The Romanian Government announced yesterday a significant allocation of funds aimed at the infrastructural enhancement of four strategic airports in the country. With an approved amount of 484.1 million lei, equivalent to approximately 98 million euros, the executive branch intends to give new momentum to the ongoing modernization projects in the counties of Dolj, Maramureș, Mureș, and Satu Mare. The funds, drawn from the State budget reserve fund, are intended to consolidate already initiated interventions, many of which also benefit from the support of the 2014-2020 Large Infrastructure Operational Program. This capital injection proves crucial to prevent potential interruptions in the works, which could seriously compromise the country's air connectivity and its prominent position in the European air transport landscape. The Government's intervention is also motivated by the need to avoid the risk of having to return approximately 1 billion lei already disbursed as EU funding to the European Commission, should the projects not proceed as planned.

In detail, the investments are allocated as follows:

- Craiova International Airport (Dolj): 250 million lei (approximately 49 million euros) will be allocated for the expansion and complete modernization of the airport, a project that promises to transform the operational capacity of the facility.

• Transylvania Airport of Târgu Mureș (Mureș): will receive 108.35 million lei (approximately 21 million euros) for a comprehensive modernization program essential to improve services offered to passengers and airlines.
• Maramureș International Airport: an amount of 65 million lei (approximately 12.8 million euros) has been allocated for the expansion of the passenger terminal, in response to growing demand and air traffic.
• Satu Mare Airport: 60.76 million lei (approximately 12 million euros) will be used for the development and rehabilitation of its infrastructure, aiming to make it more efficient and functional.

The Romanian Government's decision, as highlighted by government sources in Bucharest, reflects a clear strategic priority: to ensure that the country maintains and strengthens its role in the civil aviation sector, while also guaranteeing that European investments are fully capitalized and that vital infrastructural projects do not experience setbacks. This funding package is expected to have a positive impact not only on the quality of airport services but also on the regional economy of the involved counties, stimulating employment and development.