Romania’s commercial aviation industry is centered around Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport, also known as OTP, which serves as a primary gateway to the Romanian capital. The airport, located in Otopeni, roughly 10 miles north of Bucharest, has evolved into a significant aviation hub featuring flights across Europe and the Middle East.
Wizz Air, a low-cost carrier, is among the airlines operating from this airport, marking OTP as its base. The airport’s development from its regional roots during the communist era to an international airport with long-haul connections began in the 2000s. Although transatlantic services have ceased, the airport supports budget and legacy carriers.
The facility stands as Romania’s largest and busiest international airport. It is one of Bucharest’s two airports, with Aurel Vlaicu Airport catering to private flights. “The airport was named after Romanian aviator Henri Coanda, a pioneer who built the Coanda-1910 model and discovered what has been referred to as the Coanda Effect of fluid dynamics.” It functions as headquarters for TAROM and bases for low-cost carriers such as Acinawings, HiSky, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.
Bucharest Airport hosts extensive facilities within one main building comprising separate areas known as “Terminals.” It has 104 check-in desks and 38 gates, 14 of which feature functional jet bridges. The airport links passengers to Bucharest efficiently via urban transportation, such as a rail service, Metro Line, and express bus service. Taxi and rideshare options are also available.
The airport witnessed significant growth, expanding from about 3 million passengers 20 years ago to over 16 million by 2024. Low-cost carriers entering the market in 2012 contributed to a 41% surge in passenger traffic. “A rapidly growing cargo market driven by e-commerce has also helped the airport grow.”
Henri Coanda International, initially established as a civil-military aviation center in the 1930s, has undergone various transformations. “By 1992, the airport underwent a series of major renovation efforts.” It once supported transatlantic flights, such as those by TAROM and Delta Air Lines, but now primarily facilitates flights within Europe and the Middle East.
