PRESS RELEASE – Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport presents for the first time the new ABC and ILS CAT III systems – two major investments in the modernization of the airport infrastructure

Cluj-Napoca, October 27, 2026 – International Airport Avram Iancu Cluj, an autonomous region under the authority of the Cluj County Council, organized a press conference today dedicated to the presentation of two important airport infrastructure modernization projects: Automated Border Control (ABC) and Instrument Landing System Category III (ILS CAT III).

The conference took the form of a guided tour, during which the modernized airport infrastructure was presented, both in the Departures Terminal and the Arrivals Terminal.

The event was attended by Mr. Radu Ratiu, Vice-President of the Cluj County Council, Mr. Sergio Colella – President of SITA Europe, Mr. David Ciceo, General Manager of Cluj International Airport, Mr. Chief Commissioner Liviu Done – Head of the Cluj Airport Border Police Sector, representatives of the Cluj County Council, local authorities, honorary consuls, representatives of airlines, as well as other institutions with responsibilities in the field of aviation and the media, respectively.
Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport has implemented a modern automated border control system (Automated Border Control – ABC Gates), in order to increase passenger processing capacity, streamline passenger flows and improve operational efficiency, while maintaining high security standards.
The investment objective, in total value of 12.084.739 lei, excluding VAT, consisted of installing a number of 12 automatic border control gates, provided by SITA company, distributed as follows: 

• 6 ABC gates in the Departures Terminal, intended for processing EU passengers travelling to non-Schengen destinations;
• 6 ABC gates in the Arrivals Terminal, intended for processing EU passengers arriving from non-Schengen countries.

The system uses advanced biometric verification technologies and secure reading of electronic travel documents, allowing for automated identity checks for eligible passengers, under the supervision of Border Police personnel.

The main benefits of the investment are aimed at increasing passenger processing capacity, reducing congestion and improving the travel experience. The system allows for the simultaneous processing of multiple passengers, with a group of six gates being monitored by a single Border Police operator, according to the described operational configuration.
In the Arrivals Terminal, the implementation of automatic gates contributes to a more efficient use of available space and the management of passenger flows from non-Schengen countries, representing a solution to optimize existing capacity until the terminal expansion project is completed.
At the same time, integrated technologies, including biometric verification and security mechanisms, contribute to strengthening border control, while intuitive interfaces and guidance systems facilitate the process of formalities for passengers.

ILS CAT III (Instrument Landing System – Category III), the most advanced low visibility landing guidance system currently available in civil aviation, is already operational at Cluj International Airport, marking the completion of an infrastructure project of strategic importance, which places the Cluj airport among the European airports with the highest operational capacity during dense fog.
Taking into account the specifics of the region, in particular, the confrontation, in the cold season, with long episodes of dense fog and, implicitly, reduced visibility, depending on the policy of each air operator, the particularity associated with the type of aircraft and the accreditations of each pilot, by operationalizing the Instrument Landing System - ILS CAT III - will be significantly reduced: flight cancellations, flight reroutings, in order to land at other airports, flight delays, economic losses of air operators and, respectively, the impact on the degree of passenger satisfaction.
Thus, this major investment - the transition from ILS CAT II to ILS CAT III, will significantly contribute to generating benefits in favor of passengers and airlines, from the perspective of operational advantages.
The project was implemented as a result of the conclusion of Financing Contract No. 232/24.05.2023 between Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.VThe total allocation of the Financing Contract for the project "Ensuring CAT. III operating conditions at runway 07-25" was 8.500.354,66 lei, of which the value of the European Union co-financing was 3.035.847,73 lei.This project was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Large Infrastructure Operational Program 2014 - 2020.

Mr. Alin Tișe, President of the Cluj County Council, stated: "Today we are witnessing the operationalization of two of the most important projects in the history of Cluj International Airport. We are convinced that this constant development of the airport will continue to bring significant benefits to the entire community and will contribute to increasing the visibility of our county on the European map. The Cluj County Council will continue to support the modernization and development of the airport, to consolidate its role as the main air gateway of Transylvania and the engine of the region's economic development."

Mr. Viorel Federiga, President of the Board of Directors of Cluj International Airport mentioned on this occasion: "Through this important event marked today, Cluj airport confirms that it is a true benchmark of performance and development at the European level. These investments are clear evidence of a strategic vision as well as of an involved and dedicated management."

Mr. David Ciceo, General Manager of Cluj "Avram Iancu" International Airport, stated: "The implementation of the ILS CAT III system and the ABC automatic gates represents a milestone in the development and modernization of the infrastructure of Cluj International Airport. It is a strategic investment in increasing the reliability and predictability of air operations, as well as in streamlining passenger flows. By integrating these modern, efficient and safe technological solutions, we adapt the airport's operational capacities to current traffic requirements and thus contribute to improving the quality of services offered to passengers in Cluj and the entire Transylvania region."

Mr. Sergio Colella, President of SITA Europe, stated: “What we are seeing in Cluj is how technology and innovation are translating into practical improvements for passengers and airport operations. The new automated border control gates are an example of this, integrating automation and biometrics into the passenger journey to facilitate a smoother and more efficient process. This initiative is part of a wider focus on innovation – from testing new approaches to passenger services and baggage handling, to leveraging SITA’s aviation and technology expertise right here in Cluj. It’s about exploring how technology can address real operational challenges and help shape the airport experience of the future.”

Through these investments, the International Airport Avram Iancu Cluj continues the process of modernizing its airport infrastructure, by integrating technological solutions aimed at supporting operational efficiency, security and improving the services offered to passengers.

On this occasion, Cluj International Airport would like to thank all the institutions that contributed to the implementation of these large-scale projects, namely: the Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority (AACR), the Romanian Air Traffic Services Administration (ROMATSA RA), the Border Police, the SRI - Anti-Terrorism Brigade, and the airlines.

At the same time, we would like to thank passengers for their understanding and patience during the implementation of these projects, which are intended to contribute to increasing safety, operational efficiency and travel comfort, as well as to aligning Cluj International Airport with modern international standards.

Cluj International Airport – your travel partner!

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Press office