The return of Chisinau International Airport to state management is an important item on the agenda of the Moldovan Government. Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Vadim Brînzan told a press conference today that he would try to negotiate the concession contract with the new owner, IPN reports.

The minister specifies that the return of the airport to the state administration is a very complex procedure, which can take years. "While the state will be involved in lawsuits over the reparation for the airport concession fraud, the new owners will continue to make money on the citizens' back, through the 9-euro fee paid by each passenger on departure," the minister said.

Vadim Brînzan maintains that the state does not have the legal leverage to influence the sale transaction of 95% of Avia Invest, the airport concessionaire, to NR Investments Ltd.

"We will try to renegotiate the contract with the representatives of NR Investments Ltd, so that the Civil Aviation Authority could receive a greater part of the 9 euros paid by passengers. Currently, the Aeronautical Authority receives 1.75 euros from the 9 euros”, Vadim Brînzan said.

The government also wants to renegotiate the investments that the new owner is obliged to make in the airport’s modernization.

Vadim Brânzan also mentioned that the concession of Chisinau airport was an abusive act of the former government to the detriment of the Republic of Moldova, and those who signed the contract on the part of the Moldovan government committed “high treason”.

NR Investments Ltd, a real estate investment firm, founded in 2007, confirmed the acquisition of 95% of Avia Invest company. The contract was ratified on August 19 by the representatives of Avia Invest and the sole beneficiary of NR Investments, Nat Rothschild.