Introduction
In 2025, the Republic of Moldova is entering a new phase of aviation and trade development. Alongside the planned expansion of Chișinău Eugeniu Doga International Airport, the Moldovan Government has approved a strategic project to absorb and modernise Mărculești International Airport. This step aims to transform the northern Moldovan airport into a specialised cargo hub, strengthening the country’s logistics infrastructure and positioning Moldova as a competitive player in regional and international trade.
For UK businesses, this presents a timely opportunity. The expansion of Moldova’s aviation infrastructure will create new channels for exports, imports, and logistics services, while the broader economic transformation—driven by Moldova’s EU accession pathway and significant EU funding packages—opens the door to profitable partnerships.
This September, UK companies can witness these developments first-hand during the UK Business Led Mission to Moldova at Moldova Business Week 2025 (15–19 September).
Mărculești Airport: From Military Base to Trade Gateway
Mărculești International Airport has historically served as a military airport, with long runways suitable for heavy aircraft. Now, through a government-backed initiative led by the Public Property Agency (APP), it will be integrated with Chișinău International Airport under a unified administrative structure.
Key elements of the project include:
- Passenger and cargo terminal modernisation at both airports.
- Financial restructuring to eliminate losses at Mărculești.
- Launch of civil commercial flights from Mărculești by the end of 2025.
- Development of specialised cargo services, leveraging its strategic position.
- Job creation and regional growth in northern Moldova.
The aim is to create a resilient and modern airport system that can withstand market fluctuations while serving both domestic and international needs.
Strategic Cargo Advantage
One of the strongest arguments for Mărculești’s development is its cargo potential. With Ukraine currently unable to host commercial flights due to security concerns, and Bacău Airport in Romania being the nearest cargo hub (but located further south), Mărculești is perfectly positioned to become a regional cargo gateway.
Benefits for trade include:
- Geographical advantage: Northern Moldova is closer to Ukraine’s border and major European transport corridors.
- Cargo-friendly infrastructure: Long military-grade runways already in place.
- Lower congestion: Unlike Chișinău, Mărculești can focus primarily on freight.
- Complementary hub system: Joint management ensures seamless coordination between passenger and cargo services.
For UK businesses, this means easier logistics for exports and imports, especially in agri-food, automotive components, textiles, machinery, and pharmaceuticals.
Benefits for UK–Moldova Bilateral Trade
The modernisation of Mărculești will directly benefit UK–Moldova trade relations:
✅ Cheaper logistics – Alternative cargo routes reduce reliance on costly southern hubs.
✅ Faster delivery – Direct cargo flights from Moldova improve supply chain speed.
✅ New markets – Easier transport links allow UK exporters to reach not just Moldova but also neighbouring countries.
✅ Regional resilience – With Ukraine’s skies closed, Mărculești offers continuity for regional logistics.
UK logistics firms, freight forwarders, and exporters will find this development particularly relevant.
Benefits for International Trade
Mărculești’s expansion is not only about Moldova—it impacts regional trade across Eastern Europe:
- A new cargo hub for European and global supply chains.
- Diversification of routes amid geopolitical challenges.
- Boosted investor confidence thanks to state-backed infrastructure projects.
- Integration with EU aviation and customs standards as part of the accession process.
In essence, Mărculești is being positioned as a regional cargo anchor, complementing Chișinău’s role as the primary passenger hub.
Moldova’s Path to EU Membership
The Mărculești modernisation project must also be seen in the context of Moldova’s broader European trajectory. The government has committed to joining the European Union by 2030, a goal supported by sweeping reforms and strategic investments.
Until 2028, Moldova is receiving €1.9 billion in EU support—funds dedicated to infrastructure, governance, and economic modernisation. From 2028 onwards, an even larger pre-accession package will be unlocked, accelerating projects like airport expansion, roads, digitalisation, and logistics hubs.
For UK businesses, this means entering a market that is rapidly aligning with EU standards—offering early movers a first-mover advantage.
Moldova Business Week 2025: The UK Trade Mission
The ideal moment to engage with Moldova is this September 2025, during Moldova Business Week. The event, Moldova’s flagship economic forum, gathers government leaders, investors, and business executives.
The UK Business Led Mission—organised by Dina Railean, Salford President, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Moldovan Diaspora Business Alliance (MDBA) and Express Language Solutions Ltd together with Paul Kallee Grover, Export Champion, Department for Business and Trade and MD, Ki Partnerships Ltd, is designed to connect British companies with Moldovan stakeholders.
👉 More details:
https://moldovan-diaspora.com/why-uk-businesses-should-join-the-trade-mission-to-moldova-september-2025/
Why UK Businesses Should Join
Participation offers UK companies access to:
- Direct networking with Moldovan and international business leaders.
- Government briefings on reforms, EU accession, and infrastructure projects.
- Site visits to key facilities, including logistics and transport hubs.
- Market intelligence about Moldova’s investment climate.
- Opportunities to build partnerships in logistics, aviation, construction, and trade.
With Mărculești Airport set to become a strategic cargo hub, joining the trade mission allows British firms to position themselves early in this transformation.
Institutional Efforts and Governance
The integration of Mărculești with Chișinău reflects the Moldovan Government’s long-term vision:
- Centralised airport management under APP.
- Financial restructuring to ensure sustainability.
- Alignment with European aviation and security standards.
- Legislative support—Parliament recently adopted the framework law enabling this development.
For UK companies, this means predictability and transparency, backed by state commitment and EU guidance.
Wider Economic Benefits
The Mărculești project will have a multiplier effect:
- Job creation in the northern region of Moldova.
- Enhanced export capacity for Moldovan producers.
- Improved regional connectivity, attracting more international investors.
- Economic resilience by diversifying trade routes and logistics hubs.
UK businesses operating in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, aviation, and consultancy can find opportunities in both direct contracts and partnerships.
Stay Updated: Subscribe for Business Insights
The pace of Moldova’s economic transformation is accelerating, and staying informed is crucial.
📩 Subscribe to the Moldovan Diaspora Business Alliance (MDBA) newsletter for regular updates on:
- Infrastructure projects like Mărculești Airport.
- SEPA implementation and financial reforms.
- EU accession milestones.
- Trade missions and business networking opportunities.
Email: moldovan.diaspora.uk@gmail.com
Conclusion: Mărculești as a Trade Gateway
The development of Mărculești International Airport marks a new chapter in Moldova’s logistics and aviation strategy. From its military roots, it is now set to become a modern cargo hub, strengthening Moldova’s role in regional trade and supporting the country’s EU integration.
For UK businesses, this is a window of opportunity—to explore partnerships, shape logistics routes, and secure early access to a market on the rise.
By joining the UK Business Mission to Moldova in September 2025, companies can see the transformation first-hand and connect with the leaders shaping Moldova’s future.
Moldova is opening its skies, and Mărculești is ready to carry the weight of tomorrow’s trade.