AnimaWings has launched direct flights between Vienna and Cluj-Napoca, giving travellers a new link between the Austrian capital and Romania’s Transylvania region. The Romanian airline operates the nonstop service twice a week, with flights every Tuesday and Friday using an Airbus A220-300.
The new Vienna to Cluj-Napoca flights depart Cluj at 6.50am and arrive in Vienna at 7.20am. Return services leave Vienna at 8am and reach Cluj-Napoca at 10.20am, while the airline plans to increase the route to three flights a week from the start of the 2026 winter schedule.
The inaugural service marks the arrival of AnimaWings as a new airline at Vienna Airport. It also adds another direct connection to Eastern Europe and provides a new option for business travellers, Romanian communities abroad and tourists travelling between Austria and Transylvania.
“We are delighted to welcome AnimaWings as a new airline at Vienna Airport, further expanding our network in Eastern Europe with an attractive new direct connection,” said Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport.
“Cluj-Napoca combines strong economic momentum with a vibrant cultural and creative scene, making it an appealing destination for both business and leisure travellers. We look forward to working with AnimaWings and are pleased to welcome the airline to Vienna Airport,” he added.
A new link between two business centres
Cluj-Napoca is an important economic, university and innovation centre in Romania, while Vienna serves as a major European destination for business, tourism and international connections. AnimaWings said the direct Vienna to Transylvania route responds to demand for more efficient travel from Romania’s regional cities.
“Cluj-Napoca is one of the most dynamic economic and innovation centers in Romania, while Vienna is a key European capital for business, international connectivity and tourism,” said Marius Pandel, CEO and Co-founder of AnimaWings.
“By launching this direct route, we are responding to a constant demand from companies, the Romanian community abroad and passengers looking for efficient, full-service travel options from regional airports. At the same time, this new connection reflects our commitment to developing direct routes from Romania’s regional cities to major European economic centres,” he added.
The morning timetable allows passengers to arrive in Vienna early in the day. The return flight reaches Cluj-Napoca before midday, providing another scheduled option for travellers visiting the city for work, leisure or onward travel in the region.
A gateway to Cluj and Transylvania
Cluj-Napoca combines historic buildings with a large student population and a growing creative scene. Its cafés, restaurants, festivals and nightlife have helped establish the city as an increasingly attractive destination for European city breaks.
The city can also serve as a starting point for exploring Transylvania. Visitors can travel from Cluj-Napoca to medieval towns and the landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains, as well as places associated with the region’s Dracula legends.
Salina Turda, about 30 kilometres from Cluj-Napoca, is among the area’s most distinctive attractions. The former salt mine contains vast underground caverns as well as a Ferris wheel and boat rides, offering visitors an unusual excursion within reach of the city.
The twice-weekly Cluj-Napoca flight schedule gives leisure travellers the option of planning short stays around the Tuesday and Friday departures. The planned increase to three weekly services in winter 2026 will add further flexibility, although AnimaWings has not provided the additional operating day.
Flights operated by Airbus A220 aircraft
AnimaWings will use the Airbus A220-300 on the Vienna route. The airline describes itself as a full-service carrier, offering Business, Premium Economy and Economy across aircraft configured with between 137 and 180 seats.
Founded in 2020 by the founders of Romanian tour operator Christian Tour, AnimaWings operates scheduled and charter flights. It is currently expanding its network and fleet as it develops more connections between Romanian cities and major European destinations.
The airline has eight Airbus aircraft, including six A220-300s delivered directly from the manufacturer during the past 24 months. Its development plan calls for the fleet to grow to 14 aircraft by the end of 2027.
The Vienna Airport route forms part of that expansion and gives passengers a new nonstop choice between Austria and Romania. Tickets and further booking information are available through AnimaWings.
