Safety protocols: Mandatory de-icing causes flight adjustments at Chisinau Airport
Travelers using Eugen Doga International Airport are advised of potential schedule adjustments as Moldova faces a Yellow Code weather alert. While the airport remains fully operational, specialized teams are working continuously to manage heavy snowfall and ice.
To ensure flight safety, all departing aircraft must undergo mandatory de-icing. This essential procedure involves spraying the airframe with a specialized thermal fluid to remove ice and prevent re-formation during takeoff.
Airport management urges passengers to check their flight status online before departing for the terminal. Travelers should allow extra time for check-in and security procedures due to the current conditions.
National Weather Impact
The State Hydrometeorological Service predicts unstable weather across Moldova, including sleet, heavy rain, and snow. In central and northern regions, temperatures are expected to drop to -7 degrees Celsius, accompanied by northwest wind gusts reaching 20 m/s.
The severe weather has also affected the national power grid. Premier Energy Distribution reported that approximately 40,000 households lost electricity this morning. The most affected areas include the districts of Criuleni, Strășeni, Orhei, and Hâncești, where over 5,000 individual disconnections were recorded.
Operational Resilience
Despite these challenges, airport infrastructure is being maintained at full capacity. Specialized crews are deployed 24/7 for runway clearing and snow removal to minimize the impact on international air traffic.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
