According to the Montenegrin Government, Europe’s largest low cost airline is finalising its plans to commence flights to Podgorica. The Montenegrin Government has been actively involved in talks with Ryanair in order for it to commence flights. While the services are to be subsidised (to an undisclosed amount), the government has laid out strict terms. The airline will be obligated to carry 100.000 passengers out of Podgorica in 1 year and carry 50.000 passengers during the low season, from October until May. The national carrier, Montenegro Airlines has lobbied for low cost airlines, starting up flights to the country, to operate all year round services rather than summer only flights. Their wish will be granted as Ryanair will be obliged to operate for a full year.

Ryanair and the government are currently negotiating the cities from which Ryanair will operate to Podgorica. Suggested earlier in the year are London Stansted and Glasgow’s Prestwick Airport. An official from the Montenegrin Government said, “We are currently in the process of agreeing on the first destinations and at this time we can not disclose those cities”.

However, some are sceptical that Ryanair will stay in Montenegro for too long. This is because flights will be operated to Podgorica, rather than Tivat on the Montenegrin coast. Furthermore, flights will begin during the low winter season.

In the EX-YU region, Ryanair currently only operates to Croatia. With an agreement for flights to Montenegro on the horizon, the low cost airline is also entering its final negotiations to commence flights to Ljubljana. Sporadic meetings are also taking place with the management of Tuzla Airport in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EX-YU Aviation News