Despite a 55% drop in passenger traffic in 2023, BCM airport ended the year with promising forecasts, driven by the successful attraction of new air operators. By 2024, these efforts culminated in a turnaround, with approximately 560,000 passengers processed – breaking the airport’s previous record from 2022.
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This growth secured its position as the 6th busiest regional airport in Romania, with a network expansion from 12 to 15 routes by year’s end.
Like many regional airports, Bacău faced turbulent times in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The aviation industry’s challenges, compounded by rising costs from utility and labor increases, left the airport operating only two routes by early 2023 following the collapse of a major Romanian airline.
Recognizing the critical need for change, a new management team led by CEO Radu Bezniuc took swift action. Leveraging their expertise and strategic connections, they implemented targeted measures to restore connectivity, streamline operations, and create new revenue opportunities.
Strategic milestones
Restoring passenger traffic
Surpassing the 2022 benchmark of 556,000 passengers was a key goal, achieved through effective networking and strategic partnerships with airline operators.
Expanding the route network
Reconnecting Bacău with key destinations was paramount. While London Luton and Milan Malpensa were the only routes remaining in February 2023, the airport now serves 15 destinations, including major cities like Brussels, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Dublin, Bologna, and Turin. Notably, December 2024 saw the launch of two anticipated routes to Paris Beauvais and Dortmund. ACI’s Connectivity Report ranked Bacău Airport second among small airports, showcasing a 467% growth in connectivity.
Readiness for high-volume operations
The airport’s proximity to Ukraine require operational flexibility to handle surges in passenger movements. This capacity was put to the test during the Hasidic Pilgrimage to Uman, organized in collaboration with Israeli tour operators. Between September 25th and October 8th, over 20,000 passengers were processed across 115 charter flights.
Modernizing infrastructure and equipment
Continuous modernization remains a priority. In 2024, the airport upgraded its Instrument Landing System (ILS) to CAT II standards and introduced new AmbuLift equipment for passengers with reduced mobility. Future projects include a photovoltaic park for green energy and transitioning to electric equipment to cut CO2 emissions, ensuring the airport stays competitive and sustainable.
Passenger benefits – key goal
For airports, the key goal is to provide passengers with attractive and accessible connectivity, and this has been the focus at Bacau. “George Enescu” International Airport has looked to secure a healthy recovery, expanding the number of airlines from 1 to 3 and promoting competition on the most desired routes such as London Luton and Rome Fiumicino. This, in turn, provides better ticket prices and an array of timetables from which the passenger can choose. Furthermore, any capacity reduction operated by an airline, can be swiftly covered by a competitor that already has a foothold on the airport and has a name in the community.
About the airport
George Enescu International Airport is a small, yet important airport located in Bacau, in the center of Romania’s Moldova region. It is situated on the A7 highway that connects all major cities in the region with the country’s capital, Bucharest. It is within easy reach for most of the region’s citizens, with a catchment area estimated at roughly 36000 square km, with a population of 4.2 million.
Furthermore, Bacau is projected to become a logistical hub, as it is a juncture point with between the A7 highway and the projected A13 highway, that connects with Transylvania. Excellent rail road options are also available, and cargo operations are certainly a possibility in the near future.