Kogalniceanu Airport

Mikhail Kogălniceanu International Airport (CND) is the main air gateway leading to the famous resorts of the Black Sea coast of Romania. Located just 26 km from the bustling port city of Constanța, the airport bears the name of a prominent Romanian statesman. Opened for civil traffic in 1960, it has a rich history and today serves not only to welcome tourists but is also a key joint-base facility hosting a Romanian Air Force base. Its strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the picturesque Northern Dobruja region.

Despite its compact size, Kogalniceanu Airport provides passengers with everything necessary for a comfortable start or end to their journey. It is equipped with one passenger terminal, housing shops, including a Duty Free zone, as well as cafes and refreshment areas for relaxation before departure. With a runway length of 3500 meters, the airport is capable of handling various types of aircraft, including wide-body liners.

One of the key advantages of the airport is its convenient location. Regular transport connections to Constanța and popular resorts are provided by buses and taxi services, allowing travelers to reach their destination quickly and easily. The airport acts as an important tourism hub, opening access to the seaport of Constanța and the entire resort line of the Romanian Black Sea coast.

• Official Website: www.mk-airport.ro — here you will find flight schedules, news, and general information about services.
• Information Desk Phone: +40 241 255 100. Staff are ready to answer your questions about flights, services, and airport operations.
• Address: Strada Tudor Vladimirescu nr. 4, Mihail Kogălniceanu 907195, Romania.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the address office@mk-airport.ro.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official airport page on Facebook.
• Lost & Found: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative or the ground handling agent. Contacts can usually be found at the information desk in the arrivals hall.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance directly at the airport, please contact the information desk or call the helpline.

There are several ways to get to Mikhail Kogălniceanu International Airport, the main air hub on the coast of Romania. The airport is located approximately 25 km northwest of the center of Constanța, and the choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Buses and shared taxis run between the airport, Constanța bus station, and major resorts. The schedule is often coordinated with flight arrivals and departures, but intervals may be longer during the low season. A trip from the center of Constanța by bus will take about 45-60 minutes. There is no direct train or metro connection to the airport.

Taxi and Transfer is a faster and more convenient method. A taxi ride to the city center will take approximately 30-40 minutes, traffic permitting. You can use official taxis, with counters located in the arrivals terminal, or book a private transfer in advance. This option is especially convenient if you are traveling with family, large luggage, or arriving late at night.

Car Rental is an ideal choice for those planning to actively travel along the coast and explore the surroundings, such as the Danube Delta. Offices of several international and local rental companies operate at the airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the summer tourist season, to guarantee vehicle availability and secure a better price.

For travelers arriving in their own vehicle, parking is available on the airport grounds. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are available, allowing you to leave your car for the duration of your absence.

When planning your trip, it is also worth considering flights to other airports in the region. Sometimes more convenient or cheaper flight options are available via Varna Airport (Bulgaria), airports in Bucharest, or even Burgas Airport, from where you can reach Constanța by bus or rental car.

Mikhail Kogălniceanu Airport (CND) is characterized by a simple and clear structure. It operates one passenger terminal that handles all flights — both domestic and international. Thanks to its compact size, navigating it is very easy, which is especially convenient for tourists arriving in Constanța for the first time.

The terminal building is logically divided into zones. Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in a general hall with several check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers pass through security control and enter the departure zone with gates. The arrivals hall is located separately and leads directly to the baggage claim belt and the exit to the city. Since there is only one terminal, transitions between zones take minimal time and do not require the use of shuttles or trains.

Passing through pre-flight formalities at Constanța airport is usually quick. Outside of peak season, check-in and security screening may take no more than 30-40 minutes. However, during the summer months, when the airport receives a large number of charter flights to the resorts of Romania, queues are possible. It is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 2–2.5 hours before the departure of international flights to avoid rushing.

To navigate the airport, simply follow the standard signs in Romanian and English. All key points — from check-in counters to boarding gates and baggage claim areas — are within a few minutes' walk of each other. There are no complex maps or long walkways here, making Kogalniceanu Airport one of the simplest and most passenger-friendly in the region.

The history of Mikhail Kogălniceanu International Airport (CND), located near the city of Constanța, is closely linked to the development of the entire Black Sea coast of Romania. Its story began in 1955, when a military airbase was built on this site. During the first years of its existence, the facility was used exclusively for military purposes, serving as an important strategic point for the Romanian Air Force.

The turning point came in 1960, when the decision was made to open the airport for civil traffic. This step was dictated by the growing popularity of Romanian resorts. To meet the new status, the first passenger terminal was built and put into operation in 1968. From that moment on, the airport became the main air gateway for thousands of tourists arriving for summer vacations by the Black Sea.

Throughout its history, Kogalniceanu Airport has maintained its unique dual status as both a civil and military facility. This feature played an important role in its development. In various years, joint exercises were held here and allied Air Force units were stationed, which contributed to the modernization of the infrastructure. However, the main focus has always remained on serving passenger flows, especially during the summer season.

In the 2000s, the airport underwent several waves of reconstruction and modernization aimed at increasing its capacity and meeting international safety standards. The runway, navigation equipment, and passenger terminal were updated. These improvements allowed for the reception of larger aircraft and the servicing of more flights, strengthening its position as an important transport hub in Southeastern Europe.

One interesting fact from the airport's history is that its name is a tribute to Mihail Kogălniceanu, a prominent 19th-century Romanian statesman, historian, and publicist who played a key role in the unification of the Romanian principalities. Today, the airport continues to fulfill its dual mission, being simultaneously an important element of the country's transport system and a strategic facility.

Kogalniceanu Airport, serving Constanța and the Black Sea coast of Romania, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal offers a basic set of amenities so that your journey begins and ends without unnecessary hassle.

While waiting for departure, you can have a snack at a cafe or refreshment area serving appetizers, sandwiches, and drinks. For those wishing to shop, several stores are open, including Duty-Free, where you can purchase perfumes, beverages, tobacco products, and Romanian souvenirs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, as well as outlets for charging electronic devices.

To handle financial matters, ATMs are installed at the airport and a currency exchange office operates, which is convenient for arriving tourists. In case of necessity, passengers can seek medical assistance at the first aid station located in the terminal building.

For travelers preferring enhanced comfort, a VIP service is available, including a separate waiting area. Families with small children can use the mother and child room. The airport is also fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility: special assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking, and the terminal infrastructure is adapted to their needs.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options for every taste and budget can be found in the immediate vicinity and in Constanța itself, which is about 25 km away. Specialized conference halls or business centers are not provided at the airport, but such services are easily found in major hotels in the city.

Kogalniceanu Airport (CND) is a compact regional airport, so the choice of establishments here is focused on the basic needs of passengers. Nevertheless, you will be able to find places to have a snack and drink coffee before departure. All options are located in the single passenger terminal.

In the public zone (landside), before passing pre-flight control, a small cafe usually operates. This is a convenient place for those who arrived at the airport early, as well as for those meeting and seeing off passengers. After passing security control, in the sterile departure zone (airside), another bar or snack point is generally available where you can comfortably wait for boarding.

The assortment of food is mostly standard: sandwiches, pastries, chips, and other snacks. Drinks offered include coffee, tea, juices, water, and various beverages. Sometimes elements of local cuisine can be found on the menu, for example, traditional Romanian pastries, but one should not count on a full-service restaurant with national dishes. For a substantial meal, it is better to eat in Constanța before traveling to the airport.

Specialized options, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes, are practically not represented here. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. The price range in airport establishments is higher than average compared to city cafes, which is common practice.

The opening hours of cafes and refreshment areas depend directly on the flight schedule and may be irregular, especially during the low tourist season. Coffee and a croissant are ideal for a quick snack, and if you are looking for something more filling, your choice will likely be a ready-made sandwich. Overall, the dining system at Kogalniceanu Airport allows you to comfortably pass the time before flying out of Romania.

To ensure your journey through Kogalniceanu Airport (CND), serving the resort city of Constanța, goes smoothly and without stress, take advantage of our tips. These recommendations will help you save time, money, and nerves, making the start and end of your vacation in Romania as comfortable as possible.

Airport Arrival Time. Kogalniceanu Airport is not very large, but it can be crowded during peak season. We recommend arriving 2 hours before domestic or Schengen flights and 3 hours before international flights outside the Schengen zone. This time will be enough to calmly go through all procedures without rushing.

Check-in and Security Control. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight on your airline's website. If traveling only with hand luggage, you can go straight to security control. Prepare liquids in advance: all containers up to 100 ml must be packed in one transparent bag.

Seat Selection. If the airline offers seat selection during check-in, consider your preferences. Window seats offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, especially if you are flying over the Black Sea coast. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight.

Hand Luggage. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml each, with a total volume of up to 1 liter per passenger. Electronics, such as laptops and power banks, are usually carried in hand luggage. Be sure to check your airline's rules, as they may differ slightly.

Transfer Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance if you need to collect your luggage and re-register it. Also, check visa requirements if your next flight is to a country outside the EU/Schengen zone. The airport has basic amenities to pass the time between flights.

Customs Control. When entering Romania from a non-EU country, you will need to pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, use the "green channel". If you are carrying goods whose value or quantity exceeds the established limits, pass through the "red channel".

Saving Time and Money. Book a taxi or transfer from the airport online in advance — this is often cheaper than taking a car on the spot. Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security control to avoid spending money on drinks.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, stay calm. Contact your airline representative at the airport to find out about the flight status and your rights. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation in accordance with EU rules (Regulation EC 261/2004).