George Enescu International Airport, located five kilometres south of Bacău’s city centre, serves as a key hub for Romania’s North-East, connecting passengers to nine destinations across Europe with airlines like Dan Air, Wizz Air, and Aeroitalia.
Handling over 559,000 passengers in 2024, the airport’s modern terminal, opened in 2018, provides a compact and functional environment for travellers. Its proximity to the city and practical amenities ensure a smooth journey for those exploring Romania or catching international flights.
Accessing the airport is straightforward, with reliable transport options linking to Bacău and nearby areas. Bus line 18 connects the airport to the city centre and Bacău Train Station in about 15 minutes for roughly €0.50, with tickets purchased from the driver, though services may be less frequent on weekends.
Taxis, available outside the terminal, reach the city in 10 minutes for €3 to €5, and ride-sharing apps like Bolt offer a convenient alternative. Drivers can access the airport via Strada Aeroportului off the E85, a 10- to 15-minute journey, though rush-hour traffic can cause minor delays. Car hire desks from Europcar and local providers are located in the arrivals hall, with vehicles parked nearby.
The single-terminal layout is easy to navigate, with check-in desks, security, and four boarding gates on one level, ensuring short walking distances.
Security screening, equipped with modern scanners, averages 10 to 15 minutes, but peak morning and evening periods can see longer queues, especially for flights requiring physical check-in, so arriving two hours early for international flights is advised. Check-in areas can feel cramped, and occasional technical issues, like computer crashes, may slow processes. Fog or adverse weather can lead to delays or diversions to nearby airports like Iași, so checking flight status via bacauairport.ro or Flightradar24 is recommended.
Dining and retail options are limited but sufficient for the airport’s size. Landside, a small café in the public area serves coffee, sandwiches, and snacks, while a Relay shop offers newspapers, souvenirs, and travel essentials. Airside, a duty-free shop stocks perfumes, spirits, and chocolates, alongside a small bar and vending machines for light refreshments. Passengers seeking more dining choices may need to eat in Bacău before arriving, as post-security options are minimal. The VIP lounge, available for rent, provides a quiet space with complimentary drinks and Wi-Fi, ideal for a relaxed pre-flight wait.
Facilities cater to basic passenger needs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, though connectivity can be inconsistent. Accessibility features include ramps, accessible toilets, and assistance services bookable through airlines for passengers with reduced mobility or hidden disabilities. A mother-and-child room is available airside, but seating in the departure lounge is limited, often standing-room only during peak times. ATMs and a currency exchange are located in the public area, and parking offers 300 spaces directly outside the terminal, with competitive rates when pre-booked online. No hotels are within walking distance, but Bacău’s city centre offers nearby accommodation.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with the airport’s small scale and focus on short-haul routes supporting consistent schedules. Recent upgrades, including ILS CAT II runway capabilities by May 2025, aim to reduce weather-related disruptions. However, technical issues or high passenger volumes can cause delays, particularly at check-in or baggage claim, which reviews note as occasionally slow. Connections are limited, as no domestic flights operate, but international transfers via hubs like London Luton or Rome Fiumicino have minimum connection times of 75 minutes, requiring extra time for self-transferring passengers to recheck baggage and clear customs.
Dan Air
Dan Air operates direct flights to Ireland (primarily Dublin) from Bacău Airport’s single terminal. As a low-cost carrier, check-in is efficient in the main departures hall. dedicated Dan Air counters (e.g., rows 1-4 in departures). Check-in opens 2 hours before; closes 40 minutes prior. Online check-in 72 hours to 12 hours before; bag drop for checked bags 90 minutes prior. Self-kiosks available. Gates assigned per schedule; for Dublin, often gate 2-3. Boarding 30 minutes before; gates close 10 minutes prior. Confirm via Dan Air app or screens.
