French independent engineering and consulting company Artelia will submit a letter of intent on Monday to prepare a master plan for Montenegro’s Podgorica and Tivat airports, according to its proposal. The work is estimated to cost between 2.5 million euros and 3 million euros. The proposed plan would identify near-term upgrades and develop projects that could be put forward for financing.
The letter will be addressed to the Government of Montenegro, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance. Artelia proposes linking urgent infrastructure improvements with medium-term investments and a long-term airport strategy. Its proposed timetable covers priorities for 2027, an investment programme for 2027–2035 and a national development vision through 2050.
Investment scope
The immediate priorities focus on preparing both airports for continued traffic growth and the next summer season with improved infrastructure. Artelia proposes strengthening operational resilience and carrying out priority upgrades while the airports continue to operate safely during the work. Its letter calls for urgent measures to be aligned with future expansion and long-term public investment decisions.
For 2027–2035, the proposal calls for a detailed investment programme so projects can be put forward for financing and implementation. It would examine traffic scenarios and required capacity, alongside development of terminals, runways, aircraft parking aprons, taxiways and landside access infrastructure. The master plan would also set out estimated costs, investment priorities, implementation schedules, risks and possible financing models.
The proposed vision through 2050 would consider the complementary roles of Podgorica and Tivat airports, tourism patterns, seasonal traffic peaks, transport connections and sustainability. Artelia also proposes an objective assessment of alternative development scenarios and management models, without taking a position in advance on the airports’ future organisation.
Company and selection process
Artelia says it has more than 11,000 experts in over 40 countries and recorded revenue of 1.35 billion euros in 2025. Its specialist Artelia Airports unit has 26 years of experience in airport engineering. The unit lists work on Daxing International Airport in Beijing, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Hamad International Airport in Doha and the airport in Bahrain among its projects.
The proposal has not settled how a company would be selected to prepare the plan. The Government of Montenegro must decide whether to choose one under an intergovernmental agreement or through an international tender.
