Romania’s aviation market is becoming increasingly decentralized as airlines expand direct international services from regional cities, responding to growing demand from travelers seeking to avoid connections through Bucharest.

Romanian carrier AnimaWings expects passenger traffic from regional airports to increase by around 40% during the 2026 summer season after reporting more than 50% growth in regional passenger volumes over the past year.

AnimaWings increase capacity outside the Capital

The airline has expanded its fleet with six new Airbus A220-300 aircraft during the past 18 months and now operates seven aircraft across two operational bases: Bucharest and Timișoara.

The additional capacity has enabled the carrier to increase direct services from regional airports, including routes linking Cluj-Napoca and Iași with destinations such as Istanbul, Athens, Thessaloniki and Olbia.

Beginning in July, the airline also plans to expand services to Vienna, Frankfurt, Rotterdam and Copenhagen, destinations serving both business travelers and Romania’s large diaspora communities.

Regional connectivity drives demand

Alongside scheduled services, AnimaWings is operating its largest-ever summer charter program from ten Romanian airports to holiday destinations in Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Spain.

According to the company, Greece remains the most popular leisure destination among passengers departing from regional airports, while demand continues to grow for Central and Western European cities with strong business and labor market links.

Domestic routes connecting Bucharest with Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara and Oradea also remain among the country’s busiest, supported by both corporate travel and international connections.