Air Moldova
Moldova’s scheduled flag carrier, historically linking Chișinău with 20 destinations across Europe and nearby regions before suspending flights in 2023.
About Air Moldova
Air Moldova was founded in 1993 following Moldova’s independence and developed from the civil aviation operation previously based in the Moldavian Soviet republic. It became the country’s flag carrier and operated under the IATA code 9U and ICAO code MLD. The airline was state-owned for most of its history before being privatized in 2018, although that transaction and the carrier’s later ownership became subjects of legal and political scrutiny.
Chișinău was Air Moldova’s primary hub and the centre of its scheduled network. The airline served 20 destinations across 14 countries through 41 routes, with Frankfurt, Milan, Bucharest and Verona also ranking among its busiest departure points. Its network connected Moldova with Western and Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean and Türkiye, including service to Athens, Bologna, Istanbul, Kyiv, Larnaca, Lisbon and Adler, also known as Sochi.
Aircraft types associated with Air Moldova’s operations included the Airbus A320, Boeing 737-800 and Embraer ERJ-190, together with the ATR 42-500, Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia and Fokker 70. This mixed record reflects changes in fleet strategy over the airline’s operating history. Economy class formed the core product, while business-class service was available on selected routes and aircraft. Cabin layouts, baggage allowances and onboard provisions depended on the aircraft and fare purchased.
Air Moldova was not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, although it maintained commercial partnerships during its operating years. Its loyalty programme was Air Moldova Club, which offered recognition and travel benefits to eligible frequent flyers. Travellers should not assume that historic points, status privileges or partner benefits remain available while the airline’s scheduled services are suspended, and should seek current confirmation before relying on an existing membership.
The airline’s main strength was the nonstop connectivity it provided from Moldova, particularly for diaspora, family and business travel. Its longest route linked Lisbon with Chișinău, covering about 3,198 km nonstop. Air Moldova suspended scheduled flights in May 2023 amid financial and operational difficulties, so its established network should be treated as a record of routes served rather than a guarantee of current availability. Old schedules and flight numbers may still appear on third-party websites.
Good to know
Flying with Air Moldova — what to expect
Services Are Suspended
Air Moldova suspended scheduled flights in May 2023. Confirm that any itinerary displaying its name has a currently operating carrier before making payment.
Check Old Listings
Archived schedules may still show Air Moldova’s former network of 20 destinations. A route appearing on an older travel page does not establish that it is currently bookable.
Ticket And Refund Claims
Passengers holding unused tickets should review official airline notices and contact their booking agent or payment provider. Available remedies may depend on the purchase method and applicable insolvency or consumer-protection procedures.
Historic Baggage Policies
Baggage allowances varied by fare, cabin and route during Air Moldova’s operations. Avoid relying on archived allowance details without confirmation tied to a valid booking.
Mixed Aircraft History
Air Moldova used several regional and narrow-body aircraft types over its history, so cabin layouts and comfort were not uniform. The aircraft types listed in old schedules may also have changed before departure.
Chișinău Alternatives
Other airlines serve Chișinău and may cover markets previously offered by Air Moldova. Compare baggage, connection time and ticket-change rules as well as the headline fare.
Network overview
Where Air Moldova flies
Air Moldova operates 41 routes to 20 destinations across 14 countries, its longest sector reaching Lisbon to Chisinau (3,198 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Air Moldova flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Lisbon → Chisinau
3,198 km · LIS → KIV
The longest sector in the Air Moldova network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Air Moldova
Tracked Air Moldova routes touch Portugal, Greece.
More from Moldova
Other airlines based in Moldova
FAQ
Air Moldova — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- The busiest departure point was Chișinău, followed by Frankfurt, Milan, Bucharest and Verona. These airports had the largest numbers of Air Moldova routes.
- Air Moldova’s longest route was Lisbon to Chișinău, about 3,198 km nonstop. Current availability should be checked because the airline suspended scheduled operations in 2023.
- Air Moldova is not currently operating a normal scheduled network, so there is no dependable cheapest booking period. For travel to Moldova, compare active carriers and consider dates outside summer and major holiday peaks.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. If Air Moldova has no active inventory, results may instead include flights to Moldova operated by other carriers.
- Air Moldova’s primary hub was Chișinău International Airport. Frankfurt, Milan, Bucharest and Verona were also among its busiest departure points by number of routes.
- Air Moldova’s carry-on allowance depended on the fare, cabin and applicable ticket conditions. Because scheduled services are suspended, travellers with an existing ticket should use the baggage terms attached to that booking rather than archived general guidance.
- Air Moldova’s network served destinations across 14 countries, including Frankfurt, Bucharest, Milan, Verona, Athens, Bologna, Istanbul, Kyiv, Larnaca, Lisbon and Adler/Sochi. Scheduled operations were suspended in 2023, so these routes may not currently be bookable.
- Air Moldova served exactly 20 destinations across 14 countries. Its network comprised 41 routes, although scheduled services were subsequently suspended.