financed with the support of European banks. During this modernisation, the runway, apron, and, of course, the passenger terminal itself were updated, bringing it into compliance with international safety and comfort standards. This allowed for the attraction of new airlines and a significant expansion of the route map.

In subsequent years, the airport was repeatedly improved, and the terminal was expanded to increase capacity and passenger convenience. One of the most notable facts in recent history is the change of the international IATA code. For a long time, the airport was known under the code KIV (derived from the Soviet name of the city). However, in January 2024, it received a new code — RMO, which stands for Republica Moldova. This step symbolises a new chapter in the history of the country's main air gates.

Chișinău International Airport (RMO) offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable and pleasant journey. Before departure or while waiting for a connecting flight, you can find everything you need right in the terminal building.

For those feeling hungry, there are various cafés and restaurants where you can have a quick sandwich and coffee or a full meal. In the departure zone, there is a large Duty Free shop offering a wide selection of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, sweets, and Moldovan souvenirs. The terminal also features other shops with travel essentials and press.

For travellers preferring to wait for their flight in a quieter atmosphere, VIP and business lounges are open. They offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, fresh press, and work zones. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special stands and sockets are provided for charging electronic devices.

The airport features bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points, allowing you to easily solve financial matters upon arrival or before departure. Your safety and health are a priority, so a medical point operates here around the clock, ready to provide first aid. A cosy mother and child room is equipped for passengers with small children.

The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps, special restrooms, and an assistance service, which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline. If you need to stay overnight, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, easily accessible by taxi.

At Chișinău International Airport, travellers will find several options for a snack or a full meal. The main catering establishments are located both in the public zone, accessible to all visitors, and in the secure zone after passing passport control. Although the selection is not huge, it allows for a comfortable time while waiting for a flight.

Most cafés and lounges are concentrated in the departure zone (airside). Here you can find establishments offering sandwiches, salads, pastries, and desserts — an ideal option for a quick snack. If you have more time, you can settle in one of the cafés for a more substantial lunch, ordering hot European dishes. There are also lounges where you can relax with a beverage. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

While at the airport of the capital of Moldova, be sure to take the opportunity to get acquainted with local cuisine. Pay attention to plăcinte — traditional Moldovan pies with various fillings, for example, with cottage cheese, potato, or cherry. This is an excellent and filling snack. Additionally, in the lounges, it is worth trying famous local beverages — this is a wonderful way to start or end your journey through the country.

Prices in airport establishments are generally higher than in the city, which is standard practice. For travellers with special dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free dishes), the choice may be limited, so it is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff. Overall, finding a cup of good coffee, a hearty sandwich, or a glass of local beverage before departure will not be difficult.

To ensure your journey through Chișinău International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, use our tips. Planning ahead will help avoid unnecessary stress and save time.

Arrival time and check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport 2.5-3 hours before international flights. This time will be sufficient to calmly pass all procedures, especially during peak hours. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight in advance and save the boarding pass on your smartphone. If you are travelling only with hand luggage, this will allow you to proceed directly to security control.

Hand luggage and security control. Before leaving for the airport, ensure your hand luggage complies with the airline's regulations. Standard rules limit the carriage of liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in one transparent bag. Sharp objects are prohibited. At the screening, be prepared to remove all metal items from your pockets, as well as take out laptops and other large electronics from your bags.

Seat selection and transfers. If the airline allows, select a seat on the plane during online check-in. Window seats offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and quick access to the cabin. Passengers with a transfer in Chișinău should note that the airport is quite compact, making transit convenient. Check with the airline if you need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Customs control. Upon entering Moldova, you will encounter the "Green" and "Red" channel system. If you do not have goods to declare, proceed through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying goods exceeding duty-free limits (for example, beverages, tobacco products, or large amounts of cash), you must pass through the "Red Channel" and fill out a declaration.

Saving time and money. To avoid overpaying for a taxi, consider booking a transfer in advance or use public transport. There are cafés and shops in the airport building, but prices may be higher than in the city. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — it can be filled after passing security control.

In case of flight delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with beverages, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep receipts for unforeseen expenses — they may be needed to claim compensation.