Saturday, May 31, 2025

SkyUp Airlines
Poland

SkyUp Airlines is rapidly expanding its European network by launching exciting new flights from two major Romanian airports, Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, connecting travelers to must-visit destinations across Greece, Cyprus, Poland, France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. This strategic move not only broadens affordable and competitive travel options for Romanian passengers but also reinforces SkyUp’s position as a dynamic and fast-growing airline in the European aviation market.

SkyUp Airlines Expands Its European Network with New Romanian Routes and Growing Passenger Traffic

Ukrainian low-cost carrier SkyUp Airlines is accelerating its expansion across Europe by introducing regular flights from two Romanian airports starting mid-June 2025. The airline’s latest announcement highlights new direct connections that aim to enhance travel options for Romanian passengers while strengthening SkyUp’s presence in the European market.

Starting on June 16, 2025, SkyUp Airlines will commence scheduled flights from Bucharest International Airport (OTP) to Heraklion, the capital city of the Greek island of Crete. This route will offer travelers the opportunity to visit one of Greece’s most popular vacation destinations, known for its stunning beaches, historic sites, and vibrant culture. Ticket prices for one-way trips will start at a competitive EUR 52, making it an affordable choice for tourists and business travelers alike.

Just a few days later, on June 20, SkyUp will introduce a new service from Bucharest to Larnaca is rapidly gaining popularity as a top Mediterranean hotspot, renowned for its warm weather, historic landmarks, and stunning seaside views. The airline will offer tickets starting from EUR 53 one way, providing excellent value for passengers seeking a convenient link between Romania and Cyprus.

Alongside the Bucharest-Larnaca route, SkyUp will simultaneously launch flights from Avram Iancu International Airport (CLJ) in Cluj-Napoca to Larnaca on June 20. This addition will expand access for travelers in northwest Romania, connecting them directly to Cyprus without the need for transfers. Tickets for this route will begin at EUR 57 for a one-way journey, offering competitive pricing for this emerging corridor.

These new Romanian routes mark a significant milestone for SkyUp Airlines as it diversifies its network beyond its home country and key Eastern European markets. The airline is capitalizing on increasing demand for affordable and convenient flights within Europe, especially to popular holiday and business destinations.

This announcement follows SkyUp’s successful launch of scheduled flights from two Polish airports, which began operations on May 27, 2025. By entering the Polish market, SkyUp has further extended its reach in Central Europe, positioning itself as a rising player in the region’s competitive aviation landscape.

Since April 2025, SkyUp has also been steadily growing its network from Chișinău, the capital of Moldova. The airline currently offers flights from Chișinău to a diverse set of European cities, including top destinations in France such as Paris and Nice; Lisbon, Portugal; and multiple cities in Spain covering cities such as Barcelona, Alicante, and Palma de Mallorca. This robust offering also features Mediterranean hotspots like Larnaca in Cyprus and three key Greek destinations—Thessaloniki, Athens, and Heraklion—making Chișinău a strategic hub for SkyUp’s international operations.

Looking ahead, SkyUp is set to further expand its service from Chișinău with three new routes scheduled to launch in June 2025. Upcoming routes will link travelers directly to Berlin in Germany, Stockholm in Sweden, and Prague in the Czech Republic. These additions reinforce SkyUp’s commitment to broadening its European footprint and providing convenient access to major economic and cultural centers.

The airline’s rapid growth is reflected in its impressive passenger traffic figures. In 2024, SkyUp recorded a 61.6% increase in the number of travelers carried compared to 2023, transporting a total of 2.5 million passengers. This substantial growth highlights the airline’s rising popularity among travelers seeking cost-effective and direct flights across Europe and neighboring regions.

SkyUp’s business model focuses on offering low fares combined with a modern fleet and efficient operations. Its route expansion strategy aims to capture growing demand for point-to-point travel and leisure flights, particularly to popular holiday destinations in the Mediterranean and Western Europe. By connecting emerging markets such as Romania and Moldova with established European hubs and vacation spots, SkyUp is positioning itself as a key facilitator of regional connectivity.

The launch of flights from Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca is timely, as Romania continues to see rising outbound travel demand. Romanian travelers increasingly seek direct air connections to Mediterranean resorts and major European cities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. Meanwhile, inbound tourism to Romania is also on the rise, providing further opportunities for airlines like SkyUp to serve both local and international passengers.

Heraklion, Crete, stands out as a major draw for travelers, with its blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and vibrant hospitality scene. Similarly, Larnaca offers a mix of beach resorts, historic landmarks, and convenient access to the wider island of Cyprus. These destinations are popular among Eastern European tourists and appeal to a broad demographic of travelers, from families and solo adventurers to business visitors.

SkyUp’s expansion into the Romanian market complements its broader network strategy, which leverages hubs in Ukraine, Moldova, and now Romania and Poland. The airline’s ability to swiftly open new routes and offer competitive prices is a key factor driving its growth in the challenging and dynamic European aviation sector.

As SkyUp continues to extend its reach, it will also face challenges such as maintaining operational efficiency, navigating regulatory environments, and responding to fluctuating market demand. However, its recent track record of rapid passenger growth and successful route launches suggests the airline is well-equipped to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Looking forward, the introduction of flights from Romania to popular Mediterranean destinations is expected to contribute positively to SkyUp’s revenue streams and brand recognition. Passengers in Romania will benefit from increased flight options, convenient schedules, and attractive fares, enhancing their travel experiences across Europe.

SkyUp Airlines is launching new flights from Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, connecting Romania to top European destinations across Greece, Cyprus, Poland, France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. This expansion offers travelers affordable and convenient access to popular cities and holiday hotspots.

In summary, SkyUp Airlines is rapidly growing as a significant player in European air travel, leveraging new routes from Romania and Moldova to popular vacation and business destinations. Its strategic expansion into Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca with flights to Heraklion and Larnaca, combined with a steady increase in passenger numbers, underscores the airline’s commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and efficient air services across the region.