George Enescu International Airport, Bacău (BCM/LRBC): The Rapidly Growing Gateway to Romania’s Moldavia Region
George Enescu International Airport (BCM/LRBC), officially named after the acclaimed Romanian composer George Enescu, is a pivotal regional airport strategically located in Bacău, northeastern Romania. Serving as a crucial air link for the entire Moldavia region, BCM has recently experienced a period of unprecedented growth, establishing itself as the 6th busiest regional airport in Romania. It is notable for sharing its facilities with the RoAF 95th Air Base and the aerospace company Aerostar.
Overview and General Information
As a vital economic and travel hub, BCM provides essential connectivity between the region and major European metropolitan areas.
| Detail | Information |
| Official Name | George Enescu International Airport |
| Location | Bacău, Romania |
| Coordinates | 46° 31′ 19” N, 26° 54′ 37” E |
| IATA/ICAO Codes | BCM / LRBC |
| Distance from City Center | Approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) |
| 2024 Traffic | A record-breaking 560,000 passengers processed |
| Runway | 16/34, 2,500 m (8,203 ft), Asphalt |
Regional Significance: The airport is the main access point for travelers looking to explore Bacău’s historical and cultural sites, as well as the famed churches and monasteries of the broader Moldavia area.
Modern Terminal and Facilities
BCM operates from a modern, compact terminal designed to handle the increasing passenger volume while ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience. The current passenger terminal was a result of a major modernization project and was opened in 2018, replacing the older structure.
- Terminal Structure: 1 compact, modern passenger terminal.
- Passenger Services: Free Wi-Fi access, duty-free shopping, a café/restaurant, comprehensive disabled access, and luggage services.
- Car Rental: Several international and local car rental providers, including Hertz and Avis, have on-site desks. Pre-booking online is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Accommodation: Convenient hotel options are available near the airport, such as Hotel Dumbrava and Hotel Decebal.
Airlines and Expanded Direct Flight Destinations
In a significant turnaround, the airport has rapidly expanded its network, now offering direct connections to over 15 major European cities. This route expansion was key to the airport’s record-breaking recovery in 2024.
- Primary Carriers: The airport is currently served by three main airlines:
- Wizz Air
- Dan Air (which has established a dedicated base at BCM)
- Aeroitalia
- Top & New Destinations: The route network offers strong connectivity, particularly to the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. Key destinations include:
- United Kingdom: London (LTN), Dublin (DUB)
- Italy: Rome (FCO), Milan (BGY/MXP), Turin (TRN), Bologna (BLQ)
- Spain: Barcelona (BCN), Madrid (MAD)
- New Routes: Recent additions include Paris (Beauvais) and Dortmund (DTM), significantly boosting Western European connectivity.
- Increased Frequency: The airport has seen increased operational frequencies on major routes, such as the Bacău-Rome Fiumicino (FCO) connection, which has seen an increase from two to four weekly flights by Aeroitalia during the peak season.
Ground Transportation and Parking
George Enescu International Airport provides quick and cost-effective travel options for reaching Bacău’s city center.
| Option | Travel Time (Approx.) | Typical Fare |
| Bus | 15 minutes | 5 RON (Romanian Leu) |
| Taxi | 10 minutes | 20 – 30 RON |
- Car Rental: Providers like Sixt and Enterprise also operate in the region, with easy pick-up access at the airport.
- Parking: Both short-term (ideal for drop-offs and pick-ups) and long-term parking options are available directly adjacent to the terminal, with a competitive daily parking rate of approximately 20 RON.
Future Developments and Strategic Vision
Bacau Airport is committed to continuous infrastructure modernization to ensure operational excellence and sustainable growth.
- ILS CAT II Upgrade: A major infrastructure upgrade is scheduled for completion by May 2025. This project will upgrade both runway directions to the Instrument Landing System (ILS) CAT II category. This critical enhancement will ensure greater operational continuity and significantly minimize flight disruptions due to adverse weather conditions, providing more reliability for airlines and passengers.
- Logistics Hub Ambition: The airport’s long-term strategic vision is to transform BCM into a key logistics and cargo hub for the North-Eastern region, leveraging the development of new national highway networks that connect the area from North to South and East to West.
- Sustainability Focus: BCM is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint by shifting ground handling services and terminal facilities toward green energy sources.
Contact Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date travel information, always consult the official airport website.
- Address: Str. Aeroportului nr. 1, 600324 Bacau, ROMANIA
- Phone: +40 (0)234 – 575362
- Official Website: www.bacauairport.ro