In the first nine months of 2026, Tivat Airport reported a 10.6% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic, reaching a total of 1.308 million travelers. This surge positions the airport close to its historical annual record ahead of the year’s end.
The number of aircraft movements also rose by 5%, totaling 12,965 during the same timeframe. In September alone, passenger traffic amounted to 217,338, reflecting an increase of 8.3%, while August recorded 308,075 passengers, marking a rise of 12.2%.
Tivat Airport’s all-time record stands at approximately 1.367 million passengers, achieved in 2019. With September’s figures pushing the cumulative total above 1.3 million, there is potential for the airport to surpass this benchmark if autumn traffic remains strong.
The growth in passenger numbers signals that Montenegro’s tourism sector is experiencing a recovery that transcends mere post-pandemic normalization. Factors such as expanded airline capacity and increased demand from various source markets are driving these volumes beyond historical averages.
This upward trend is beneficial for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transport services, while simultaneously intensifying pressure on existing airport infrastructure. Tivat has long struggled with limitations regarding terminal capacity, aircraft parking, baggage handling, and ground access during peak travel times.
The sustained double-digit growth in passenger numbers reinforces the need for further investment in airport facilities. Tivat Airport serves as a key aviation hub for the Bay of Kotor area, which encompasses popular destinations such as Kotor and Herceg Novi, as well as high-end tourism developments like Porto Montenegro.
For investors, the consistent growth in traffic strengthens the case for additional hospitality and tourism-related projects throughout the bay region. However, a primary concern remains capacity: without adequate infrastructure expansion alongside increasing passenger volumes, congestion could negatively impact service quality and hinder future airline operations.
The potential for Tivat to set a new passenger record may bolster discussions on transitioning from merely managing seasonal airport demands to implementing a comprehensive long-term capacity investment strategy for Montenegro.
