Montenegro has commenced an expedited initiative to enhance the capacity of its two international airports in Podgorica and Tivat. This move aims to address immediate capacity challenges ahead of the 2027 summer season, while also laying the groundwork for a long-term investment strategy estimated between €200 million and €300 million.
On September 2, the government announced the establishment of an inter-ministerial coordination body led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. This body will facilitate the planning, financing, and administrative processes necessary for the airport expansions.
The immediate focus will be on implementing measures that can boost capacity before next summer. A comprehensive 10-year Master Plan is set to outline larger investments and serve as a foundation for acquiring European Union grants and financing from international financial institutions.
Roko Tolić, Chief Executive of Airports of Montenegro, has indicated that the development requirements for both airports could reach approximately €200 million to €300 million. However, a definitive investment budget or financing plan has yet to be established.
The state-owned operator anticipates that passenger traffic will surpass 3 million by September 2026, occurring three months prior to the previous full-year record. This anticipated increase places additional strain on terminals, aircraft parking areas, and other essential infrastructure.
This expansion effort coincides with another year of growth in Montenegro’s tourism sector. However, existing airport facilities, particularly in Tivat, are becoming increasingly inadequate during peak summer months.
Plans for Podgorica Airport include a new passenger terminal, an expanded apron, and potential runway reconstruction or extension, aimed at accommodating larger wide-body aircraft. In Tivat, plans feature a new terminal, expanded apron space, additional taxiway infrastructure, and comprehensive runway reconstruction.
The government has not disclosed specific timelines or costs associated with these construction projects. The completion of the Master Plan will determine these details along with technical documentation, permitting processes, and financing arrangements.
This decision to accelerate planning reflects broader infrastructure challenges in Montenegro where tourism demand and foreign investment have outpaced the development of necessary transportation systems.
Tivat Airport is particularly vulnerable as it serves key tourist areas such as the Bay of Kotor and high-value real estate developments in Tivat, Kotor, Herceg Novi, and the Luštica peninsula. Summer passenger traffic is heavily concentrated in a few months, creating significant pressure on terminal capacity and ground operations.
In contrast, Podgorica Airport serves a more diversified role throughout the year but is also facing growing demands for additional capacity due to increased passenger numbers.
For Montenegro’s economy, enhancing air connectivity is crucial not only for tourism but also for influencing investment decisions by hotel operators and developers. The country aims to attract more visitors from Western and Northern Europe while extending its tourism season beyond July and August. Achieving these goals hinges on airlines being able to increase flight frequencies and routes without facing infrastructure limitations.
The government stated that the Master Plan would also facilitate access to EU grants and favorable financing from international financial institutions, which may be critical given the scale of proposed investments.
A funding range of €200 million to €300 million represents a significant financial undertaking for Montenegro’s economy, competing with other substantial capital needs across various sectors including highways, railways, electricity networks, water infrastructure, and environmental projects.
Airports of Montenegro has suggested that part of this investment could potentially be financed through borrowing. The company’s robust passenger growth may support this model; however, final decisions will depend on future cash flows and overall project economics as well as government policies regarding airport ownership.
The government has been exploring various airport concession models but has yet to finalize any agreements. The current approach emphasizes expediting development regardless of long-term operational strategies.
The immediate priority remains enhancing capacity ahead of the 2027 summer season. Incremental measures can be implemented more swiftly than constructing new terminals; however, airport construction typically involves lengthy preparation phases including design approvals and procurement processes.
The government’s formation of a high-level coordination body aims to alleviate these constraints. Similar delays have impacted other large-scale infrastructure projects in Montenegro where financing often precedes necessary permits or project documentation.
The situation at Tivat Airport exemplifies the intersection between tourism capacity and infrastructure investment. As tourism arrivals continue to rise alongside new hotel developments in 2026, each increase in visitor numbers necessitates corresponding investments in airports and related infrastructure such as roads and utilities.
Lack of adequate infrastructure could lead to congestion rather than enhanced productivity within the tourism sector. Tivat Airport serves a premium market but was designed for significantly lower passenger volumes. During peak times, limitations can hinder airline scheduling and degrade passenger experiences even when there is demand for more flights.
Expanding capacity could facilitate more direct connections from markets targeted for higher-spending tourists. Meanwhile, Podgorica Airport could absorb additional year-round traffic while enhancing its role as a primary gateway for central and northern Montenegro.
A larger terminal along with an expanded apron would provide airlines with greater operational flexibility while reinforcing Podgorica’s position as a key transport hub. The proposed investment program could also generate substantial opportunities for construction firms, engineering companies, equipment suppliers, and airport technology providers.
The immediate expansion plans do not equate to final investment decisions regarding the full €200 million-€300 million estimate; this figure remains an assessment of potential needs pending further evaluation through the Master Plan.
This shift indicates Montenegro’s transition from ongoing discussions about airport capacity toward a coordinated investment strategy aimed at addressing urgent infrastructural demands as passenger traffic continues to rise significantly ahead of previous records.
