Aircraft handling at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport

About Henri Coandă International

LROP is the ICAO code for Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (IATA OTP), in Otopeni about 16–18 km north of central Bucharest. It is Romania's busiest airport and is run by Compania Națională Aeroporturi București (CNAB), which also runs Bucharest Băneasa – Aurel Vlaicu (LRBS / BBU).

Otopeni or Băneasa?

Băneasa is much closer to the city centre and is used for business aviation, while Otopeni handles most airline traffic and offers longer runways and wider services. The right choice depends on aircraft size and performance, opening hours, customs availability, handling and the passengers' destination. Confirm current opening hours and border-control availability at Băneasa before planning it. LFS can check both for the same trip.

Romanian permits and Schengen

Romania is in the EU, and it joined the Schengen area for air travel in March 2024. Flights from outside Schengen need border control on arrival; flights within Schengen usually do not, but rules can change temporarily. Non-EU operators on commercial flights may need permission from the Romanian authorities, and an EASA third-country operator (TCO) authorisation where it applies. LFS reviews each case before applying; see landing permits. Response times and type counts shown elsewhere on this page are internal planning figures.

Cargo, charter and medical flights

Otopeni is used for cargo charters, humanitarian flights towards Ukraine and Moldova, and medical repatriation. Dangerous goods, livestock or outsize loads need the handler's written acceptance in advance; see cargo charter operations.

Handling, fuel and crew

Handling and fuel at LROP are provided by licensed local companies. LFS requests services on the operator's behalf and confirms them in writing; see ground handling and aviation fuel. Winter snow and freezing fog can cause de-icing delays, so request de-icing in advance. Crew hotels and transport are covered by crew logistics.

What LFS coordinates for LROP

• Romanian permits and TCO checks where needed.
• Handling, de-icing, parking and catering requests.
• Fuel release and pricing.
• Crew hotels and transport.
• Flight watch and re-planning between LROP and LRBS.

Passengers and ground time in Bucharest

Road time from Otopeni to central Bucharest is often 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic on the DN1. Băneasa is closer, which is one reason business aviation passengers prefer it when it suits the aircraft. LFS confirms the passenger route, terminal and meeting point with the handler before arrival, and books cars and hotels on request.

What to send for an LROP request

• Aircraft type, registration, operator and maximum take-off weight.
• Route, UTC schedule and planned ground time, including any onward legs.
• Flight purpose (private, charter, cargo, medical, technical stop) — it decides the permit category.
• Crew and passenger numbers, and nationalities where visas may matter.
• Services needed: handling, fuel, catering, parking, crew hotel and transport.