Iași International Airport, located 8 kilometres east of Iași’s city centre in Romania’s Moldavia region, serves as the country’s third-busiest airport, handling around 1.5 million passengers annually. As a hub for Wizz Air Malta and a base for TAROM, it connects to 26 destinations across 16 countries, including London, Milan, Vienna, and Dubai. Operated by the Iași County Council, this modern airport, with its recently expanded Terminal 4, offers a practical and welcoming experience for travellers exploring Romania’s cultural heart or transiting to Europe and beyond.
The passenger experience at Iași Airport is efficient, particularly since the opening of Terminal 4 in 2024, which handles domestic and Schengen flights with a capacity of 3.5 million passengers per year. Terminal 3 manages non-Schengen flights, while Terminal 1 serves administrative functions and Terminal 2 is slated for cargo conversion. Arrivals typically involve a short walk from the aircraft or a quick bus transfer, with clear signage in English, Romanian, and other languages guiding passengers to baggage claim or exits. Check-in, with 26 counters and self-service kiosks, is generally smooth, though some travellers report kiosks taking 10–15 seconds to load pages, causing minor delays during peak times.
Security screening requires liquids in a 1-litre bag and electronics removed, with wait times averaging 5–15 minutes but occasionally reaching 30 minutes during busy periods. Staff are friendly, and a free assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility, bookable 48 hours in advance, includes wheelchairs and priority lanes. The terminal’s clean, modern design and quiet atmosphere, with comfortable benches, make it suitable for short waits, though seating can be limited during summer peaks.
Accessing the airport is straightforward, thanks to its proximity to Iași and good transport links. The E583 road connects to the city centre in 15–20 minutes by car. CTP’s Route 50 bus links the airport to Union Square and Iași Railway Station in 20–25 minutes for €0.80, with departures aligned to flight schedules but limited after 10 pm.
Taxis, stationed outside Terminals 2 and 3, cost €8–€9 to the city centre, with services like Ibana Car offering pre-booked transfers including 23kg of luggage. Car hire desks from Autoboca, Autonom, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt are in the arrivals area, and a 1,000-space car park, starting at €2 per day, is within a two-minute walk. Traffic on the E583 during rush hours or roadworks can slow travel, so checking www.aeroport-iasi.ro for updates is advised.
The airport’s layout is compact, with Terminals 3 and 4 within walking distance of each other, connected by a short corridor. The 2,400-metre runway, operational since 2014, supports efficient operations, and 15 aircraft stands handle passenger and cargo flights. Check-in and departures are on the upper levels of Terminal 4, with arrivals and baggage claim on the ground floor. Digital flight displays provide real-time updates, but the absence of tannoy announcements means passengers must check monitors frequently. The walk between gates takes 5–10 minutes, and recent expansions have improved flow, though some retail spaces remain vacant as the terminal develops.
Delays are uncommon, with strong on-time performance, though average delays of 15–30 minutes can occur during peak summer and holiday seasons due to high passenger volumes or weather conditions like fog or snow. Travellers are advised to arrive two hours early for Schengen flights and three for non-Schengen to account for potential security or immigration queues, particularly for flights to Dubai or Tel Aviv.
Dining and retail options are limited but sufficient. Landside and airside cafes in Terminals 2 and 3 serve coffee, snacks, and Romanian pastries, open from 6 am. to 9 pm with vending machines available outside these hours. A duty-free shop and Relay kiosk offer souvenirs, books, and travel essentials, though prices may be higher than in Iași’s city centre. Options for special diets are minimal, so planning ahead is recommended. No pay-per-use lounges are available, but the terminal’s quiet atmosphere compensates.
Facilities meet essential needs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, requiring registration, though connectivity can be spotty. ATMs from local banks are present, but currency exchange is limited, so exchanging money in Iași is advised. Baby-changing rooms, accessible toilets, and ramps support passengers with disabilities, though bus accessibility may be limited. A first aid station, baggage storage (€3–€5 per hour), and a lost-and-found desk are available. The airport operates 24 hours but is quiet overnight, with nearby hotels like Pensiunea Alexia recommended for layovers.
Connections are minimal, as the airport focuses on point-to-point routes, with a 35-minute minimum connection time. Self-transfers require clearing security and immigration, taking up to an hour, so a two-hour buffer is advised for flights to Bucharest, Milan, or London. Weather, understaffing, or baggage handling issues can disrupt tight schedules, so checking flight status via www.flightradar24.com or www.airportia.com is recommended.
HiSky
HiSky’s direct flights to Ireland (Dublin) use Iași International Airport’s single terminal. HiSky check-in is in the main terminal, check-in hall (dynamic desks; self-service kiosks available). Bag drop opens 2 hours prior. Departures are most commonly from gates 1-10 (non-Schengen area; dynamic, shown on screens ~30-45 minutes before departure).Check-in is efficient for low-cost operations. Dedicated HiSky counters in departures (desks 1-5, assigned per schedule) Check-in opens 2 hours before; closes 40 minutes prior. Online 72 hours to 1 hour before; bag drop 90 minutes prior. Self-kiosks in hall.
Gates in main area (1-10 for international to Ireland). Gates announced 30 minutes before; boarding 20-30 minutes prior, closes 10 minutes before. Use screens or app for real-time.
Ryanair
Ryanair operates flights to Dublin, with schedules varying. Non-EU/EEA passengers may require visa checks at the airport. Ryanair check-in is in terminal 1, departures hall (dynamic desks; self-service kiosks available, usually using desks 1–5). Exact desk numbers are displayed on airport screens.
Bag drop opens 2 hours prior. Departures are most commonly from gates 1-10 (non-Schengen area; dynamic, announced ~30-40 minutes before departure).
Flights to Ireland (Dublin) typically depart from international gates (gates 1–3). Gates are assigned dynamically and shown on departure boards.
