Celebrating 100 Years of Romania's First Commercial Flight Route

This year marks a century since the inaugural commercial flight from Bucharest to Galați, a significant milestone in Romania's aviation history. On June 24, 1926, this pioneering route also connected Iași and Chișinău, marking the beginning of commercial aviation in the region.

To commemorate this historic event, an anniversary celebration was held at Iași Airport on Wednesday, organized in partnership with the Romanian Air League and the Iași County Council. The festivities took place in terminal T4, where representatives from both Romanian and Moldovan authorities gathered to honor the legacy of this route.

During the event, an anniversary plaque was unveiled to honor the centenary of the first commercial flight. Additionally, an exhibition showcasing the history of aviation featured artifacts from the collection of retired Commander Ioan Botez, highlighting the evolution of air travel over the past century.

Among the attendees was Vladimir Bolea, the Moldovan Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, who emphasized the importance of this historical achievement. The celebration also marked the second year of recognizing Civil Aviation Day on June 24, a proposal supported by Moldova to change the date of this observance.

The first commercial flight not only facilitated passenger travel but also included postal services, with both Romanian and Moldovan postal authorities collaborating to release a series of commemorative postage stamps. This integration of services underscores the route's historical significance as a vital link between the two countries.

As part of the ongoing development in the region, Irinel Scrioșteanu, Secretary of State within Romania's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, discussed current infrastructure projects, including ongoing work on the bridge over the Prut River at Ungheni, which is part of the Unification Highway (A8). The feasibility study for this project was signed by Bolea in Brussels and is set to conclude by the end of 2027, with expansions toward Chișinău beginning in 2028.

The first flight was a momentous occasion attended by King Ferdinand I during an aviation meeting at Băneasa Airport, where the royal family reviewed two De Havilland DH 9 aircraft. These planes were later replaced by six Avia BH-25 aircraft in 1927. Remarkably, the price of a ticket on this inaugural route was comparable to that of a train ticket, making air travel accessible to a broader audience.

This centennial celebration not only honors the pioneers of commercial aviation but also reaffirms Iași's role as a gateway to Eastern Europe, continuing to foster connections between Romania and Moldova.