Iași International Airport (IAS): Your Gateway to Romania’s Cultural Heart
Iași International Airport (IAS/LRIA) stands as the primary and fastest-growing air travel hub for the historical Moldavia region of Romania. Seamlessly connecting this significant cultural and commercial center—Romania’s third-largest city—with the rest of Europe and the Middle East, Iași Airport has rapidly solidified its position as a vital strategic airport in Eastern Europe.
Key Facts and Unprecedented Passenger Growth
The airport’s strategic location and recent infrastructure expansion have fueled a massive surge in traveler numbers, making it one of the most dynamic airports in the country.
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Conveniently situated just 8 km (5 miles) from the Iași city center. |
| IATA/ICAO Codes | IAS / LRIA |
| 2024 Passenger Traffic | 2.19 million passengers (a significant milestone). |
| Capacity (Post-T4) | Increased to handle up to 3.5 million passengers annually. |
| Q1 2025 Performance | Handled 452,400 passengers, reflecting continued upward momentum. |
The impressive growth trajectory confirms the Moldavia region’s increasing demand for air travel and global connectivity.
Modern Terminal Infrastructure: The T4 Expansion
Iași International Airport operates a modern, multi-terminal structure, centered around its newest and most ambitious project, the T4 Terminal.
- Terminal 4 (T4): This new, state-of-the-art facility (approximately 35,000 sqm) is the primary terminal for international flights. It features modern amenities, including 20 check-in desks, 8 self-check-in systems, 7 boarding gates, and a dedicated VIP security filter, designed to enhance the passenger experience and handle the airport’s increased traffic capacity.
- Terminal 2 (T2): Historically used for domestic flights, the airport management has announced plans to convert this terminal into a dedicated Cargo terminal in the future, supporting regional trade and logistics.
- Terminal 1 (T1): Used primarily for General Aviation services.
Future Development: Beyond the terminal expansion, the airport is committed to sustainability, with plans underway to construct a second photovoltaic park to increase its energy independence.
Airlines and Direct Flight Network
IAS is a strategic base for low-cost carriers, offering direct connections to over 20 key European and international destinations.
- Dominant Carriers: Wizz Air is the largest operator, with a dedicated base of up to 5 aircraft, handling approximately 70% of the total traffic across 21 direct routes. TAROM and Ryanair are also major players.
- Wizz Air Milestone: Wizz Air celebrated carrying over 8 million passengers to and from Iași, underscoring its commitment to the region.
- Key Route Expansion (2025): The inauguration of a new twice-weekly direct service to Dubai (DXB) by flydubai is a game-changer, establishing Iași as the only airport in the Moldavia region with direct flights to the United Arab Emirates.
- Increased Frequencies (2025): Wizz Air has significantly increased the frequency of popular routes, including London (now four times weekly), Billund, Basel, Venice Treviso, and Milan Bergamo.
- Longest Route: The longest route is currently to London, with a flight time of approximately 3.5 hours.
Essential Passenger Facilities and Premium Services
Travelers passing through Iași International Airport can expect a high standard of modern amenities and dedicated services.
- General Facilities: Free high-speed Wi-Fi, extensive duty-free shopping areas, various restaurants and cafes, and full accessibility services for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Premium Lounges: The new T4 Terminal features a dedicated VIP Lounge and a Business Lounge, offering a tranquil retreat from the main terminal area. These lounges provide comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and priority access.
- VIP/Meet & Greet Services: Providers like Airssist offer a premium experience, including fast-track services, personal assistance through formalities (security, passport control), and private limousine transfer to and from the aircraft.
Airport Ground Transportation
Connectivity between Iași Airport and the city center is fast and efficient, offering several affordable options:
- Bus: The No. 50 Bus connects the airport directly to the city center (Union Square) in approximately 20 minutes. Tickets are highly affordable (around 5 RON).
- Taxi: A taxi ride to central Iași is quick, taking about 15 minutes, with typical fares ranging from 30-40 RON.
- Car Rental: Major international rental services, including Sixt and Budget, have counters available in the terminal.
- Parking: Both short-term and long-term parking facilities are available on-site, with rates starting from around 20 RON per day.
Discover Iași: Local Attractions and Traveler Information
The airport serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the rich history and culture of Iași.
- Local Attractions: Don’t miss the iconic Palace of Culture, an architectural marvel housing four museums, and the historic Golia Monastery, a testament to the region’s spiritual heritage.
- Visa Information: Travelers from many countries, including Turkish citizens, can benefit from the standard 90-day visa-free stay within a 180-day period in Romania, which is part of the European Union.
Contact Information:
- Address: Str. Aeroportului nr. 1, Iași, ROMANIA
- Telephone: +40 (0)232 271570
- Official Website: www.aeroport.ro