Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport

Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport (CLJ) is not just the air gateway to Cluj-Napoca, but also the starting point for a journey through the famous Transylvania region in Romania. As the second busiest airport in the country, it represents a modern and dynamically developing transport hub. The airport is constantly being upgraded to meet growing passenger traffic and offer travellers a high level of comfort and service. Its convenient location and wide selection of destinations make it a key facility for tourists and business travellers in this part of Europe.

Cluj-Napoca Airport is renowned for its efficiency and well-thought-out infrastructure. Despite its compact size, it offers passengers all necessary services: from Duty Free shops and restaurants to comfortable lounges and car rental desks. One of its key features is its status as a hub for several airlines, ensuring a large number of direct flights across Europe. In 2023, the airport served over 3.2 million passengers, becoming the first regional airport in Romania to surpass this significant milestone. This highlights its vital role in the country's transport system and makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the cultural and historical heritage of Transylvania.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Avram Iancu International Airport in Cluj-Napoca. You can use these details to contact airport representatives regarding various enquiries.

• Official Website: All current information regarding flights, services, and regulations can be found on the official website www.airportcluj.ro.
• Information Desk Phone: For information by phone, you can call +40 264 307 500.
• Airport Address: Strada Traian Vuia nr. 149-151, Cluj-Napoca 400397, România.
• Email: For written enquiries, please use the address: office@airportcluj.ro.
• Social Media: It is convenient to follow airport news and updates on their official page on Facebook.
• Lost & Found Information: In case of lost luggage, it is recommended to first contact the Lost & Found service of the airline you flew with. Contact details for partner services are usually listed on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the information centre via the phone number listed above.

Getting to Avram Iancu International Airport (CLJ) from the city centre of Cluj-Napoca is quite simple, as it is located just 9 km to the east. Travellers have access to several convenient transport options suitable for any budget and preference.

Public Transport is the most economical method. Trolleybus No. 5 regularly runs to the airport, with a route passing through the city centre (from Mihai Viteazul Square). There is also the Express Bus A1 (sometimes numbered as 8), which connects the airport with the railway station. The trip by public transport takes approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. This is an excellent choice for those travelling light and wishing to save money.

Taxis and Transfers offer a faster and more comfortable way to reach the terminal. A trip by taxi or via ridesharing apps (such as Bolt or Uber) from the city centre will take about 20-25 minutes. This is an ideal option if you have a lot of luggage, are travelling with children, or simply value your time. The cost of the trip is reasonable, but it is recommended to check the fare in advance or ensure the meter is used.

For those planning to explore the picturesque surroundings of Transylvania, the best solution is car rental. Representatives of many international and local rental agencies operate at Cluj-Napoca airport. If you are arriving at the airport in your own car, parking with zones for short-term and long-term stays is at your service. Current rates can always be checked on the official airport website.

If you are planning a route through Romania, it is worth considering the availability of other airports in the region. Alternative arrival points could be the airports in Târgu Mureș or Sibiu, from where you can easily reach Cluj by bus or train.

The Cluj-Napoca International Airport has a simple and logical structure that allows passengers to orient themselves easily. It consists of two main, separate buildings: the Departures Terminal (Plecări) and the Arrivals Terminal (Sosiri). The buildings are located in close proximity to each other, making movement between them quick and requiring no additional transport — a short walk is sufficient.

The Departures Terminal is where your journey begins. Airline check-in counters and baggage drop-off points are located on the ground floor. After check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where they pass through security control and, if necessary, passport control for flights outside the Schengen area. In the "airside" zone after screening, there are waiting lounges, several cafes, Duty-Free shops, and boarding gates. Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, the path from the entrance to the gate takes little time.

The Arrivals Terminal serves all arriving passengers. After disembarking from the aircraft, you enter the passport control area (for international flights), then the baggage claim hall. Having collected your suitcases, you pass through the customs corridor (green or red) and exit into the general arrivals area. Here you will find car rental desks, ATMs, currency exchange points, and taxi offices. All navigation is intuitive and provided with clear signage.

Completing all formalities at Cluj airport usually does not take much time, but it is better to arrive with time to spare. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2–2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5–2 hours before domestic or Schengen flights. This time will be sufficient for a calm check-in, passing through security, and boarding the plane, especially during peak hours or the tourist season.

To navigate the airport, simply follow the signs: "Plecări" for departures and "Sosiri" for arrivals. Due to the fact that the airport is small and its structure is logical, it is practically impossible to get lost here. It is one of the most convenient regional airports in Romania for travellers who value their time and comfort.

The history of Avram Iancu International Airport in the city of Cluj-Napoca is a journey from a modest airfield to one of the key transport hubs of Romania. The airport was officially founded on 1 April 1932 and initially functioned as a military airbase. Just a year later, on 11 August 1933, it opened for civil transport as well, accepting the first passenger flight of the Romanian airline LARES on the Bucharest — Cluj-Napoca route.

The first significant stage of development occurred in 1939, when the construction of the first passenger terminal was completed. The post-war years were marked by restoration and the gradual expansion of infrastructure. In the 1960s, a concrete runway was built and extended, allowing the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the IL-18. Further modernisations in the 1970s included the installation of modern navigation equipment, which increased flight safety and regularity.

A true breakthrough in the airport's history occurred after the 1990s. In 1996, the airport received international status, opening new horizons for development. An important event was the construction of a new passenger terminal, which opened in 2009. This modern building significantly increased capacity and the level of comfort for passengers. In 2013, a new runway 2,100 metres long was put into operation, allowing for the reception of longer-range flights.

Among interesting facts — in 2004, the airport was named after Avram Iancu, a Transylvanian Romanian revolutionary and national hero. Today, Cluj-Napoca Airport is the second busiest in the country after Bucharest's Otopeni Airport, serving millions of passengers annually and acting as an important centre for budget and legacy airlines connecting Transylvania with all of Europe.

Cluj-Napoca International Airport offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is a modern and well-organised terminal where it is easy to orient yourself and find everything you might need on the road.

For those feeling hungry, there are several cafes and restaurants operating in the airport where you can have a quick sandwich and coffee or a full meal. In the departure zone, there are Duty Free shops offering a standard assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, tobacco products, and souvenirs.

Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the services of the business lounge. Here, in a quiet atmosphere, you can work, rest before your flight, and enjoy beverages and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and waiting lounges are equipped with power outlets and USB ports for charging electronic devices.

Financial matters can be resolved right in the airport building: ATMs and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of necessity, passengers can contact the medical point for first aid. For travellers with small children, special mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change your baby in privacy.

The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Ramps, lifts, specially equipped toilets, and the option to request personal assistance for accompaniment through the terminal and boarding are provided. Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity, which can be quickly reached by taxi. For business travellers, conference room rental is also available for meetings and events.

At Avram Iancu International Airport in Cluj-Napoca, passengers can find several convenient dining options located both before and after security control. The selection of establishments allows for both a quick snack before departure and a more substantial meal while waiting for a flight.

Most cafes and counters are concentrated in the departure zone (airside), accessible to passengers after passing through screening. Here you will find several establishments where you can order coffee, soft drinks, and other beverages, as well as fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. This is an ideal place to pass the time before boarding. In the public zone (landside), there are also cafes where you can meet with those seeing you off or have a cup of coffee upon arrival.

Although the airport does not specialise in fine dining, elements of Romanian gastronomy can be found here, for example, traditional pastries (patiserie). For a quick snack, sandwiches or salads are perfect. If you are looking for something more filling, pay attention to pizza or hot dishes offered by some establishments. Vegetarian options are generally available in the form of salads and pastries. The availability of special offers, such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options, is best checked on site, as the selection may be limited.

Prices at Cluj-Napoca airport are higher than the city average, which is standard practice for most airports. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: most open early in the morning and operate until the departure of the last plane, providing passengers with food and drinks throughout the day.

To ensure your journey through Cluj-Napoca airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these tips. The airport is not the largest, but it can get quite crowded during peak hours. It is recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This time will be enough to go through all formalities without rushing, even if queues arise.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by almost all airlines. This will allow you to head straight to the bag drop counter or, if you are travelling light, directly to security screening. Security control here is standard, but be prepared to remove laptops and liquids from your hand luggage in advance.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will offer you picturesque views of the Transylvanian hills upon departure or arrival, while an aisle seat will allow you to disembark faster after landing and gives more legroom.

Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard for most European airports. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Be sure to check your airline's regulations, as there may be additional weight and size restrictions.

If you have a transfer in Cluj-Napoca, check with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. The airport itself is quite compact, so navigating between gates will not take much time. Customs control for those arriving from non-EU countries follows the "Red" and "Green" channel system. If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the green channel.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at the drinking fountains after passing through security. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city. Also, booking a taxi in advance or studying public transport routes will help avoid unnecessary expenses upon arrival.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for meals or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and boarding passes — they may be needed to claim compensation.