Increasing competitiveness of Montenegro’s Airports

Roko Tolić, the Executive Director of Montenegro Airports (ACG), emphasized the importance of keeping local travelers from choosing nearby airports like Tirana and Dubrovnik. He believes that enhancing local airport services can significantly increase Montenegro’s competitiveness in the aviation market. Tolić pointed out that Tirana benefits from an efficient airport and a supportive diaspora, which facilitate growth.

At a recent Routes World conference in Bahrain, ACG engaged in a record number of meetings with airlines, discussing opportunities for increased flights to Montenegro. This proactive approach positions ACG well for future negotiations aimed at boosting passenger traffic and improving service offerings.

Tolić expressed satisfaction with the positive perception of Montenegro as an appealing destination, thanks to ongoing efforts in European integration and tourism promotion. He highlighted the necessity for support from the government and the Chamber of Commerce to enhance airport competitiveness, noting that ACG’s pricing is favorable compared to other successful airports, despite misconceptions about its competitiveness.

Wizz Air is set to maintain flights to key European cities such as Milan, Memmingen, Dortmund and Budapest during the winter months. Despite some challenges with aircraft availability, the airline has reaffirmed its commitment to the same number of routes as last year.

Negotiations with Ryanair are still ongoing, and while ACG is hopeful about future routes, it acknowledges the airline’s previous decisions based on perceived market challenges. Tolić stressed the need to redefine the tourism season to extend from late March to late October, aiming for greater year-round flight availability.

Looking ahead, Iberia will operate charter flights from Madrid to Podgorica, with the potential for seasonal routes if initial demand is strong. Additionally, Vueling is considering a route to Barcelona, reflecting a growing interest in Montenegro from Spanish travelers.

British Airways has shown interest in exploring transatlantic connections through Montenegro, which could further enhance the country’s global connectivity. Meanwhile, Pegasus Airlines is facilitating access between Podgorica and Istanbul, bolstering regional travel options.

Negotiations for new routes to Hamburg, Hanover and Amsterdam are also underway. Swiss airline Edelweiss plans to extend its Zurich service next summer, and El Al has announced year-round flights from Tel Aviv. SunExpress is expected to introduce a route from Podgorica to Antalya, appealing to both tourists and locals.

Tolić noted that airlines are more likely to launch new routes during the winter if there is assurance of sufficient passenger occupancy. He believes that Montenegro’s trajectory toward EU membership will improve its visibility as a travel destination, particularly among low-cost carriers.

The government’s approach to the concession process for ACG has been responsible, aiming to attract relevant bidders. Tolić emphasized that domestic expertise could effectively manage the airport’s operations, reducing reliance on external partnerships.

Support from the Chamber of Commerce is vital as ACG seeks funding to enhance air access. The government has already allocated funds to promote tourism through organized air travel, positively impacting relationships with airlines like Jet2.com.

Despite losing traffic from traditional markets due to geopolitical issues, Tolić is encouraged by the increasing interest from the British market, particularly through easyJet, which could further strengthen Montenegro’s tourism sector.