The merger of Bucharest’s two international airports, Aurel Vlaicu (Baneasa) and Henri Coanda (Otopeni), was suspended by a Trade Registry justice decision, according to Transportation Minister Ludovic Orban yesterday. 

Orban told a press conference that the merger is being contested by two parties, and the judge has taken into account the one submitted by Aviatia Utilitara, which is claiming the return of a piece of land at Aurel Vlaicu Airport. “The ministry will hand over the 8.9 hectares of land for which the appeal has been made,” Orban said.
Aviatia Utilitara recently claimed a further 17 hectares of land near the Aurel Vlaicu runway, but the request was not included in the contestation. 

The Minister added he will change the government ordinance stipulating the creation of Compania Aeroporturi Bucuresti (Bucharest Airport Company), also suspended by the judge. The company is supposed to manage the activity of the two merged airports. Orban added he will send a notification to the Superior Magistrate Council and to the Ministry of Justice against the Trade Registry judge, who “should have granted us the authorization to register the company.”
Upon its creation, Compania Aeroporturi Bucuresti was to be privatized. The judge’s decision is likely to impact on the process because it will delay proceedings to select a privatization consultant, Orban said. 

As the company cannot be created without the Trade Registry’s approval, Orban said he will draft a government ordinance allowing the two airports to operate separately until the problem is resolved.