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9 August, 2022

Travellers warned over bomb threats against Moldova’s international airport

Above Chisinau at sunset. Chisinau is the capital city of Republic of Moldova

Smartraveller has issued a warning to travellers over bomb threats made against Moldova’s international airport and other official buildings in its capital, Chisinau.

The government’s travel alert website is advising Aussies to reconsider their need to travel to Moldova due to the “volatile security environment” and conflict in neighbouring Ukraine.

Since July, more than 100 bomb threats have been made against the country’s landmarks, including the Chisinau International Airport, government buildings, the Supreme Court, commercial centres, hospitals and churches across Moldova, according to Aljazeera.

Smartraveller said disruptions and delays are likely to occur as authorities respond to threats and advised travellers to monitor the media and advice from local authorities.

Moldovan airspace is currently restricted due to its proximity to Ukraine, and flights into the country are very limited.

Moldova, which became independent at the same time as Ukraine when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, is deeply divided between those who favour the European Union and those who lean toward Russia.

The bomb threats are thought to be “warnings” from the Russian side after the European Council granted Moldova candidate status for the EU.

Further tensions have arisen over Russia’s presence in Transnistria, an independent region that is internationally recognised as Moldovan territory.

Moldova’s deputy prime minister, Oleg Serebrian, who is tasked with reintegrating Transnistria, told The Times he is concerned over new calls for the territory to become part of Russia.

“The war in Ukraine means we worry that this is not simply a declaration but a kind of prelude to an operation in Moldova. We will do anything to avoid military confrontation but it does not 100 per cent depend on Chisinau,” Serebrian said.

Serebrian has warned that the bomb threats could be a prelude to Russian occupation of Moldova.

Smartraveller has advised Aussies not to travel to Transnistria as explosions were reported in the region in April.

Moldova has announced a nationwide state of emergency and other local restrictions may be implemented with little warning.

Featured image: iStock/Calin Stan

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Chisinau International Airport Moldova Oleg Serebrian russia smartraveller