Flight Berlin Timișoara: To the Romanian Banat with Wizz Air

The Romanian European Capital of Culture for 2023 is moving closer to Germany. I was on board the premiere flight of the new Wizz Air direct connection from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to Timișoara. This journey began early and ended with a good dose of tradition.

Dawn over the A113

It is exactly 4:00 AM. Berlin is still in a deep slumber as I glide in my car over the almost deserted city highway. What a rare experience. Usually, I need over an hour for the drive, but this time I roll past all the bottlenecks without a problem. The early departure time does have its advantages. My destination today is not an everyday one: I have been invited to be part of the official maiden flight of the new Wizz Air connection from Berlin to Timișoara.

Check-in, Hand Luggage Anxiety, and Initial Networking

Arriving at Terminal 2 of BER, the early fatigue quickly mixes with the travel bug. At check-in, I experience that classic moment that probably every low-cost passenger knows: the critical look at your own hand luggage. Is the bag perhaps a centimeter too big after all? Fortunately, everything fits, and I pass through the security check relieved.

An airport departure screen displays a Wizz Air flight to Timisoara, Romania, scheduled for 07:20 with flight number W4 3536 and the message "Boarding will follow."

At the gate, the silence of the early morning gives way to a joyful, bustling activity. While waiting for boarding, I get to know my fellow travelers. It is a group of travel journalist colleagues and official representatives from Romania who have traveled specifically for this occasion. The mood is still a bit tired, but full of anticipation for the flight and the subsequent time in the Timiș region.

A white and pink Wizz Air airplane sits on a sunny Romanian airfield with boarding stairs attached to its front and rear doors.

Photoshoot on the Berlin Tarmac

Before taking to the skies, the first real highlight of the day awaits. For this special premiere flight, we are allowed out onto the tarmac before departure and actually get to stand there. Highly visible in neon-colored safety vests, we stand in front of the striking, pink-and-white painted Airbus. Airport representatives, the aircraft’s crew, officials, and we as well are lined up for an official photoshoot.

A group of people, including airline crew and officials, pose on an airport tarmac in front of a Wizz Air plane to celebrate the official beginning of a new flight route between Berlin and Timișoara, Romania. They hold signs featuring the destination name and a "New Route" announcement against a clear blue sky.

Honestly, I had never experienced anything quite like this before, and it does feel a bit strange. After what feels like countless group pictures, the other passengers come out of the waiting area, and we finally take our seats in the cabin.

A close-up shot of a Wizz Air plane on a runway in Romania, with a set of metal boarding stairs positioned at the open front door.

A Stone’s Throw to Romania

The flight itself flies by – in the truest sense of the word. The trip from the German capital to western Romania takes just 1 hour and 10 minutes. Barely has the plane reached its cruising altitude when the pilot already begins the descent over the vastness of the Banat. There is hardly time to peacefully look out the window and enjoy the landscape.

An aerial view from an airplane window captures a winding river snaking through the lush green and brown landscape of Romania, with small towns and distant mountains visible under a hazy sky.

Traditional Welcome with Bread, Salt, and Schnapps

We land at the tranquil Traian Vuia Airport in Timișoara. The contrast to Berlin Brandenburg Airport could hardly be greater. Everything is more compact and accessible.

The doors open, and we step onto the tarmac. The local welcoming committee is already waiting for us there. The greeting by the local officials is warm. Here too, numerous photos are taken again, and then we are guided towards the VIP waiting area.

In Romania, a man and woman in traditional folk costumes welcome a guest with a ceremonial offering of bread and salt.

A person in traditional Romanian attire holds a tray with a ceramic pitcher and several small cups, likely for serving Romanian plum schnaps, known as Țuică. The pottery features distinctive hand-painted patterns and a glazed finish, set against a red and white embroidered tablecloth.

Another surprise awaits us there. Dressed in beautiful traditional costumes, we are greeted with freshly baked bread dipped in salt – an ancient Slavic and Romanian symbol of hospitality and goodwill.

To finally break the ice (and banish the remaining fatigue of the 4 AM start), there is a small cup of traditional, high-proof schnapps right there on the apron. Timișoara welcomes us with open arms, tradition, and a lot of warmth. The new direct connection proves: Eastern Europe’s hidden gems are now just a short stone’s throw away from Berlin, and for our group, 3 eventful days in the Timiș region begin.

Early Morning Return Flight

Almost equally early, we headed back to Berlin after 3 eventful days. The sun hadn’t quite risen yet when it was already time to say goodbye.

A group of people holds a promotional sign for a new Wizz Air flight route from Timișoara, Romania, to Berlin, featuring a photo of the Berlin TV Tower at sunset.

I enjoyed it, and I will definitely come back and explore even more of the region.

Travel Facts: Berlin (BER) – Timișoara (TSR)

Airline: Wizz Air
Departure: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Terminal 2
Arrival: Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR)
Flight Duration: approx. 1 hour, 20 minutes
Ideal for: City trips, culture lovers, and weekend excursions to the Romanian Banat.

An airplane sits on the tarmac at Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport in Romania during a sunset flight back.

The visit to Romania took place as part of a press trip organized in collaboration with the Timiș County Council, Visit Timiș, HORETIM, WIZZ Air, and Banat – European Gastronomic Region.