The Russian company “Komaks”, which is the lessee of the Chisinau International Airport, presented the modernization and development project for the next 49 years. The investments will exceed €244 million, while the works will be carried out in three stages. The first modernization works will start next year.

In a news conference at IPN, “Komaks” vice president Tatiana Semionova said the potential of the Chisinau International Airport is much greater than initially thought and the lessee is ready to invest the announced sum. The investments will be made in three staged and in 2030 the airport will be able to serve about 4 million passengers annually. The €240 million will be invested by the end of 2030 and then the investments are expected to yield profit. At the first modernization stage in 2015-2016, there will be invested €45.1 million.

The works will center on the modernization of infrastructure and security of flights. There will be extended and modernized the launching pad that has been used for 26 years. This will enable larger planes flying on long routes to land in Chisinau. A part of the launch pad that is now nonfunctional will be fully reconstructed in accordance with the security standards. The drainage systems will be rehabilitated, while the parking capacity will be extended to 42 planes.

Also at the first stage, the quality of the terminal services will be improved. The terminal will be extended by another 6,000 square meters. It now serves 600 passengers an hour and is 11,000 square meters in area.

The second modernization stage covers the period until 2025, when the airport will be able to serve 3 million passengers annually. There will be built a terminal of 1,400 square meters for cargo planes. This will enable transporting about 12,000 tonnes of cargoes annually. A new terminal of 20,000 square meters and a new parking lot with 1,500 places will be constructed at this stage. The investments will total €115.2 million.

Tatiana Semionova said the works at the third stage between 2025 and 2030 will include the extension of the platform and construction of a new launching pad, works on the drainage and security systems. There will be built a roofed parking lot for cars and the platform for cargo planes.