Polaris Airlines Launches Flights from Chisinau as Winter Seats Surge 11.8% to 1.47 Million

Moldova expands its international network as new scheduled service from NEW Polaris Airlines launches from Chișinău International Airport with more European destinations. The new service begins on 5 November 2026, with an expansion of the winter schedule the following day, making the airline the latest to enter the Moldovan market with additional flights to the country’s capital city. This increase, coupled with the overall expansion of winter airline capacity at Chișinău this winter, offers more flights for international visitors to and from the country’s capital city. According to Aviation Week’s analysis of OAG Schedules Analyser, operators will be providing 1.47 million departing seats during the 2026-27 winter season – an 11.8% increase on last winter’s 1.32 million seats.

Polaris Airlines Begins Operations Between Chișinău and Istanbul

The launch of Polaris Airlines marks a new development in Moldova’s commercial aviation sector.

The airline received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from Moldova’s Civil Aviation Authority on 26 October 2026. The certification followed an assessment of its technical documentation, operational procedures, management systems and personnel training, alongside a demonstration flight.

Its first scheduled commercial passenger service operated on 5 November between Chișinău International Airport (RMO) and Istanbul Airport (IST).

The inaugural operation uses an Airbus A321-200 registered as ER-PAG. The aircraft has a 212-seat configuration and forms the starting point of the airline’s initial fleet.

According to the published winter schedule, the Istanbul service initially operates several times weekly, with plans to increase frequencies during November and introduce daily operations in December.

Istanbul is an important international connection for travellers visiting Moldova, offering access to Türkiye’s tourism attractions and onward connections through one of Europe’s major aviation hubs.

Polaris Announces Six Additional European Destinations

Polaris is preparing to expand beyond its initial Istanbul operation through six additional European routes scheduled to begin in November.

The announced launch programme includes:

• Bologna: Scheduled from 18 November 2026.
• Verona: Scheduled from 18 November 2026.
• Prague: Scheduled from 18 November 2026.
• Milan Malpensa: Scheduled from 19 November 2026.
• Rome Fiumicino: Scheduled from 20 November 2026.
• Dublin: Scheduled from 21 November 2026.

These services are planned to operate three times weekly at launch.

The destinations offer different tourism experiences for Moldovan travellers. Bologna and Verona provide access to Italy’s historic cities and cultural attractions, while Milan offers connections to shopping, architecture and business tourism.

Rome remains an important destination for religious heritage, archaeology and cultural sightseeing. Prague attracts visitors through its historic centre and architectural landmarks, while Dublin provides access to Ireland’s cultural attractions and urban tourism experiences.

For international visitors, the additional services also create more direct travel options between Chișinău and established European city-break destinations.

Polaris Plans Further Expansion Across Europe

The airline’s proposed winter network extends beyond its initial November expansion.

According to published aviation schedules, further destinations include:

• Düsseldorf: Planned from 10 December 2026.
• Frankfurt: Planned from 11 December 2026.
• Paris Charles de Gaulle: Planned from 11 December 2026.
• Berlin: Planned from 12 December 2026.

These additions would bring the planned network to 11 destinations, including Istanbul.

Polaris has also indicated plans to expand its initial fleet by adding another Airbus A321 and an Airbus A320. These aircraft are intended to support the airline’s developing route network.

The proposed expansion remains subject to operational schedules, aircraft availability and regulatory requirements.

Chișinău Records 11.8% Growth in Winter Airline Capacity

The airline’s entry coincides with growing scheduled capacity at Chișinău International Airport.

OAG Schedules Analyser figures reported by Aviation Week indicate that the airport is expected to handle approximately 1.47 million departing seats during winter 2026–27, compared with 1.32 million in the previous winter season.

Winter scheduled departing capacity

Wizz Air remains the largest airline by scheduled departing capacity, accounting for approximately 821,000 seats or 55.7% of the market.

The figures demonstrate the scale of the existing aviation network as new operators introduce additional competition across several European routes.

What the Expansion Means for Moldova Tourism

Improved international air connectivity can make Moldova more accessible to independent travellers, visiting-friends-and-relatives passengers and international tourism markets.

Chișinău provides access to several established visitor attractions, including the historic city centre, Cathedral Park, the National Museum of History and the capital’s cultural and dining districts.

Beyond the capital, visitors can explore Moldova’s wine-producing countryside, traditional villages and established wine tourism attractions, including Cricova and Mileștii Mici.

The new airline connections provide additional travel options, although passengers should verify operating dates, frequencies, fares and baggage conditions before booking.

Conclusion

A commercial service of Polaris Airlines offers another new option to Moldova’s air market at a time when scheduled winter service of capacity to Chișinău continues to expand. Its services to Istanbul as well as six other destinations in November and four additional European routes planned, could further improve Moldova’s access for the winter of 2026-27. For visitors, it means more routes to Moldova as well as more travel choices between Chișinău and major European destinations.

The post Polaris Airlines Launches Flights from Chisinau as Winter Seats Surge 11.8% to 1.47 Million appeared first on Travel and Tour World