As of today (October 1 ) the Romanian police will have a permanent post at Otopeni airport. The new unit will be staffed by over 30 police officers, who will patrol the interior and exterior areas of the airport 24 hours a day, as well as near the junction with the DN1, the road which leads to the Airport. The police officers were transferred from other units in Bucharest.

“We reorganized the forces so that those arriving at the airport to will feel safe, whether Romanian or foreign citizens,” said Romania's Interior Minister Mircea Dusa, who attended the inauguration of the new police station. Dusa said that increased security will soon be implemented in other Romanian airports across the country. The new station will have cells for prisoners and an office for inquiries, complaints or requests for assistance from the public. Head of the Romanian Gendarmerie Gavrila Pop, who also attended the opening, said English speaking staff will be available.

The recent kidnap and murder of a Japanese student from Otopeni airport. Following the tragedy, the authorities pledged to improve airport security and crack down on illegal taxis operating in the area and preying on unsuspecting arrivals at Otopeni airport – Romania's main gateway to the rest of the world.

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com