Chișinău Eugen Doga International Airport (KIV/LUKK): Moldova’s Rapidly Growing Aviation Gateway
Chișinău International Airport, officially known as Chișinău Eugen Doga International Airport (KIV/LUKK), is the primary and sole international air travel hub for the Republic of Moldova. Strategically located approximately 13 km from the capital’s city center, KIV has recently earned recognition as one of Europe’s fastest-growing airports in the “Medium” category (1-10 million passengers), a testament to its dramatic expansion.
The airport has experienced unprecedented growth, particularly in recent years. It successfully managed a record 4.14 million passengers in 2024, representing a substantial 46% increase compared to the previous year. This surge, fueled by an expanding route network and its pivotal role as a regional transit hub, positions the airport to ambitiously target 5 million passengers by the end of 2025.
Terminal and Passenger Services
The airport operates a modern single terminal facility designed to ensure efficiency and comfort for all travelers.
- Terminal Capacity and Expansion: Following significant modernization and a renewal project completed in 2023, the terminal now boasts an impressive annual handling capacity of 5.4 million passengers. Both arrivals and departures are streamlined and managed on the ground floor. The airport is actively pursuing a major expansion project, valued at over 700 million lei, to accommodate the continued record-breaking passenger traffic.
- General Amenities: Passengers benefit from a range of high-quality services, including free high-speed Wi-Fi access (“Chisinau Airport Wi-Fi”), an extensive duty-free shopping area, and diverse dining and beverage options, such as Green Cafe, Air Cafe, and the local LumenCraft brewery.
- Lounge Access: For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Senator VIP Lounge is available for a fee, offering up to 3 hours of quiet and comfort.
- Support Services: Essential facilities include major car rental desks (Hertz, Sixt, Avis, Europcar), comprehensive facilities for disabled access, a dedicated mother-and-child room, and a children’s play area. Baggage wrapping services are also available.
- Payment Options: For convenience, payments within the terminal can be made using both the local currency, Moldovan Leu (MDL), and the Euro (EUR).
- Lost Property: For inquiries regarding lost items, passengers should contact the designated office at +373 22 525 138.
Airlines and International Destinations
KIV serves as a crucial operational base for Moldovan carriers like FlyOne and HiSky, and has significantly expanded its network to include over 30 operating airlines and an impressive total of 66 non-stop destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Key Airlines: The main operators include Wizz Air Malta, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, and Eurowings.
- Top-Performing Routes (2025): Based on recent passenger traffic, the most popular routes include:
- Istanbul (IST & SAW)
- Antalya (AYT)
- London (LTN/STN)
- Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH)
- Warsaw (WAW)
- Network Expansion Highlights: The airport has strategically added numerous routes, enhancing connectivity to key economic and tourist hubs, including new services to major cities in Germany (Bremen, Dortmund, Cologne, Stuttgart), Spain (Alicante, Palma de Mallorca), and additional connections to major cities like Amsterdam, Dubai, and Rome.
Transportation and Access
Chișinău International Airport offers highly efficient and affordable transport links to the city center and surrounding areas.
- Public Transport:
- Trolleybus No. 30 and Minibus No. 165 provide direct, economical transport to the city center in approximately 35-45 minutes. A single ticket costs a nominal 6 MDL (around 0.30 EUR).
- Express Bus: A frequent express bus service runs to Dimitrie Cantemir Square, operating reliably between 07:00 and 19:00.
- Taxi Services: A taxi ride to the city center typically takes around 25 minutes. Reputable services like Hip or Yandex Taxi are recommended, with fares generally ranging from 100 to 200 MDL (approx. 5–12 EUR).
- Car Rental: Multiple international car rental agencies (Europcar, Sixt, Avis) have desks available in the terminal. Daily rental prices begin from approximately 500 MDL (25 EUR).
- Parking: A modern, multi-story car park provides secure 24/7 video surveillance. The first 30 minutes of parking are complimentary.
Cargo Operations and Visitor Information
- Cargo Volume: The airport’s freight operations are growing in line with passenger traffic, handling over 3,390 tons of cargo in 2024, reinforcing its role in regional logistics.
- Explore Moldova: KIV serves as the perfect starting point for discovering Moldova’s unique attractions, notably the world-renowned underground wine cellars of Cricova and Mileștii Mici, as well as the historical and archaeological complex of Orheiul Vechi.
Contact Information
- Address: Dacia Blvd 80/3, Chișinău, MD-2026, MOLDOVA
- Phone: +373 22 525 111
- Official Website: www.airport.md