Suceava “Ștefan cel Mare” International Airport (SCV/LRSV): Your Premier Gateway to Bukovina and the Northern Carpathians
Suceava International Airport, named after the legendary Moldavian Prince Ștefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great), stands as a crucial regional hub in Northeastern Romania. Positioned strategically to serve both business and leisure travelers, SCV is renowned as the primary entry point to the historical and cultural treasures of the Bukovina region, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Painted Monasteries.
General Airport Information
This section provides essential quick facts for travelers planning their journey through Romania’s dynamic northern region.
- Official Name: Suceava “Ștefan cel Mare” International Airport
- IATA/ICAO Codes: SCV / LRSV (LRSV is the official ICAO code, reflecting modern air traffic standards).
- Location: Salcea, approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) east of Suceava city center.
- Geographical Coordinates: 47° 41′ 15” N, 26° 21′ 14” E.
- Regional Significance: Known locally as “The Gateway to Bukovina,” the airport offers unparalleled access to major tourist attractions like the Voroneț Monastery, Suceava Citadel, and the scenic Carpathian foothills.
- Updated Passenger Traffic: Reflecting its rapid growth and modernization, the airport served an impressive 746,600 passengers in 2024, cementing its status as a vital international connection.
Modernization, Infrastructure, and Capacity
SCV Airport is a model for regional development, having been one of the first Romanian airports to successfully complete a comprehensive infrastructure modernization program utilizing European Union funds (€39 million).
- Runway Specifications: The airport boasts a modern, flexible runway measuring 2,460 meters in length and 45 meters in width, capable of handling most medium-haul commercial aircraft.
- Key Systems: Infrastructure enhancements include modernized taxiways, a rigid apron structure for efficient aircraft parking and maneuvering, and a sophisticated CAT II lighting system, enabling flight operations in reduced visibility conditions, enhancing safety and reliability.
- Terminal Efficiency: The airport operates a single, modernized terminal designed for efficient passenger flow and handling international traffic.
Airlines, Destinations, and Connectivity (Updated for 2025)
Suceava Airport has significantly expanded its route network, establishing itself as a key regional hub, particularly for low-cost carriers targeting the large diaspora population and tourists.
- Major Operating Airlines: Wizz Air, TAROM, and Animawings form the core of the airport’s scheduled services.
- Domestic Route: The essential link to the capital remains strong:
- Bucharest–Otopeni (OTP) (Operated by TAROM).
- International Routes & Expansion (2025 Focus): The airport’s total international offering exceeds 15 destinations. The highlight is the major expansion by Wizz Air, which is reopening its base at SCV with two allocated aircraft, driving significant route growth.
- Key International Destinations: London–Luton, Milan–Malpensa, and Rome–Fiumicino.
- New Wizz Air Routes (Launching from September/December 2025): The expanded network includes:
- Bergamo (BGY)
- Birmingham (BHX)
- Bologna (BLQ)
- Brussels Charleroi (CRL)
- Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden (FKB)
- Larnaca (LCA)
- Treviso (Venice) (TSF)
- Vienna (VIE) (Starting September 2025)
- Longest Non-Stop Route: The longest service is the flight to London, with an approximate duration of 3.5 hours.
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services
Designed for a streamlined travel experience, the airport offers essential services to ensure comfort and convenience.
- Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available throughout the terminal.
- Food & Beverage: A cafe/coffee shop is available for refreshments before or after flights.
- Accessibility: Comprehensive accessibility services are provided for disabled passengers, ensuring a smooth transition through the airport.
- Retail: (Enrichment) While a regional airport, essential travel retail and duty-free options are available in the international departure area.
- Car Rental: Major international car rental providers operate on-site for immediate onward travel into Bukovina and beyond. Companies include Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and Budget.
Ground Transportation and Accessibility
Getting to and from Suceava city center and the surrounding region is straightforward with several reliable options.
- Public Bus Service: An affordable and efficient way to reach the city center, the public bus service operates regularly.
- Duration: Approx. 20 minutes.
- Ticket Price: Around 5 RON.
- Taxi Services: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, offering a quick and direct connection.
- Duration: Approx. 15 minutes to Suceava city center.
- Cost: Typically between 30-40 RON.
- Road Network: The airport is well-connected to the national road infrastructure via the DN29 (which is part of the European route E58), linking Suceava with Botoșani and providing access to the wider region.
- Parking: Secure on-site parking is available for both short-term and long-term stays.
- Capacity: A total capacity of 240 parking spots.
- Daily Rate: The daily parking fee is approximately 20 RON.
Nearby Accommodation
For early morning flights or late-night arrivals, travelers have reliable lodging options close to the city center.
- Hotel Options: Recommended options nearby include Hotel Continental and Hotel Gloria.
Contact Information
For direct inquiries, flight status, and official airport information.
- Official Website: www.aeroportsuceava.ro
- Phone: +40 (0)230 529999
- Travel Note: (Contextual SEO/User Interest) Turkish citizens should note that they can typically stay in Romania visa-free for up to 90 days, making Suceava an accessible destination for short stays.