Maia Sandu: "Modernizing Mărculești Airport will create jobs"
The modernization of Mărculești International Airport (AIM) will generate development opportunities and create new jobs for the entire northern region of the country. During a visit to Mărculești in the Florești district on Friday, August 1, president Maia Sandu announced that the airport will operate as a civilian facility.
"A few days ago, Parliament passed a law requiring Chisinau International Airport to invest in the modernization of Mărculești Airport. I spoke with the residents of the town and nearby villages and was pleased to see their support for this initiative. The modernization of the airport will create development opportunities and new jobs for the entire northern region of the country. In light of the inaccurate information that has emerged, I want to emphasize that this is a civilian airport", said the moldovan president.
Mărculești Airport already has a 2,500-meter runway that is internationally certified and capable of supporting the operation of large aircraft. With investments in airport infrastructure as well as safety and security systems, AIM has the potential to become a key logistics hub for the northern region of the country.
The president, during discussions with residents of Mărculești, noted that many ongoing projects across the country have support from development partners.
Plans are in place to modernize Mărculești Airport to accommodate both cargo and passenger flights. The Parliament has voted in the first reading on a draft law that outlines the development directions for airport infrastructure in the north of the country.
It is estimated that around 4.2 million euros will be needed to initiate passenger flights. The project includes transferring the management of Mărculești Airport to the State Enterprise "Chisinau International Airport," which would enable better coordination of investments and modernization efforts.
Located approximately 150 kilometers from Chisinau, Mărculești Airport has a runway with a higher load capacity than that of Chisinau International Airport, making it suitable for large aircraft operations. Currently, the airport's activities are limited to providing airfield services and leasing spaces and assets.
