Constanta Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport

Constanta Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport (CND) Guide: Your Hub for the Romanian Riviera

Discover the Gateway to Romania’s Black Sea Coast and the Future of Regional Aviation

Constanța International Airport, officially named Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport, serves as the primary air access point for Romania’s historic Dobruja region and its globally renowned Black Sea coastal resorts. Serving as a crucial link for both seasonal leisure travelers and regional business, CND is strategically situated near major tourist hotspots like Mamaia Beach, Eforie Nord, and the ancient city of Constanța. With a massive ongoing military-civil infrastructure project, CND is rapidly evolving into a pivotal dual-use hub in Southeastern Europe, blending efficient civil operations with its role as a key NATO facility.

General Information and Key Statistics

Constanța Airport (CND) provides essential connectivity, underpinning the region’s tourism and economic potential and facilitating travel to the thriving eastern Romanian market.

CND Terminal and Facilities

The airport is currently undergoing a significant transformation to modernize its facilities. Travelers can expect all necessary services within the existing structure while eagerly anticipating the new terminal’s opening.

• Terminal Structure: The airport currently operates with a single terminal designed for efficient, regional passenger flow, especially during peak holiday seasons.
• Essential Services: Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi access, a café/snack bar, duty-free options, and designated facilities for disabled access.
• Car Rental: Reputable international and local car rental agencies, including Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and Budget, operate service desks conveniently located within the terminal.
• Nearby Accommodation: For those requiring accommodation close to the airport or the city, options include major chains like Hotel Ibis Constanța and Hotel Oxford, providing convenience for early flights or late arrivals.

Airlines and Popular Destinations (Summer 2025 Focus)

CND primarily caters to the VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) and leisure travel markets, connecting the region to key Western European hubs, particularly during the peak summer season.

• Main Airlines: The primary carriers offering scheduled services include:
  • Wizz Air (Key low-cost European connector)
  • Ryanair (Expanding low-cost carrier presence)
  • TAROM (Romania’s national carrier, providing domestic and regional links)
• Key International Destinations: The airport connects Constanța to over 10 European cities. Popular year-round and seasonal routes include major destinations such as:
  • London (UK): Wizz Air has increased frequency to three times weekly in 2025, reflecting growing passenger demand.
  • Milan (Italy)
  • Rome (Italy)
  • Stuttgart (Germany)
  • Frankfurt (Germany)
  • Malaga (Spain)

Airport Developments and Infrastructure: The NATO Nexus

Constanța Airport is at the center of Romania’s most significant defense and infrastructure project, operating as a dual-use civilian and military facility adjacent to the RoAF 57th Air Base. This context makes CND a strategically vital location in the Black Sea region.

• New Civil Terminal: Construction on a major new passenger terminal is active and is one of the airport’s most anticipated civil developments. This expansion is designed to drastically optimize passenger flow, increase capacity, and modernize the travel experience. Completion is currently estimated for the end of April 2025.
• Control Tower and Parking: Further modernization includes the development and construction of a new control and parking tower, partially financed by substantial European Union funds.
• Largest NATO Airbase in Europe (MK Base): The adjacent military facility is undergoing a monumental, multi-billion Euro expansion (estimated at EUR 2.5 billion) to transform into the largest NATO airbase in Europe, potentially surpassing Ramstein Air Base in Germany by 2040. This project, which includes new military runways (with one set for completion in 2027) and extensive support infrastructure, significantly enhances the airport’s profile and strategic importance, securing its future as a critical logistics and security hub.

Ground Transportation Options

Seamless travel between the airport and the Romanian coast or Constanța city center is ensured by multiple transport links, making arrival and departure straightforward.

• Bus Services: A regular bus route connects the airport directly to Constanța city center. The journey typically takes about 30 minutes, with an affordable ticket price (approximately 10 RON).
• Taxi: Taxis offer a fast and convenient option. The ride to Constanța takes roughly 25 minutes, with fares generally ranging between 50-70 RON. Passengers are advised to use official taxi ranks located outside the terminal.
• Car Rental: Pre-booking a vehicle is recommended, with desks for key agencies like Sixt, Budget, Hertz, and Avis located inside the terminal.
• Parking: The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options directly accessible to the terminal. Daily rates are competitive, starting from approximately 20 RON.

Travel Notes and Key Information

• Booking Recommendation: Given that CND is a regional airport with highly seasonal routes, especially for the coastal tourism market, passengers are strongly advised to secure flight reservations well in advance, particularly during the summer peak to guarantee availability and the best fares.
• Visa Information for Turkish Citizens: Turkish citizens can travel to Romania for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period without requiring a visa, simplifying travel arrangements.

Contact Information