Satu Mare International Airport

Satu Mare International Airport (SUJ) is the air gateway in northwestern Romania, serving the city of the same name and its surrounding areas. Being one of the oldest airports in the country, it was founded back in 1936 and boasts a rich history. Having received international status in 1996, today it represents a compact and convenient transport hub for travellers heading to this picturesque region. The airport is located 14 km south of the city centre of Satu Mare, making it easily accessible for tourists.

Despite its modest size, Satu Mare Airport offers passengers the necessary facilities for a comfortable wait for their flight. The single terminal features free Wi-Fi, a café, and an ATM. Although there is no direct public transport connection to the city, getting to or from the airport is possible via taxi or rental car, which takes very little time. Due to its compactness, the airport is distinguished by a fast and convenient check-in and security control procedure, which is an undoubted advantage for travellers who value their time.

If you need to contact representatives of Satu Mare International Airport (SUJ), you may use the following contact details:

• Official website: current information on flights, services, and regulations is available at www.aeroportulsatumare.ro.
• Information desk phone: for general information and enquiries, call +40 261 768 580.
• Airport address: Șoseaua Satu Mare – Zalău, km 9.5, 440230, Satu Mare, Romania.
• Email: for written enquiries, please use the address office@aeroportulsatumare.ro.
• Social media: you can follow news and updates on the airport's official Facebook page.
• Lost & Found information: for issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the specialized service at +40 735 203 145 or via email at lostfound@aeroportulsatumare.ro.
• Passenger support contacts: for passenger assistance and resolving operational issues, you may use the main airport information desk phone number.

Getting to Satu Mare International Airport (SUJ) from the city of Satu Mare is quite simple, as it is located just 14 kilometres southeast of the centre. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods. On average, the trip from the city centre takes about 20-25 minutes, but it is always worth allowing extra time in case of traffic.

Public transport is the most economical option. Although there is no direct express train to the airport, it can be reached by city buses operated by the local transport company. The fare is very affordable and usually costs just a few Romanian Lei (RON), making this method ideal for budget travellers. It is recommended to check the current schedule and route number on the carrier's official website in advance, as they may change.

For greater comfort and speed, you can use a taxi or book a transfer. A car can be found at designated stands in the city, called by phone, or via popular mobile apps. A taxi ride will cost more than the bus, approximately 40-60 RON (about 8-12 EUR), but you will reach the terminal quickly and without transfers. A pre-booked transfer is an ideal solution if you are travelling with a lot of luggage, with family, or arriving/departing at night.

Car rental provides maximum freedom of movement not only around the city but also throughout the picturesque region of Romania. Many rental companies have offices both in the city and at the airport, allowing you to easily pick up a car in one place and return it in another. This is especially convenient if you plan to visit neighbouring cities, for example, Baia Mare. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented car, parking is provided. There are both short-term and long-term parking spaces located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal.

Satu Mare International Airport (SUJ) is a compact and modern regional airport, the main feature of which is its simplicity. There is only one passenger terminal operating here, making navigation intuitively clear and fast. The terminal serves both domestic and international flights, saving travellers the need to search for the right building or move between terminals.

The airport layout is extremely logical. All key zones — check-in, security, departures, and arrivals — are located in one building on one level. Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in the general area with check-in counters. Immediately behind them is the security control point, leading to a small but comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrivals area is organized just as simply: passengers enter the baggage claim hall and exit into the city almost immediately. Transitions between zones take mere minutes.

Thanks to its small size and lack of large crowds, completing pre-flight procedures at Satu Mare airport is very quick. On average, check-in and security screening take no more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to drop off luggage without rushing, pass through control, and enjoy a cup of coffee before the flight.

The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs. There are few of them, but they clearly lead along the passenger route. Getting lost here is practically impossible, making this airport an excellent starting point for a journey through the northern part of Romania. You will be able to start your holiday without the stress that often accompanies navigation in major aviation hubs.

The history of Satu Mare International Airport (SUJ) begins in the 1930s, making it one of the oldest airports in Romania. The official opening of the air hub took place in 1938. Initially, it was focused on domestic transport and quickly gained importance as a key transport facility in the northwest of the country, largely due to its strategic location near the borders with Hungary and Ukraine.

An important stage in the airport's development was the 1970s. Between 1973 and 1975, a new concrete runway was built. This technical improvement allowed the airport to receive larger and heavier aircraft of that time, which significantly expanded its operational capabilities and strengthened its position in the national aviation system.

A turning point came in the 1990s when the airport was granted international status. One of the most memorable events in its history was the first transatlantic charter flight to New York, operated in 1998. This flight became a symbol of a new era for the airport and demonstrated its ability to serve long-haul routes.

The most large-scale modernization in the history of Satu Mare Airport was completed in the 2020s. During this ambitious project, a completely new passenger terminal was built, the runway was extended and renovated, and advanced navigation equipment was installed. These transformations turned the airport into a modern air gateway, fully meeting European standards of comfort and safety, and prepared it to receive growing passenger traffic.

Satu Mare International Airport (SUJ) is a compact regional airport in the north of Romania, offering passengers all essential services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find a café where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or enjoy soft drinks. There is also a small shop selling newspapers, souvenirs, and travel essentials, as well as a Duty-Free area.

A general waiting lounge is equipped for passengers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. Power outlets are provided for charging electronic devices, although their number may be limited. There are no specialized VIP lounges at the airport.

Regarding financial services, an ATM for cash withdrawal is installed in the terminal building. The currency exchange point may operate on a limited schedule, so it is recommended to check its opening hours or arrange currency exchange in advance. If necessary, passengers can contact the medical point for first aid.

The airport provides services for passengers with special needs. For people with reduced mobility, special assistance is available during check-in, security control, and boarding. Families with small children can use the mother and child room to care for their little ones in a quiet environment.

There are no hotels on the airport territory itself. The nearest hotels and apartments are located in the city of Satu Mare, which can be quickly reached by taxi. Specialized conference halls or business centres are not provided at the airport, as it is primarily focused on serving passenger flights.

When planning a snack or lunch at Satu Mare International Airport (SUJ), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, so the choice of establishments here is quite modest. Nevertheless, you will be able to find basic options to satisfy your hunger and have a coffee before departure.

The main food outlet is located in the public area (landside), before security control. Typically, this is a small café offering a standard range of services. Here you can order hot and cold drinks, including coffee, tea, and juices, as well as purchase light snacks: sandwiches, pastries, chips, and chocolate. This is a convenient option for a quick bite if you arrived at the airport early.

For those looking for something more substantial, the choice will be very limited. There are no full-service restaurants with hot meals at the airport. If you wish to try local Romanian cuisine, it is better to do so at one of the restaurants in the city of Satu Mare before travelling to the airport. Passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, or those requiring Halal options) are strongly advised to bring food with them, as specialized options are unlikely to be found at the airport.

After passing security control (airside) in the departure zone, a small kiosk with beverages and packaged snacks may be operating, but its assortment and opening hours depend on the flight schedule. Prices at the airport are standard for such places — slightly higher than in the city. Overall, Satu Mare Airport offers a sufficient minimum for a comfortable wait for a flight, but for gastronomic experiences, it is worth heading to the city itself.

Travelling through Satu Mare International Airport can be comfortable and fast if you know a few nuances. Although it is a small regional airport, it is better to arrive in advance to avoid rushing. We recommend being on-site at least 2 hours before departure for an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic one. This time will be enough to calmly go through all procedures, even if unforeseen queues arise.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which is offered by almost all airlines. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop (if you have any) or to the security checkpoint. The security control procedure here is standard: be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquid containers (up to 100 ml each, in a transparent bag) from your hand luggage. Due to the low passenger traffic, screening usually takes less time than in major hubs.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. A seat by the window will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing. A seat by the aisle ensures freedom of movement, which is convenient on longer flights. If a quick exit from the plane upon arrival is important to you, choose seats in the front part of the cabin. Families with children are often offered the front rows, where there may be more space.

Pay close attention to packing your hand luggage. Standard rules prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml (total volume must not exceed 1 litre), as well as sharp objects, flammable substances, and weapons. Before your trip, be sure to check your airline's current requirements regarding the dimensions and weight of hand luggage to avoid extra charges at the airport.

If you have a connecting flight, check at registration in Satu Mare whether your luggage will be transferred automatically to the final destination. Keep your baggage receipt. At the transit airport, immediately find information on the board about your next flight and the gate number. Ensure you have enough time for the transfer, especially if additional security or passport control is required.

Customs control when departing from Romania to EU countries is usually a formality. When entering or departing outside the European Union, standard "green" and "red" channel rules apply. If you are not carrying goods subject to declaration, feel free to go through the green channel. If you have large sums of cash or valuable goods requiring declaration, contact customs officers.

To save money and time, book flight tickets in advance and consider parking your car in the airport's long-term parking lot if necessary. Take an empty water bottle with you to fill it after passing security, and a light snack. Keep documents (passport, boarding pass) close at hand so as not to waste time searching for them.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information. Passengers departing from EU airports are protected by regulation EU261, which provides the right to receive drinks, meals, and in case of long delays — hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for necessary expenses to claim compensation later.