The Government of Montenegro made a decision last April to grant a concession for Montenegrin Airports, said Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević. According to her, investments are needed at both airports.
“For several years, the development of the airports has been held back. I am very cautious about this issue as it concerns an extremely important state asset. The airports are financially doing well, and the number of passengers has exceeded the figures from 2019. There are examples from the region where concession arrangements have been successful, but there are also other examples, so we must be cautious. There will be no layoffs; if a concession is granted, jobs will be guaranteed for five years, after which a social program with severance payments may be available,” Vukićević said during an appearance on Adria TV.
She added that Podgorica Airport requires a new terminal.
“It is not about money that the state cannot secure through loans if we decide to keep the airports in state ownership. That remains an option,” Vukićević emphasized.
Speaking about corruption allegations regarding the planned concession of the airports, Vukićević noted that it is easy in Montenegro to make such accusations and mention criminal activities.
“I am surprised that the prosecutor’s office does not react to statements from individuals, some of whom have immunity, but can give statements as citizens. When someone comments that a criminal activity is being prepared in a deal and nothing happens, it must be acknowledged that this is strange,” she pointed out.
The Minister of Transport also announced greater presence of low-cost airlines in Montenegro.
“A large number of users have not used our airports but instead those in neighboring countries. Low-cost companies at the airport in Tirana receive certain benefits. I am satisfied with how things are going at the moment, and there are indications that a low-cost airline may open a base in Montenegro. I believe we will manage to overcome the issues we had with low-cost airlines and will have a significantly larger number of flights. I hope these flights will be well-filled,” concluded Vukićević.
