The opening of Wizz Air’s new base in Montenegro, along with new routes connecting the country to several European destinations, represents a major boost for Montenegrin tourism, said Dragan Purko Ivančević, member of the Tourism and Hospitality Committee of the Montenegrin Chamber of Commerce. He described the move as “air and water for Montenegrin tourism” and evidence that Montenegro can develop its own air connectivity without relying on concession models.
Ivančević emphasized that Montenegro’s airports must remain under state control, as they are strategic national assets directly linked to tourism policy and economic stability. He praised the current management of Airports of Montenegro, saying it has proven that the country, with support from EU funds and efficient use of domestic resources, can modernize and operate two modern airports independently.
“There is no logic in handing over the entry gates of a tourism-dependent country to foreign operators for their profit, while the public interest takes second place,” he said. “Such models may seem attractive in the short term but mean a long-term loss of sovereignty over national development.”
According to Ivančević, Montenegro has the expertise, experience, and human resources to manage its own airport infrastructure, and financial support is available both domestically and through EU programs. He added that the Wizz Air base will help extend the tourist season, attract higher-quality visitors, and improve travel options for citizens.
He concluded that airports are not just runways and terminals but the “gates of Montenegro” — the first and last impression visitors have — and that maintaining public control over them is essential for the nation’s tourism and economic future.
