Adriana RAIA (Commercial Officer – Ștefan cel Mare Suceava Airport) at FERM 2025: “Air Infrastructure Opens the Path to Prosperity”

Mesaje publice
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
The Role of Infrastructure in Economic Development
Speaker:
Adriana RAIA – Commercial Officer – Ștefan cel Mare Suceava Airport
Topic of the intervention:
“The Importance of Ștefan cel Mare Suceava Airport in Economic Growth and Regional Connectivity”
Adriana Raia, Commercial Officer at Ștefan cel Mare Suceava Airport, emphasized the crucial importance of air connectivity for the sustainable economic growth of the Moldova Region.
In the current context of regional development, air connectivity represents a fundamental pillar for boosting the economy and increasing the competitiveness of the Moldova Region.
Ștefan cel Mare Suceava Airport – A Strategic Hub for the Region
Adriana Raia pointed out that although it is a modest-sized regional airport, Suceava Airport recently ranked fifth in the national passenger traffic ranking among the 17 active commercial airports in Romania.
“Suceava provides connectivity for over 2.5 million people,” she stated, highlighting the expansion of its catchment area beyond Romania’s borders, reaching northern Ukraine as well.
This catchment area includes a stable and consistent traffic segment, mainly consisting of residents active within the European Union, as well as flows related to tourism, business, and academia, all reflecting a growing need for mobility and easy access to the region.
Regional Infrastructure Challenges and the Strategic Role of Suceava Airport
Currently, the road infrastructure in the Moldova region is underdeveloped, and concrete plans for its modernization are still in early stages. In this context, Ștefan cel Mare Suceava Airport positions itself as the main strategic access hub for the region.
“Suceava Airport is an essential factor on the development map of any investment.”
Besides its local role, the airport ensures the Moldova Region’s connectivity with major airports and international hubs in Europe and Asia. This connection facilitates the economic and social flows necessary for the sustainable growth and development of the area.
The Evolution and Prospects of Ștefan cel Mare Suceava Airport
Currently, Suceava Airport serves five international destinations and provides regular flights to Bucharest. By the end of this year, its operational capacity will be expanded with eight new destinations, covering a total of eight countries. These new routes will be operated by the largest low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, which will establish Suceava as an operational base.
This expansion is the result of “efforts to attract investors and to realize essential investments in airport infrastructure,” investments that are indispensable to ensure aircraft safety and passenger comfort.
“This is an added visibility boost for the region, an increase in competitiveness, and a direct contribution to regional development.”
Airport Modernization – An Essential Step for Regional Development
To meet the increasing demand and adapt to the dynamics of the aviation market, Ștefan cel Mare Suceava Airport will benefit from a comprehensive modernization project initiated and funded by the county administration.
“The airport will become a connectivity catalyst for the region and economic growth.”
The modernization will enhance the airport’s competitiveness compared to other regional airports, integrate it more efficiently into the national and European transport system, and support tourism development as well as the creation of new jobs in the area.
Air Transport – A Key Driver of Economic Development in Bucovina
“Air transport represents one of the main engines of economic growth in the region, especially in Bucovina, where economic development is closely linked to the advancement of air, road, and rail infrastructure.”
Considering the current geopolitical context, located at the border of the European Union and NATO, Adriana Raia stressed the necessity that every development objective be clearly defined and supported by concrete implementation strategies.
Conclusions:
Adriana Raia’s speech highlighted the fundamental role of Ștefan cel Mare Suceava Airport in the sustainable economic development of the region. Through air connectivity, expansion of the destination network, and strategic investments in airport infrastructure modernization, Suceava becomes a genuine catalyst for economic growth, investment attraction, and job creation.
In the context of regional infrastructure challenges and geopolitical changes, investments in air transport are essential for the competitiveness and resilience of the Moldova region. Thus, the airport is not only a transit point but a strategic gateway supporting the integrated development and prosperous future of Bucovina and the entire region.









