Luxembourg-American company Corporación América Airports (CAAP) plans to file an administrative lawsuit against Montenegro’s Concessions Commission over the concession award for Podgorica and Tivat airports.
The dispute arises after the Concessions Commission partially upheld CAAP’s complaint regarding the bidder ranking. The final ranking placed South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) first with 96.18 points, while CAAP ranked second with 65.15 points. CAAP formally challenged the results, citing concerns over transparency, consistency, and the legality of the evaluation process.
Key points of contention include:
- A second round of technical scoring conducted by the Tender Committee, which CAAP claims was not allowed under Montenegro’s Concessions Law or the tender rules. The first round had CAAP in the lead, while IIAC scored below the minimum threshold. The second round reversed the results, allowing IIAC to advance and ultimately be declared first.
- Alleged undue influence from the Montenegrin government and its advisors, which CAAP argues pressured the Tender Committee into re-scoring.
- Leaks of confidential tender information to the media, which CAAP says affected committee members’ assessments.
CAAP maintains that the original scoring was lawful and transparent under both Montenegrin and EU regulations, and that the second evaluation was irregular. The company opposes any further re-ranking and seeks judicial review to protect its interests.
