It is clear that Montenegro faces poor air connectivity, which urgently needs strategic improvement due to the vital role aviation plays in the country’s economy—especially since tourism is a key sector and Montenegro aims to be recognized globally as a tourist destination.
Some progress is finally being made. Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević told Portal ETV that Montenegro is working on defining priority air routes considered to be of public interest. Funding will come from the state budget, with the exact amount and priority routes to be determined after thorough analysis. She suggested Brussels should be among the priority destinations.
Recently, the Montenegrin Parliament approved amendments to the Air Traffic Law to introduce Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes, a model used by many EU countries to support strategically important but non-commercially viable flights.
The Minister explained that priority routes might include non-commercial lines that are strategically important to Montenegro. These decisions will be based on real needs and interests, considering the tourism industry, the Montenegrin diaspora, business community, and the country’s EU accession ambitions.
The goal is to develop a sustainable air connectivity strategy based on reliable data and long-term national interests rather than seasonal fluctuations. After the analysis, Montenegro will specify necessary resources, priority routes, and financial support models.
Funds will be planned within the national budget, aligned with fiscal capacity. This is viewed not as an expense but a strategic investment to improve air access, directly boosting tourism, business activity, and Montenegro’s global competitiveness. The Ministry is also preparing accompanying regulations to implement the new law.
Minister Vukićević emphasized that the government fully recognizes the existing air connectivity problems, especially after the closure of Montenegro Airlines and the launch of a new national carrier, which caused destination disruptions. Improving year-round, stable air connections is a strategic priority, not just seasonal access.
Significant progress has been made, with this summer offering 55 destinations from Tivat Airport and 45 from Podgorica Airport, along with additional flight announcements. The introduction of the PSO model is expected to enhance air connectivity throughout the year and marks a historic first for Montenegro.
