Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) – Romania’s Largest Aviation Hub
Overview of Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is the largest and busiest airport in Romania, serving as the primary international gateway for travelers flying in and out of the country. Located approximately 16 km north of Bucharest, OTP handles over 14 million passengers annually and is a key hub for both domestic and international travel.
As the main base for TAROM and a major operating point for low-cost carriers such as Wizz Air and Ryanair, Henri Coandă International Airport connects Romania to a wide range of European and global destinations, including Cyprus.
Key highlights of Henri Coandă International Airport include:
- Modern terminals with high-quality passenger services
- Direct flight connections to major global cities
- Premium lounges, including TAROM’s business lounge
- A variety of duty-free shopping and dining options
- Strong transport links via bus, train, and taxis to Bucharest
Henri Coandă International Airport is a crucial hub for Romanian travelers, offering convenient connections to Cyprus and beyond.
Flights from Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) to Cyprus
Cyprus is a popular destination for travelers departing from Bucharest, with both direct and indirect flight options available.
Flights from Bucharest (OTP) to Ercan International Airport (ECN) in Northern Cyprus
Ercan International Airport (ECN) is the main airport serving Northern Cyprus. However, due to international regulations, direct flights from Romania to Ercan are not permitted, requiring a layover in Turkey.
Flight Restrictions & Transit Requirements
- No direct flights from Bucharest (OTP) to Ercan (ECN)
- Passengers must transit through a Turkish airport before continuing to Northern Cyprus
Airlines Operating OTP – ECN Flights via Turkey
Several airlines operate flights from Bucharest to Ercan with a layover in Turkey:
- Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul IST)
- Pegasus Airlines (via Istanbul SAW)
- AnadoluJet (via Ankara ESB)
Flight Duration & Travel Time
- Total journey time: 6-12 hours, depending on layovers
- Typical stopover airports: Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), or Ankara (ESB)
Visa & Baggage Policies
- Romanian passport holders do not need a visa for short stays in Northern Cyprus
- Passengers must comply with Turkish transit visa regulations if applicable
- Baggage policies vary depending on the airline and ticket class
Flights from Bucharest to Ercan require a stopover in Turkey, making it a widely used route for travelers heading to Northern Cyprus.
Flights from Bucharest (OTP) to Southern Cyprus Airports (Larnaca & Paphos)
Southern Cyprus is served by two major international airports:
- Larnaca International Airport (LCA) – The main airport near Larnaca
- Paphos International Airport (PFO) – A secondary airport catering to tourism resorts
Direct Flight Availability
- Direct flights are available from Bucharest (OTP) to Larnaca (LCA), operated by TAROM, Wizz Air, and Blue Air
- Flight duration is typically around 2.5 hours with no stopovers required
Airlines Operating OTP – LCA Flights
- TAROM – Direct flights to Larnaca
- Wizz Air – Budget-friendly direct flights to Larnaca
- Blue Air – Seasonal direct flights to Larnaca
Flight Duration & Travel Time
- OTP to LCA: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
- OTP to PFO: No direct flights; requires a stopover
- Direct flights to Larnaca make it the most convenient option for travelers to Southern Cyprus
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Romanian citizens do not need a visa for short stays in the Republic of Cyprus
- Schengen visa rules apply for non-EU passport holders
- Standard airline baggage policies apply
For travelers heading to Southern Cyprus, direct flights from Bucharest to Larnaca provide the fastest and most convenient option.
Comparison: Bucharest to Northern vs. Southern Cyprus Flights
Feature OTP → Ercan (ECN) OTP → Larnaca (LCA)
Direct Flights ❌ No (requires transit via Turkey) ✅ Yes (direct flights available)
Airlines Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, AnadoluJet TAROM, Wizz Air, Blue Air
Flight Time 6-12 hours (with layover) ~2.5 hours (non-stop)
Visa for Romanian Citizens ❌ No visa required ❌ No visa required
Entry Restrictions Transit through Turkey required Direct entry allowed
Cost Varies (depends on layover duration) Generally lower (direct flight)
For travelers departing from Bucharest, direct flights to Southern Cyprus (LCA) are significantly faster and more convenient, while those heading to Northern Cyprus (ECN) must transit via Turkey.
Choosing the Best Flight Route from Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) to Cyprus
Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) offers different travel options for flights to Cyprus, depending on the destination:
For Northern Cyprus (Ercan Airport – ECN):
- No direct flights – transit required in Turkey
- Turkish Airlines & Pegasus Airlines operate via Istanbul & Ankara
- No visa required for Romanian citizens visiting Northern Cyprus
For Southern Cyprus (Larnaca & Paphos):
- Direct flights available with TAROM, Wizz Air, and Blue Air to Larnaca
- Faster and more convenient travel with no stopovers
- No visa required for Romanian passport holders
Travelers can select the best flight option based on convenience, cost, and destination, with direct flights to Southern Cyprus being the quickest and most efficient choice.