Moldova is a landlocked nation between Romania and Ukraine that showcases an extensive and rich historical and cultural legacy. Moldova maintains a network of airports that serve both domestic and international travelers, even though the network remains small in scale. These airports in Moldova act as connectivity centers which promote regional development and boost economic growth. The blog investigates Moldova’s principal airports by analysing their unique features as well as their historical development and current operational status.
Top 6 Airports In Moldova
There are 6 total airports in Moldova, catering to the international as well as domestic passengers:
1. Chișinău International Airport
Photos: Ralf Roletschek / Wikimedia Commons
Chișinău International Airport serves as Moldova’s main entry point to international destinations. This is one of the most popular airports in Moldova, serving as the foundation of Moldovan aviation since its opening while being approximately 13 kilometers southeast of Chișinău. The airport has received multiple upgrades throughout its history to comply with international standards while handling increasing passenger numbers. Its strategic position provides uninterrupted connectivity to important European locations which makes the airport a focal point for both business and leisure passengers.
Location: 13 km southeast of Chișinău city center
IATA Code: KIV
ICAO Code: LUKK
2. Bălți International Airport
Photos: Scero / Wikimedia Commons
Bălți International Airport functions as an important aviation center located near Bălți city in northern Moldova. Soviet authorities established this airport specifically to manage civilian and military aircraft operations. In its peak period the airport operated regular flights to major cities within the USSR which was essential for regional connectivity. After Moldova gained independence the airport experienced reduced operations because of economic difficulties together with the rise of Chișinău as the main international airport. The airport’s extensive infrastructure combined with its strategic placement positions it as an ideal choice for future capital development in Moldova’s aviation market.
Location: Near Bălți city
IATA Code: BZY
ICAO Code: LUBL
3. Cahul International Airport
Photos: Panhard / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The administration of Cahul International Airport planned to use its southern Moldovan location as a regional hub for boosting economic and cultural interactions. The airport was developed to strengthen transportation links between the southern areas by enabling both human travel and goods shipment. The airport has struggled through its history because of insufficient infrastructure and budget problems which caused regular operations to decrease. The airport stands as a symbol of potential although local authorities have shown recurring interest in its restoration despite facing various operational challenges.
Location: Near the Cahul city
IATA Code: Not assigned
ICAO Code: LUCH
4. Tiraspol Airport
Photos: Avia Tiraspol / Wikimedia Commons
Tiraspol Airport stands out as a distinct example within the Moldovan aviation landscape because it is situated in the Transnistrian region. The airport was built in the Soviet period with facilities designed for both civilian air travel and military operations. After the USSR dissolved and geopolitical conflicts emerged the airport operations decreased. The airport is not operational at present while its infrastructure continues to degrade over time. The uncertain political situation in Transnistria creates substantial obstacles for potential rehabilitation projects.
Location: Tiraspol, Transnistria
IATA Code: Not assigned
ICAO Code: LUTR
5. Edineț Airport
Photos: Ralf Roletschek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The original purpose of Edineț Airport in northern Moldova was to facilitate domestic flights and agricultural aviation operations. In the Soviet period Edineț Airport supported local connections through its role in facilitating economic operations like crop spraying and passenger transport on short routes. Following Moldova’s independence, the airport’s operations dropped substantially because of changed travel patterns and scarce infrastructure funding. The airport remains mostly inactive although local government officials sometimes consider redevelopment proposals.
Location: Near Edineț city, northern Moldova
IATA Code: Not assigned
ICAO Code: Not assigned
6. Soroca Airport
Photos: Ivan Shimko / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The main purpose behind the construction of Soroca Airport was to provide air services to the city of Soroca and its neighboring regions. Despite never being recognised as a major airport in Moldova throughout its history it served as an essential hub for domestic air travel when the Soviet Union existed. The airport concentrated on agricultural aviation and provided essential support to Moldova’s agricultural sector. The airport’s operations stopped as domestic air routes decreased and transportation shifted to roads and railways.
Location: Soroca, northern Moldova
IATA Code: Not assigned
ICAO Code: Not assigned
Chișinău International Airport serves as Moldova’s main aviation hub, while regional airports face limited operations. Though domestic flights are scarce, planned infrastructure investments aim to boost connectivity and economic growth. With strategic modernization, Moldova’s airports are set to become vital parts of the national transport network. Plan your trip with TripXL and explore Moldova today!
Cover Photos: Simiprof / Wikimedia Commons