Chișinău International Airport

Chișinău, Moldova

Chișinău International Airport is the primary international gateway in Moldova, serving as a key travel hub for both domestic and international passengers. It plays an important role in connecting Moldova with many destinations across Europe and beyond.

CCI Score

7.96

April 18

Latest Event

State Victory in Chișinău Airport Concession Legal Battle

On February 14, 2025, the Svea Court of Appeal in Stockholm rejected Komaksavia Airport Invest Ltd's claim against the Moldovan state, reaffirming previous arbitration decisions that found no protected investment under the concession contract for Chișinău International Airport. As a result, the flawed concession—previously marred by allegations of mismanagement and links to oligarch Ilan Șor—was annulled, and the airport returned to state management.

Take Action

So what can you do? Support KIV by shopping, spreading the word, or offering your support.

Shop Alternatives SEE ALL: DSM Airport

NTO

Avinor
Use Your Voice OTHER TOOLS
Investigate
Share the Score SUPPORT CCI

OBJECTOR

Chișinău International Airport is currently rated as an Objector.

0 to +9 CCI Score

These companies deliberately avoid direct involvement with authoritarian practices. While they do not actively challenge oppressive regimes, they maintain a neutral stance to ensure they are not complicit in supporting such systems.

Latest Events

FEB

14

2025

State Victory in Chișinău Airport Concession Legal Battle
30.79

On February 14, 2025, the Svea Court of Appeal in Stockholm rejected Komaksavia Airport Invest Ltd's claim against the Moldovan state, reaffirming previous arbitration decisions that found no protected investment under the concession contract for Chișinău International Airport. As a result, the flawed concession—previously marred by allegations of mismanagement and links to oligarch Ilan Șor—was annulled, and the airport returned to state management.
+40

Public and Political Behavior

March 28

The legal victory represents a strong public assertion of state control over a key infrastructure asset, reducing the risk of oligarchic or authoritarian influence in airport management. This reaffirmation of state authority demonstrates a commitment to democratic oversight and transparency in politically significant sectors.

Moldova wins legal battle over Chișinău airport concession
+30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 28

The ruling exposed and corrected unethical business practices surrounding the airport concession. By holding the former concessionaire to account for failing to make the promised investments, the decision reinforces ethical standards and the proper management of public resources.

Moldova wins legal battle over Chișinău airport concession
+20

Economic and Structural Influence

March 28

The annulment of the concession and reversion to state management represents a decisive economic restructuring that curbs private elite capture, thus reducing economic vulnerabilities to corrupt or authoritarian influences.

Moldova wins legal battle over Chișinău airport concession
DEC

11

2023

Modernization Tender and Exclusion of Criminal Ties at Chișinău International Airport
23.29

Chișinău International Airport is set to undergo a €300M modernization with a European partner. The initiative comes amid controversy stemming from past concession issues with Avia Invest, with government officials emphasizing the exclusion of 'criminal groups' from managing the airport.
+40

Public and Political Behavior

March 28

The project is underscored by a clear governmental mandate to exclude criminal elements, demonstrating a commitment to political integrity and anti-corruption measures. This proactive effort in public and political behavior helps counter elements that might align with authoritarian or corrupt practices.

Moldova aims for €300M Chișinău Airport modernization with european partner
+20

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 28

The modernization plan and the effort to resolve previous concession disputes signal a move towards enhanced ethical management and operational transparency, countering past mismanagement issues associated with the previous concessionaire.

Moldova aims for €300M Chișinău Airport modernization with european partner
+15

Economic and Structural Influence

March 28

The announcement of a €300M investment signals positive economic and structural influence by aiming to improve infrastructure and drive economic growth. Despite past legal disputes, this significant modernization investment could foster long‐term benefits for the region.

Moldova aims for €300M Chișinău Airport modernization with european partner
DEC

01

2023

Corruption Allegations in Chișinău Airport Concession Process
-48.29

A series of legal battles and corruption allegations have arisen regarding the 2013 lease of Chișinău International Airport to Avia Invest. Authorities terminated the contract in 2020 due to unmet investment obligations, and in December 2023 the Supreme Court upheld this termination. The case has implicated several former public officials over alleged systemic corruption in the concession process, raising serious concerns about the integrity of public-private partnerships in the airport's management.
-60

Public and Political Behavior

March 28

The involvement of high-level political figures and the corruption allegations surrounding the concession process represent a significant abuse of public and political power. The process appears to have been compromised by questionable political engagements and potential coercion, undermining democratic oversight and transparency.

Corruption Allegations and Legal Battles: Chișinău Airport Concession Saga Unfolds
-50

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 28

The concession process, which led to the eventual termination of the contract, raises serious concerns about business practices and ethical responsibility. The failure to meet investment obligations coupled with the subsequent legal disputes reflects poorly on the management and operational integrity of the airport as a state enterprise.

Corruption Allegations and Legal Battles: Chișinău Airport Concession Saga Unfolds
MAR

28

2023

Airport Transferred to State Management
26.04

On March 28, 2023, Chișinău International Airport was taken back into state management after a prolonged legal battle with AviaInvest, which had held a 49-year lease. The shift removes control from a private entity linked to the controversial figure Ilan Șor and is seen as an effort to reclaim a key public asset, despite concerns over government opacity and future privatization possibilities.
+40

Public and Political Behavior

March 28

The transition of the airport to state management represents a move toward reclaiming public control over a critical infrastructure asset. Removing the controversial private operator aligns with promoting transparency and accountability, which are in line with anti-authoritarian and public interest values.

Chișinău International Airport Transferred to State Management, Government Remains Silent
+20

Economic and Structural Influence

March 28

Returning the airport to state oversight reconfigures the structural control of a critical transportation hub, potentially ensuring greater accountability and reducing the risk of opaque privatization practices often associated with controversial private management.

Chișinău International Airport Transferred to State Management, Government Remains Silent