About Event

Following a successful bid in 2024 RATCA in collaboration with the Romanian Air Traffic Services Administration (ROMATSA) have come together to pursue the opportunity to host this esteemed Conference in 2026.

Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania, is a city where the past and present intertwine to create a dynamic and captivating destination. From its rich history, reflected in grand architectural monuments like the Palace of the Parliament, to its lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere, Bucharest offers visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair. Discover the allure of a city that is constantly evolving yet deeply rooted in tradition — a place that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Conference Venue

The venue for Conference is the JW MARRIOTT BUCHAREST GRAND HOTEL, a luxury 5-star hotel. The JW MARRIOTT BUCHAREST GRAND HOTEL is an Upscale hotel located in close proximity to the stately Palace of Parliament, just a 30 minutes’ drive from Henri Coandă International airport and within walking distance of Old Town, with its diversity of architecture.
Cost of Accommodation
Single
230 EUR (per room/night)

Superior Room.
Includes internet and buffet breakfast for guests.

Double
137 EUR (per person/night)

Superior Room.
Includes internet and buffet breakfast for guests.

Alternate Hotels

The alternate hotels are Hotel Continental Forum Bucharest and Hotel Parliament.

Located a leisurely 10-minute walk away from the main conference venue (JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel), Hotel Continental Forum Bucharest and Hotel Parliament. Both of them are just a stone’s throw from Palace of Parliament, which holds the 1st position in the Guinness World Records  for the largest administrative building (for civil use).

Hotel Parliament

Single
120 EUR (per room/night)

Standard Room.
Includes internet and buffet breakfast for guests.

Double
65 EUR (per person/night)

Standard Room.
Includes internet and buffet breakfast for guests.

Hotel Continental Forum

Single
110 EUR (per room/night)

Standard Room.
Includes internet and buffet breakfast for guests.

Double
60 EUR (per person/night)

Standard Room.
Includes internet and buffet breakfast for guests.

Registration Fee

Tier 1
 
  • Early Bird (ends 31 December) 370 EUR
  • Regular (until 15th of April) 400 EUR
  • On-site (after 15th of April) 450 EUR
Tier 2
  • Early Bird (ends 31 December) 320 EUR
  • Regular (until 15th of April) 350 EUR
  • On-site (after 15th of April) 400 EUR
Tier 3
  • Early Bird (ends 31 December) 270 EUR
  • Regular (until 15th of April) 300 EUR
  • On-site (after 15th of April) 350 EUR
IFATCA Officials & Conference Officers
  • Early Bird (ends 31 December) 270 EUR
  • Regular (until 15th of April) 300 EUR
  • On-site (after 15th of April) 350 EUR
Panel Speakers, Observers, Industry Partners
  • Early Bird (ends 31 December) 270 EUR
  • Regular (until 15th of April) 300 EUR
  • On-site (after 15th of April) 350 EUR
Accompanying Persons
  • Early Bird (ends 31 December) 200 EUR
  • Regular (until 15th of April) 225 EUR
  • On-site (after 15th of April) 250 EUR

Registration, Evening events, Dress code, Dietary restrictions

Monday night is the welcome drink with buffet dinner; dress code is semi-formal/business attire. The event will take place in Constanta salon, Conference hotel, first floor.

Friday night is the gala farewell dinner. This is a sit-down dinner, formal event, for men jacket and a tie! The event will take place at Parliament Palace, a short bus ride will be provided. Please be advised the venue requires both your badge and a form of identification – ID card or passport. You must provide your passport or ID number in advance when collecting your badge at the registration desk or via email if you arrive later than Tuesday, 21st of April (as we need to send the data in advance to the Parliament Palace). If you have a criminal record your access to the Parliament Palace might be denied.

REGISTRATION will open on Sunday 19th April 2026 from 16:00. Then on Monday morning from 08:00 onwards. The registration desks will be available at the first floor, conference hotel. Please provide to the registration desk any dietary requirements that you have for the gala farewell dinner.

The opening ceremony on Monday begins at 09:00 sharp – please be in situ by 08:50 at the latest. IFATCA leadership, directors and Industry Partners have assigned seats. Please find a member of the team to show these to you. 

If we can help in any other way please feel free to reach out at the registration desk.

Visa & Customs, Weather, Exchange Rates and Credit Cards

Visa & Customs

No Member Association (MA) will be barred from attending the Conference as long as they fulfil the entry requirements. Most visitors to Romania do not require a visa for entry. For more information on visa requirements, MAs can check with the  Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Please read the Schengen Visa Guide for 2026 IFATCA Conference HERE

Weather

At the end of April in Bucharest, the weather is generally mild and warm. Daytime temperatures often reach around 20°C to 21°C, while nighttime temperatures can be around 9°C to 10°C . It’s a good time to visit Bucharest, with more sunny days and less humidity compared to earlier in the month.

Exchange Rates and Credit Cards

The Romanian Leu (RON) is the currency of Romania. 1 US$ = 4.4 RON and 1 Euro = 5.1 RON. MasterCard, Visa and major credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to find.

Getting from Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) to JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel

Distance: ~20 km

Travel time: 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Rideshare (Recommended)

Uber, Bolt
Pick up from the designated ride-hailing area outside Arrivals.
Upfront pricing in the app.
Comfortable and reliable.
Cost: ~€10–18
Time: ~30–45 minutes

This is the easiest and most predictable option for most visitors.

Taxi (Metered)

Use the official taxi ordering machines inside Arrivals.
Avoid drivers offering rides outside the terminal.
After receiving the printed order from the machine walk outside the terminal building and wait for your taxi to come from the ramp on the left side (on the printed paper you will have the plate number of the taxi).
Cost: ~€9–14
Time: ~30–45 minutes

Train + Short Ride

Take the airport train to Gara de Nord (~20–25 min, runs every ~40 min).
From there, take a short taxi or rideshare to the hotel (~10–15 min).
Cost: Very low (train ticket + short ride)
Time: ~40–60 minutes

Good budget option.

Bus + Short Ride

Take the Express Line 100 to City Centre (Piata Unirii)
From there, take a short taxi or rideshare to the hotel (~10 min).
Cost: Very low (buss ticket + short ride)
Time: ~40–60 minutes

Good budget option.

There are other apps that offer a more comfortable option (better cars), Black Cab or Blue, they are slightly more expensive (€20-25) than Uber or Bolt, you have to install the app.

If in doubt, we recommend rideshare for simplicity and comfort.

Experience Romania’s Attractions and Experiences

Bucharest tours

Various Bucharest tours will be available for the accompanying persons, we are listing here a few of them:

  • Bucharest walking tour (old center)
  • Bucharest panoramic tour (with car/minibus/bus)
  • Bucharest standard tour (with car/minibus/bus, inside visit at 1-2 attractions: Parliament Palace / Village Museum / Ceausescu House)

Tours close to Bucharest

Various tours close to Bucharest will be available for the accompanying persons, we are listing here a few of them:

  • Prahova Valley tour (with car/minibus/bus, inside visit at Peles Royal Castel, Bran Castle-Dracula’s Castle).

Conference Schedule

Full conference schedule can be checked here.