Cluj airport reaches new passenger records: growing demand for mobility and transport services in Transylvania

“Avram Iancu” International Airport in Cluj-Napoca continued to consolidate its position as one of the busiest regional airports in Romania. In 2024, it exceeded the threshold of 3 million passengers, and estimates for 2025 indicate constant growth, fueled by the expansion of air routes and the accelerated economic development of Cluj County.

Against the background of this pace, the pressure on the urban and regional mobility infrastructure has become increasingly visible, and the need for alternative transport solutions is emerging as a topic of interest for authorities and private operators.

Growth above the national average

Official data shows that the airport in Cluj registers one of the highest percentage increases in air traffic in the country, surpassing large airports such as Iasi or Timișoara. The constant expansion of routes, the presence of more and more airlines and the diversity of destinations attract a significant flow of passengers, both Romanian and foreign.

Cultural events, festivals, sports competitions, but also the accelerated development of the IT sector directly contribute to the increase in the number of visitors. More and more tourists use Cluj as a starting point to explore Transylvanian sights, such as the Turda Salt Mine, the Turzii Gorge or the Apuseni mountain areas.

Public transport, under pressure

Accelerated air traffic growth is also putting pressure on local transport systems. During peak times, the buses connecting the airport to the city are often crowded, and the availability of taxis or ridesharing services becomes limited, especially during the night or early morning.

For passengers coming for short periods, these difficulties are felt immediately, especially for those who need to quickly reach meetings, in the industrial parks in the area or in the localities near Cluj-Napoca.

As a result, many travelers prefer to look for alternative mobility solutions that offer them predictability and flexibility.

Increasing demand for individual mobility services

Local mobility operators confirm that the increased flow of passengers has led to a considerably higher demand for car rental services. Tourists who want to visit the region at their own pace, but also those who come for business purposes, increasingly opt for a vehicle available immediately after landing.

Representatives of some local companies, such as Pont Rent a Carnotes that demand peaks are strongly correlated with periods when the city hosts major events or when the number of international flights is high. “We see significant increases during festival periods, holidays and long weekends. Many travelers choose to rent a car immediately after landing to save time and avoid the crowds,” they state.

Transylvania, increasingly attractive for visitors

Tourism associations in the region report a notable increase in foreign tourists' interest in Transylvania. The diversity of natural objectives, the development of road infrastructure and the accessibility offered by Cluj airport are among the factors that contribute to this trend.

More and more airlines include Cluj on their list of new destinations, which strengthens the city's role as an important regional hub.

Expansion plans for the airport

Local authorities have announced a number of major projects for the next period:

• building a new passenger terminal
• expansion of the aircraft parking platform
• optimization of arrival and departure flows
• expansion of access areas and parking spaces

These investments will directly influence the mobility and transport market in the county, generating a necessary framework for managing an increasing volume of passengers.

Conclusion

Cluj continues to attract more and more tourists, businessmen and occasional visitors. In the absence of rapid public transport solutions adapted to accelerated growth, alternative services — such as individual mobility or flexible transport solutions — become essential to the urban and regional mobility ecosystem.

Article sponsored by Pont Rent a Car