The operational issues at Montenegro’s airports have escalated into a significant concern, impacting the country’s tourism sector and raising questions about the government’s ability to manage vital international transport hubs. The state-owned company Aerodromi Crne Gore AD is fully under the jurisdiction of the Government of Montenegro, which holds primary responsibility for management and oversight.
As the sole owner and founder of Aerodromi Crne Gore, the government appoints the board of directors, thus retaining control over airport operations. This governance structure places accountability squarely on the state, with key figures including Stefan Madžgalj as board president and Roko Tolić as executive director. Local airport directors, such as Dragan Milanović for Podgorica and Ivan Rakočević for Tivat, are also tasked with operational responsibilities.
The Government of Montenegro, alongside the Ministry of Transport, bears significant political accountability for the longstanding issues at these airports. Despite being aware of limitations such as inadequate terminal space and insufficient passenger processing capabilities, governments have allowed the concession process initiated in 2018 to drag on without producing viable solutions.
This delay has not been inconsequential; Montenegro has actively marketed itself as a premier Mediterranean destination while passenger volumes surged—an increase that has not been matched by infrastructure improvements. In 2026, Aerodromi Crne Gore anticipates handling approximately 3.63 million passengers, marking an 18 percent rise from 2025’s record of 3.08 million. The expected growth in aircraft movements is projected at 15 percent, highlighting a mismatch between demand and operational capacity.
The situation at Tivat Airport is particularly critical as it serves as a key entry point for coastal tourism in regions like Boka Kotorska and Budva. Visitors often judge their experience based on their time spent at the airport, making operational inefficiencies detrimental to Montenegro’s tourism brand. Poor experiences can lead to negative online reviews and reduced future bookings.
Challenges at Tivat Airport include limited parking stands and inadequate runway lighting, which hinder its operational resilience. These persistent issues have been highlighted by recent criticisms regarding long wait times and flight diversions, underscoring systemic problems rather than isolated incidents.
Aerodromi Crne Gore’s management must take immediate steps to address these operational challenges through effective summer-capacity planning. This includes enhancing passenger processing capabilities and improving communication during disruptions. The management team is expected to ensure that infrastructure can accommodate increased passenger traffic effectively.
The board of directors also plays a critical role in overseeing management actions and ensuring that plans are executed effectively to safeguard the value of this state-owned entity. A comprehensive assessment of peak-season readiness should be mandatory to prepare for anticipated passenger volumes adequately.
Despite projected operating revenues of €47.3 million and net profits of €13.37 million in 2026, concerns remain regarding whether financial resources are being allocated effectively to enhance service quality and capacity.
The government’s indecision over whether to pursue a concession or maintain state operation has led to a governance failure, delaying necessary infrastructure investments while waiting for a resolution on ownership models. The proposed concession included an investment commitment of around €300 million but has yet to materialize into tangible improvements.
Tourism experts indicate that years have been lost due to unresolved ownership issues, further complicating infrastructure development efforts. As Montenegro aims for EU integration, effective airport management is crucial for demonstrating institutional competence in governance.
While airlines are responsible for their operational decisions and external factors can influence delays, chronic overcrowding and insufficient infrastructure highlight systemic failures that need addressing. The layered accountability suggests that while various stakeholders share responsibility, ultimate ownership lies with the government.
Montenegro’s airports are integral to its economy, supporting a tourism industry that significantly contributes to national revenue. The government’s role in airport management directly impacts the broader economic landscape; thus, addressing these operational challenges is vital for maintaining both tourist satisfaction and economic stability.
