Imagine the roar of engines a century ago. They echo even now around Aurel Vlaicu International Airport. This isn’t just an airport. It’s a time capsule of aviation history.
Aurel Vlaicu International Airport stands as a testament to Romania’s pioneering spirit in flight. It is named after Aurel Vlaicu. He was a Romanian engineer, inventor, aeroplane constructor, and early pilot. For decades, this airport was Bucharest’s primary gateway to the world.
Let’s step back to 1909. Louis Blériot, a French aviation pioneer, made the first flights in the Băneasa area. He flew at the Băneasa Hippodrome. Just three years later, in 1912, George Valentin Bibescu opened one of Romania’s first flight schools here. That makes Aurel Vlaicu International Airport one of the five oldest continuously operating airports in the world. This is a record few airports can match.
In 1922, Aurel Vlaicu International Airport became home to CFRNA. It was the first aviation company in Romania. It was also one of the earliest in the world. CFRNA later became TAROM, the Romanian national airline. The airport played a pivotal role in connecting Romania to Europe. In 1923, CFRNA built aircraft maintenance facilities here. These facilities were the beginning of the Romaero aerospace company.
During World War II, both Romanian and German units used Aurel Vlaicu International Airport. It served as an aircraft repair hub. It also housed the headquarters of the Romanian White Squadron.
The current terminal building opened in 1952. It was designed in the late 1940s. Its design resembles an airplane propeller with three blades. At the time, it was considered an architectural marvel. It remains a protected historical monument to this day.
For many years Aurel Vlaicu International Airport was TAROM’s domestic hub. Otopeni Airport served international flights. In the early 2000s, TAROM moved all operations to Otopeni. That airport was later renamed Henri Coandă International Airport.
In 2004, Blue Air became the first low-cost airline to operate from here. Other low-cost carriers like Wizz Air and EasyJet followed. In 2007, the airport underwent extensive renovations. This included upgrades to commercial areas, restaurants, and the runway.
In March 2012, Aurel Vlaicu International Airport transitioned to a business airport. But in August 2022, after a decade of renovations, it reopened for commercial flights. The first scheduled flight after the reopening took place in April 2023. It flew to Antalya.
Today, Aurel Vlaicu International Airport welcomes airlines like Wizz Air. They operate routes to destinations like Abu Dhabi and London-Luton.
The Bucharest International Air Show is hosted here. It is the largest air show in Romania.
The airport’s history is rich. It has evolved from a pioneering flight school to a modern airport. It stands as a symbol of Bucharest’s connection to the world. As you leave, remember that you’ve walked through a place where aviation history was written.