The Chisinau International Airport was officially transferred back under state management as from March 28. President Maia Sandu said the return of the airport is the result of the fight against corruption and an important result, IPN reports.

“It is a proof of the fact that things can be done properly, evidently when everyone obeys the law, including those from the judicial system, and when the corruption fighting institutions are fully committed,” President Sandu said when being asked by journalists.

“This action should encourage us to go on so as to do justice and to punish the abuses and acts of corruption that were committed,” noted the official.

The operations and management of the Chisinau International Airport were transferred to the concessionaire Avia Invest in November 2013, under a private-public partnership model. Avia Invest undertook to manage the airport during 49 years and to invest €250 million in the modernization of the airport. But the company was accused of not fulfilling its obligations and of not respecting the investment plan and the concession contract was therefore terminated.

Last November, the Chisinau Appeals Court decided that the Chisinau International Airport will return under state management. On March 28, 2023, the procedures for transmitting the Airport that was managed by SRL Avia Invest were completed.