Romania is preparing to build a transformative new airport near Bucharest in what could become one of the most significant aviation infrastructure projects in Eastern Europe.
The development, now officially branded as Binghatti Aerocity, promises to reshape regional travel and logistics, particularly for travelers in northeastern Bulgaria and southeastern Romania.
What’s Being Built?
The proposed new international airport in the southern metropolitan area of Bucharest is moving forward with strong governmental backing and international collaboration, including design input from leading UK firm Scott Brownrigg.
It will be located next to the village of Adunații-Copăceni in Giurgiu County, 24 kilometers from central Bucharest and 43 kilometers from the Bulgarian border.
This ambitious project, initially aimed at alleviating capacity constraints at Henri Coandă International Airport (Otopeni) before potentially replacing it, promises to transform Romania and Eastern Europe’s connectivity and economic growth by developing an airport ultimately capable of handling up to 40 million passengers and 500,000 tonnes of cargo per annum.
A Three-Phase Development Strategy
Developed by a joint venture between Jetstream and Property Sud Invest, the plan is to construct the airport in three phases over the coming decades, opening with an initial capacity of 12-15 million passengers per annum and 100,000 tonnes of cargo in 2028.
The phased approach ensures the airport can grow organically with demand:
- Phase 1 (2028): 12-15 million passengers, 100,000 tonnes cargo
- Full capacity: Up to 40 million passengers, 500,000 tonnes cargo
The terminal area will be approximately 81,000 square meters, with a passenger apron accommodating 4,500 seats, plus hangars for passengers and ground handling equipment.
World-Class Design and International Partnership
The masterplan has been completed by two globally renowned firms: Surbana Jurong from Singapore and Scott Brownrigg from the United Kingdom. This collaboration underscores the project’s high standards and international credibility.
Project Director Dorin Catana stated: “Binghatti Aerocity will be positioned as the principal airport of Bucharest and of Romania, serving as the country’s new international gateway. We estimate that the construction permit will be obtained by mid-2026, with construction expected to take approximately two years. Accordingly, the targeted opening is around 2028, with subsequent expansion phases aligned with the projected future growth in passenger and cargo traffic”.
Massive Investment and Land Acquisition
To date, over 2,000 hectares of land have been secured for the airport, plus an additional 35 hectares for an associated port facility, with no major objections from key landowners.
Investment in the project has already surpassed €150 million, with a total projected commitment of €2.5 billion required to bring the full vision to life.
Beyond Aviation: A Multi-Use Development
Unlike traditional airports, Binghatti Aerocity is planned as a comprehensive aerotropolis – an airport-centered city. The commercial property development element would include:
- Up to 22,000 sqm of retail and food & beverage facilities
- Two hotels (3-star and 4-star) with approximately 16,000 sqm combined (240-300 rooms total)
- 40,000 sqm of offices, health-tech, and training facilities
- 18,000 sqm dedicated e-commerce and belly cargo module
- 30,000 sqm of office and administrative space
Dorin Catana emphasized: “The new Bucharest airport represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elevate Romania’s connectivity, innovation, and economic potential. It is not just an airport; it is a catalyst for sustainable growth and a new gateway for Romania”.
Critical Transport Infrastructure
To ensure seamless accessibility, critical transport infrastructure is being prioritized. The recently completed southern Bucharest Ring Road will be connected directly to the new airport, and there are bold plans for a monorail project, spearheaded by the Mayor of Sector 4, to link the site to central Bucharest.
Furthermore, the nearby main railway line is undergoing modernization, complemented by a refurbished adjacent station.
Airline Interest and Operational Commitment
Airlines including Wizz Air, Ryanair and Turkish Airlines, as well as international carriers such as Indigo and Scoot, have expressed strong interest in operating from the new facility.
This early airline commitment is crucial for the project’s success and demonstrates confidence in the airport’s strategic location and business model.
Regional Impact and Cross-Border Connectivity
One of the most significant impacts of Binghatti Aerocity will be improved cross-border connectivity. Its proximity to Bulgaria means that travelers from northern Bulgaria – particularly cities like Ruse – could choose this airport as a convenient alternative to flying from Sofia or Bucharest’s main international airport.
Ruse: The Biggest Winner
Ruse, often called the “Little Vienna” or “Vienna of the Balkans” because of its beautiful 19th and early 20th-century architecture, stands to benefit enormously. The city boasts stunning Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo buildings, elegant squares, and a rich cultural heritage – yet it has long suffered from poor international connectivity.
Currently, travelers to Ruse must either:
- Fly to Sofia (240 km away, 8+ hours by road)
- Fly to Bucharest Otopeni (70 km away, but requiring border crossing and transfers)
- Use limited bus connections
With Binghatti Aerocity just 43 km from Ruse, the city could finally attract the international tourism it deserves. A 45-minute drive to a major international airport could transform Ruse from an overlooked regional center into an accessible cultural destination.
Why This Airport Matters for Tourism and Business
For Tourists:
- Expanded Flight Options – The new airport could attract additional airlines and routes, offering more flexibility in traveling to Romania and neighboring countries
- Faster Access from Bulgaria – Bulgarian visitors, especially from northern cities, will enjoy dramatically reduced travel times to international connections
- Regional Hub Potential – The airport’s location makes it ideal for exploring both Romanian and Bulgarian attractions in a single trip
For Business:
- Cargo Hub Capability – With capacity for 500,000 tonnes of cargo at full development, the airport will strengthen economic links across Southeast Europe
- E-Commerce Infrastructure – The dedicated 18,000 sqm e-commerce module positions Romania as a logistics center for online retail
- Business Travel – Modern facilities and excellent connectivity will support growing trade relationships in the region
Addressing Otopeni’s Capacity Crisis
Henri Coandă Airport (Otopeni) is currently overwhelmed. Passenger traffic at Romanian airports reached 21 million passengers in 2023, an increase of 87.5% compared to 2021, yet still below the 2019 peak of 23 million passengers.
The existing Otopeni airport has seen no major expansion since 2008 and is operating beyond its design limits. Binghatti Aerocity addresses this critical infrastructure bottleneck.
Government and Political Support
The initiative has received full endorsement from the Romanian Government and is officially integrated into the country’s Strategic Development Plan, supported across political lines.
The project enjoys widespread support from relevant local authorities, including the host municipality, Giurgiu County Council, Bucharest General Municipality, and Sector 4 Municipality.
A Project Decades in the Making
“The idea for the project has been around since 1973. Together, we have taken the first step with French partners Setec, who have extensive experience in the study, design and construction of airports worldwide,” said Bucharest Sector 4 Mayor Daniel Baluta.
Timeline and Current Status
The feasibility study regarding the Bucharest-South Airport is underway and will most likely be completed by the end of 2026. The mayor previously indicated that the total execution period could extend up to 8 years.
Key Milestones:
- Mid-2026: Construction permit expected
- 2026-2028: Construction period (approximately 2 years)
- 2028: Targeted opening of Phase 1
- 2028-2035: Subsequent expansion phases
International Investment Confidence
Douglas C. Anderson of Wall Street Capital Partners declared: “This is more than an airport; it’s a gateway to Romania’s future prosperity.
With the expertise of UK-based Scott Brownrigg in our masterplan, we’re ensuring world-class design that will position Bucharest as a premier European hub”.
Challenges and Considerations
While the project enjoys strong support, several factors will determine its ultimate success:
- Competition with Otopeni – Managing the relationship between two major Bucharest airports
- Airline Commitment – Converting expressions of interest into firm operational agreements
- Infrastructure Delivery – Ensuring promised road, rail, and monorail connections are completed on schedule
- Funding – Securing the full €2.5 billion investment across all project phases
A New Gateway for Southeast Europe
Once operational, Binghatti Aerocity will complement – and potentially supersede – Bucharest’s existing aviation infrastructure.
More importantly, it will serve as a true regional airport, bridging Romania and Bulgaria in ways previously impossible.
For travelers, the implications are profound: easier access to underserved destinations, more competitive pricing through airline competition, and the opening of new tourism corridors across the lower Danube region.
For cities like Ruse, the airport represents a long-awaited opportunity to showcase their cultural treasures to international audiences.
For Romania, it’s a statement of ambition – positioning the country as a rising hub in European aviation and logistics.
As Eastern Europe continues its economic integration and development, infrastructure projects like Binghatti Aerocity become more than airports – they become catalysts for transformation, connecting people, cultures, and economies in ways that drive lasting prosperity.
The countdown to 2028 has begun.
Key Facts at a Glance:
Name: Binghatti Aerocity (Bucharest South Airport / Constantin Brâncuși Airport)
Location: Adunații-Copăceni, Giurgiu County, Romania
Distance from Bucharest: 24 km
Distance from Bulgarian border: 43 km
Initial Capacity (2028): 12-15 million passengers, 100,000 tonnes cargo
Ultimate Capacity: 40 million passengers, 500,000 tonnes cargo
Total Investment: €2.5 billion
Land Secured: 2,000+ hectares
Construction Permit: Expected mid-2026
Targeted Opening: 2028
Developers: Jetstream + Property Sud Invest
Master Planners: Surbana Jurong (Singapore) + Scott Brownrigg (UK)
Key Investor: Wall Street Capital Partners
/ Sources:
- Airport World Magazine
- Digital Journal / ACCESS Newswire (February 2026)
- BTA (Bulgarian Telegraph Agency) – May 2024
- Romania Insider (April 2025, May 2024, September 2023)
- EuropaProperty (December 2025)
- CAPA Centre for Aviation
- Wikipedia
- Profit.ro /
