Montenegro Airports (Aerodromi Crne Gore) will reallocate 4.12 million euros of its profit to the development of the country’s international air connections. This decision was made by the Government of Montenegro at the proposal of the Ministry of Transport. The funds, which are usually returned to the state budget, will now be used for a specific purpose — to improve air accessibility and strengthen the competitiveness of the economy and tourism.
According to Transport Minister Maja Vukićević, this decision is a logical continuation of the strategy aimed at strengthening the aviation sector and increasing the competitiveness of the economy and tourism.
“The government’s decision confirms our determination to consistently develop the aviation sector. After the agreement with Wizz Air on opening a base in Montenegro, we continue the course toward expanding the air network and creating sustainable conditions for growth,” Vukićević said.
The Ministry of Transport, together with the Ministry of Finance, will determine the schedule for transferring the funds and the rules for their use through a special budget line intended for the program to develop Montenegro’s international air network.
Concession postponed, focus on sustainable development
Unlike neighboring countries, Montenegro has not yet handed its airports over to private operators under concession. Serbia, Croatia, and Albania have already implemented this mechanism, which has led to increased investment and infrastructure modernization, but also sparked debate about the loss of control over strategic assets.
The Montenegrin government, by contrast, has chosen a path of gradual reform — developing its own management model that combines state participation and market mechanisms. According to Vukićević, this approach will ensure the long-term sustainability and independence of the aviation sector, avoiding the risks associated with transferring key infrastructure facilities into private hands.
“Comparing Montenegro with larger countries in the region, such as Serbia, Albania, or Croatia, is incorrect — their markets are incomparable in size. All three countries have already handed over their main airports under concession, whereas we are following a path that will ensure long-term sustainable development,” the minister explained.
Wizz Air could take passenger traffic to a new record
The government is placing special emphasis on the partnership with Wizz Air, which, according to forecasts, will become one of the key growth factors. The minister noted that thanks to the airline’s base opening in Podgorica and the launch of new routes, Montenegro may exceed the three-million-passenger mark per year for the first time.
“We expect that with Wizz Air’s arrival, the number of passengers at Montenegrin airports will exceed three million for the first time. The company will keep existing routes and add new ones, bringing the total to around 23. This will make Montenegro even more accessible and connected,” Vukićević emphasized.
According to her, this agreement is strategically important not only for tourism, but for the entire country’s economy. The airports will see increased passenger traffic, which will create new jobs, strengthen regional ties, and enhance Montenegro’s attractiveness for foreign investors.
Read also: Podgorica vs. Tirana: where is it cheaper to fly from
Looking ahead
Redirecting the profit Aerodromi Crne Gore into the development of air connections reflects a new model of managing public profit, in which the revenues of strategic enterprises remain within the country and work for its development.
Such a policy makes it possible to strengthen infrastructure without increasing public debt, ensuring sustainable growth and the sector’s financial independence.
Montenegro is betting on gradual but systematic changes — combining state leadership, partnerships with leading airlines, and transparent investment of profits. This direction is already delivering initial results: the number of routes is growing, passenger traffic is increasing, and the country is becoming an increasingly visible point on Europe’s aviation map.