Craiova Airport

Craiova Airport is not merely a transit hub, but the main aerial gateway to the mysterious and picturesque Oltenia region in southern Romania. This compact aviation hub combines the cosiness of a small air harbour with the ambitions of a modern international port, offering travellers a relaxed start to their journey without unnecessary bustle. Thanks to recent modernisation programmes, it has become a symbol of the city's dynamic development, connecting the region's historical heritage with key European capitals. Your introduction to Romanian hospitality begins here, literally a few steps from the aircraft steps.

Craiova Airport possesses a range of advantages that make it a convenient choice for tourists and business travellers:

• Ideal Location: The airport is located just 7 kilometres from the city centre. The journey by taxi or bus (route No. 9) takes minimal time, allowing you to quickly reach your hotel or business meeting.
• Service Speed: Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, check-in and security procedures here are much faster and calmer than in congested capital hubs.
• Modern Infrastructure: In recent years, the airport has been actively updated. The expansion of terminals and improvement of the runway have significantly increased passenger comfort and capacity.
• Strategic Importance: It is an ideal entry point for travels across the south-west of the country, including trips to the famous monasteries of Oltenia or the region's industrial centres.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Craiova International Airport (CRA). We recommend checking the validity of the data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: www.aeroportcraiova.ro
• Information Desk Phone: +40 251 416 860
• Airport Address: Strada Calea București 325A, Ghercești 207280, Romania
• Email: office@aeroportcraiova.ro
• Social Media: The airport maintains an active page on Facebook, where you can follow news and updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, please contact your airline representative directly or the ground handling service at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general enquiries, you can contact the main phone line (+40 251 416 860) or email (office@aeroportcraiova.ro).

Craiova Airport (CRA) is conveniently located just 7 kilometres east of the city centre of Craiova, so getting to it is effortless. The most economical way is to use public transport. Bus route No. 9, operated by RAT Craiova, directly connects the city centre with the airport. The trip usually takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic. Tickets can be purchased at special kiosks at bus stops, and their cost is very reasonable. This is an excellent choice for budget travellers.

For those who value comfort and speed, the ideal option would be a taxi or transfer. A car ride from the city centre to the airport will take only 15-20 minutes. In Craiova, popular ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt operate, offering fixed and transparent fares. You can also use the services of official taxi companies, but it is recommended to clarify the cost in advance. For maximum convenience, especially if you are travelling with family or large luggage, you can pre-book a private transfer that will meet you directly at your hotel.

If you plan to explore the picturesque Oltenia region or other corners of Romania, a good solution would be car rental. Offices of several international and local rental agencies are located right at Craiova Airport. The airport is easily accessible by car via the DN65 (E574) highway. For those arriving in their own or rented car, the airport grounds feature convenient parking with zones for short-term and long-term stays.

Although Craiova Airport is the most convenient for visiting the city, some travellers consider larger airports in neighbouring cities as alternatives. These include Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest or Sofia Airport in Bulgaria, which offer a greater number of international flights. However, it is worth considering that the journey from these airports to Craiova by bus or train will take several hours, making a direct flight to Craiova a significantly more convenient option.

Craiova Airport (CRA) represents a modern and compact aviation hub, the structure of which is intuitively understandable even for those visiting for the first time. Its main advantage is the simplicity and speed of passenger service, which makes travel less stressful compared to large international hubs.

Number of terminals and their purpose. Craiova Airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This is a single building where all necessary zones are conveniently combined: check-in, security control, departures, and arrivals. Thanks to this organisation, passengers do not need to worry about transfers between terminals — everything is within walking distance.

Airport map and navigation. The terminal layout is very simple. On the ground floor, there are check-in counters, the arrivals area with baggage reclaim belts and customs control, as well as a general hall with airline offices, car rental desks, and small cafes. After completing check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the security check and passport control leading to the departures hall are located.

Departure and Arrival Zones. The Departures Zone is located after the security checkpoints. It is a clean and bright space with several boarding gates. There is a small Duty-Free shop, a cafe, and a sufficient number of seats for waiting for the flight. Since the airport is small, the walk from the security area to the furthest gate takes just a few minutes.

The Arrivals Zone is located on the ground floor and is separated from the main hall. After disembarking the aircraft, passengers on international flights go through passport control, then enter the baggage reclaim hall. After retrieving suitcases, they pass through customs inspection and exit into the general meeting area.

Processing times and recommendations. One of the main advantages of Craiova Airport is the rapid completion of all formalities. Check-in and baggage drop-off usually take no more than 20-30 minutes, and passing security control takes about 10-15 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport standardly 2 hours before the departure of international flights to avoid haste in case of simultaneous departures of several aircraft.

Navigation through the terminal is very simple thanks to clear signs in Romanian and English. Getting lost here is practically impossible. Simply follow the standard signs: "Plecări" (Departures) for those flying out and "Sosiri" (Arrivals) for those arriving.

The history of Craiova Airport (CRA) is a journey from a modest military airfield to the modern international gateway of the Oltenia region. Its origins lie in military aviation, and for many years it was used primarily for the needs of the Romanian Air Force. The first steps in civil aviation were taken significantly later, but they laid the foundation for future development.

A turning point in the airport's history was the large-scale modernisation that took place between 2012 and 2015. This project, largely financed by the European Union, radically changed the appearance and capabilities of the air harbour. As part of the reconstruction, the runway was extended and strengthened, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

A key achievement was the construction of a new passenger terminal, which was opened in 2015. The modern building, with a capacity of up to 600 passengers per hour, replaced the old one which no longer met the requirements of the time. The air traffic control system was updated, and modern navigation equipment was installed, enhancing flight safety and regularity.

Thanks to these transformations, Craiova Airport was able to attract major budget airlines, leading to an explosive growth in passenger traffic and a significant expansion of the route network. Today, it serves as an important transport hub connecting south-west Romania with dozens of cities across Europe and continues to play a key role in the economic and tourism development of the region.

Craiova International Airport (CRA) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-equipped. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises, and for those who need to charge gadgets, special stations and power outlets are provided in the waiting halls.

Before departure, you can have a snack or drink coffee in one of the cafes located in the terminal. For shopping enthusiasts, a Duty Free shop operates, offering a standard assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and sweets. Here you can also purchase traditional souvenirs from Romania as a memento of your trip.

There are no specialised conference rooms or business centres at the airport. However, for business travellers requiring a calm environment for work or a small meeting, the VIP Lounge is perfectly suitable. It is a quiet and cosy space where you can rest from the pre-flight bustle, enjoying comfortable seating, snacks, beverages, and fresh press.

In the airport building, you will find ATMs and a currency exchange point, which is particularly convenient for international tourists. In case of need, there is a medical point in the terminal ready to provide first aid.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. A mother and child room is equipped for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance when moving through the terminal, boarding, and disembarking from the aircraft. It is recommended to book this service in advance by contacting your airline.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, you will easily find many accommodation options in the city itself. The trip to the nearest hotels in Craiova usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes by taxi or bus.

Craiova Airport (CRA) is a compact regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited but quite sufficient for a snack before departure. If you are looking for a full gastronomic experience, it is better to dine at one of the restaurants in the city of Craiova; however, for a light breakfast or coffee with dessert, the local cafes are perfectly suitable.

The main food outlets are located in the airport's single terminal. Typically, one or two establishments are situated in the general area (landside), accessible to all visitors, and another small cafe or bar is in the departure zone after passing security control (airside). The menu usually features quick and convenient options: sandwiches, pastries, salads, crisps, and chocolate. Here you can also order hot and cold drinks — coffee, tea, juices, and water.

Although there are no specialised Romanian cuisine restaurants at the airport, you can sometimes find traditional pastries in the cafes, such as plăcintă (pies with various fillings) or covrigi (local pretzels). This is a great way to get acquainted with the cuisine of Romania if you didn't have time to do so in the city. Prices for food and drinks here are higher than in the city, which is standard practice for airports. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, so they are open to serve passengers of morning and evening departures.

It is important to note that options for passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes) are extremely limited or unavailable. If you follow a strict diet, it is recommended to bring food with you. A coffee with a croissant in any of the cafes is suitable for a quick snack, but for a more substantial meal, it is better to eat in the city beforehand.

To ensure your journey through Craiova Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these useful tips. Craiova Airport (CRA) is small and modern, which makes navigating it quite simple, but preparation is never redundant.

Arrival time at the airport. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of flights within Romania and to Schengen Area countries. For international flights outside Schengen, it is better to allow 2.5-3 hours. This will give you enough time to check in luggage, pass security control, and complete customs formalities without haste.

Check-in and Security. To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. If you are travelling only with hand luggage, this will allow you to head straight to security control. Be prepared to present your boarding pass and passport, as well as to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids in a transparent bag from your hand luggage.

Choosing a seat on the plane. If the airline allows you to select a seat in advance, consider your preferences. Window seats are ideal for those who love admiring views, especially during take-off and landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight. Seats at emergency exits usually offer more legroom but may have restrictions.

Hand luggage. Remember the general rules: all liquids (shampoos, perfumes, gels) must be in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances. Power banks can only be carried in hand luggage.

Transit passengers. Craiova Airport is not a major transfer hub, so transit procedures here are quite fast. Follow the "Connecting Flights" or "Transit" signs. If your luggage is checked through to the final destination, you will not need to collect it. Ensure you have enough 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, feel free to go through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying items subject to declaration (for example, large sums of cash or goods exceeding established limits), you need to choose the "Red Channel". For flights within the EU, customs control is usually absent.

Saving time and money. Book a transfer from the airport in advance or study the public transport schedule to avoid overpaying taxi drivers. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security control — this will save money on drinks. Light luggage will help avoid excess weight fees.

Flight delays. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter for information. Keep all receipts for food and drinks purchased during the wait. Remember that EU air passenger rights (Regulation EC 261/2004) apply, which may provide for compensation or hotel accommodation in case of lengthy delays.