
The Cabinet of Ministers of Moldova approved an intergovernmental agreement with Switzerland on regular air services, which will increase the number of direct flights between countries.
The document was signed by the parties on April 4, 2019 in Bern. According to Moldovan Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Vadim Brinzan, the Intergovernmental Agreement on Regular Air Travel between Moldova and Switzerland is universal and regulates the possibility of direct flights between the two countries. The agreement sets forth the principles of bilateral air transportation, including aviation safety rules, certificates of airworthiness, duties, etc. The practical implementation of the signed agreement will facilitate the opening of the Moldovan air services market and diversify the flight map from Chisinau Airport, while also facilitating access to the markets of Central Europe. In addition, the conclusion of the agreement will strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Moldova and Switzerland, will be conducive to attracting investments and implementing mutually beneficial projects. According to the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, statistics show a significant increase in the flow of air passengers from Moldova to Switzerland. Thus, in 2017, about 17 thousand entries / exits for flights from Chisinau to Switzerland (Geneva, Zurich, Basel, Bern) were registered, but all of them were connecting flights. It is planned that the launched direct flight Chisinau-Geneva will significantly increase this figure, providing passengers with the comfort of a direct flight, without additional connections and transfers. Given the increased flow of passengers to Switzerland, the branch department considers it possible to carry out direct flights to this country 2-3 times a week. It should be noted that Air Moldova has already launched a direct flight Chisinau-Geneva earlier and operates it 2 times a week (Monday and Friday). Several other companies are showing interest in launching a flight on the same route to other cities in Switzerland. // 07.08.2019 — InfoMarket.