AnimaWings inaugurates new direct flights from Cluj-Napoca to Thessaloniki for the first time and expands its flight network from Transylvania for the 2026 summer season
AnimaWings inaugurates new direct flights from Cluj-Napoca to Thessaloniki for the first time and expands its flight network from Transylvania for the 2026 summer season
Cluj-Napoca, April 1, 2026 – AnimaWings, a 100% Romanian full-service airline, accelerates its operational development at regional airports and announces the expansion of its flight network from Cluj-Napoca by launching a new regular route to Thessaloniki, starting in June 2026. The new direct connection completes the portfolio of destinations operated from Cluj to Athens, Olbia and Bucharest and consolidates the city's position as a strategic regional hub in the company's network.
The Cluj-Napoca - Thessaloniki route will be operated starting June 2, 2026, with two frequencies per week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, during the summer season S26.
The new route represents the only direct connection between Cluj-Napoca and Thessaloniki, offering fast access to some of the most popular tourist destinations in northern Greece, such as the Riviera of Olympus, Paralia Katerini or Olympic Beach. The route is addressed both to the leisure segment, through tourist packages, and to passengers traveling for business purposes.
The expansion of operations in Cluj is part of AnimaWings' strategy of accelerated development in regional airports in Romania, by increasing direct connectivity and diversifying the destinations available without stopovers for passengers from Transylvania.
In parallel with the launch of the route to Thessaloniki, the company is consolidating its presence at Cluj International Airport through other direct routes:
- Starting from April 5, 2026, AnimaWings will operate the Cluj - Athens route, regularly, throughout the year, with two weekly flights, on Thursdays and Sundays.
- Between June 2 and September 29, 2026, the company introduces the regular Cluj - Olbia (Sardinia) route, with weekly operations every Tuesday.
Flights to the new regular routes (Athens, Thessaloniki and Olbia-Sardinia) will be operated according to the schedule in the following table, and tickets are available on the airline's website. www.animawings.com.
| Destination | Start route | Days | Program | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATHENS (ATH) | April 5 2026 | Thursday | Departure ATH 09:20 | Arrival CLJ 11:30 |
| Departure CLJ 12:35 | Arrival ATH 14:40 | |||
| Sunday | Departure ATH 09:20 | Arrival CLJ 11:30 | ||
| Departure CLJ 14:00 | Arrival ATH 16:05 | |||
| OLBIA (OLB) | June 2 2026 | Tuesday | Departure OLB 09:00 | Arrival CLJ 12:15 |
| Departure CLJ 13:20 | Arrival OLB 14:55 | |||
| THESSALONIKI (SKG) | June 2 2026 | Tuesday | Departure CLJ 08:35 | Arrival SKG 10:20 |
| Departure SKG 16:00 | Arrival CLJ 17:35 | |||
| Saturday | Departure SKG 09:05 | Arrival CLJ 10:40 | ||
| Departure CLJ 11:25 | Arrival SKG 13:10 | |||
Note: Flight times represent local landing/takeoff times and are subject to change.
"Cluj-Napoca is becoming a strategic hub for AnimaWings, and the expansion of operations here reflects the growing demand for direct flights from Transylvania. We are focused on developing relevant routes that meet both the needs of the leisure and business segments, while offering a full-service flight experience, superior to the low-cost model. Our objective is to strengthen the role of regional airports in Romania's international connectivity", stated Marius Pandel, CEO of AnimaWings.
The President of the Cluj County Council, Mr. Alin Tişe stated on this occasion: "The launch of the new direct Cluj-Napoca - Thessaloniki air route operated by the Romanian company AnimaWings represents an important step towards the development and diversification of the international connections of the Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport. The Cluj County Council constantly supports the expansion of the flight network, in the context in which the Cluj airport is a strategic objective for the entire region and an essential engine of economic development."
Mr. Viorel Federiga, President of the Board of Directors of Cluj International Airport, he also wanted to specify: "We particularly appreciate the decision of AnimaWings to increase flight operations, offering diversity to travel alternatives from Cluj airport. These new routes will significantly improve Cluj's international connectivity, making it evident that the constant efforts made by the entire Cluj International Airport team to increase the region's connectivity continue to be based on professionalism, vision and excellence in the development of the largest regional airport in Romania."
Mr. David Ciceo, Director General of Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport, sent the following: "On April 1, 1932, the old military airport in Someșeni became a Civil Airport, marking the beginning of a success story in Cluj air transport. Today, at the anniversary hour, we celebrate the 94th anniversary of Cluj International Airport by announcing the launch of new routes to Athens, Thessaloniki and Olbia operated by AnimaWings, strengthening international connections and continuing the airport's mission to offer passengers new opportunities and quality travel experiences. The route to Thessaloniki is highly appreciated, both for tourism and for the business environment, responding to a real demand from passengers in both segments."
Also, the Cluj - Bucharest route has been operated since January 2025, with 12–13 weekly frequencies, being the most frequented domestic route in the company's portfolio.
Passengers benefit from a full-service onboard experience, with all tickets including free seat selection, 8kg cabin baggage, 4kg personal item and free check-in, online or at the airport. Flights are operated with modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft, in a 148-seat Economy configuration. In addition, passengers can opt for hot catering, available either as an individual package or as an all-inclusive option (drinks and snacks included).
Through these developments, Cluj-Napoca becomes a key point in the AnimaWings network, supporting both regional mobility and direct access to holiday destinations and important urban centers in Europe.
AnimaWings operates as a full-service carrier, offering passengers included onboard services and a superior travel experience. The company aims to further develop its route network from regional airports, contributing to increasing direct connectivity and developing mobility in Romania.
About AnimaWings:
AnimaWings is a 100% Romanian airline, inaugurated in 2020 and part of Memento Group, alongside the tour operator Christian Tour, with a team of professionals who offer passengers comfortable travel, on regular or charter flights, implementing systems, procedures and safety protocols to an exceptional standard.
The airline is in full expansion and operates the newest fleet in Romanian aviation. From April, AnimaWings will operate with 8 modern Airbus aircraft, of which 4 Airbus 220s received directly from the factory in the last 6 months. The AnimaWings expansion plan by the end of 2027 targets a total of 18 aircraft.
For more information:
- Ana Cirjan
- Account Manager, Total PR AnimaWings
- ana.cirjan@totalpr.ro , 0733.057.499
