Hungarian low-cost company "Wizz Air" has opened its base at Podgorica Airport, so for now the runway there will be home to one of their "Airbus" aircraft - and from June, a second one.
The Executive Director of the Airport of Montenegro (ACG), Roko Tolić, emphasized that this is a large and reliable partner and a long-term option for ACG and Montenegro.
He added that this is a turning point in business after two years of negotiations, thanking Prime Minister Milojko Spajić for joining them.
Video: Mirko Kotlas
"This is still an investment for now, it's up to us to show ourselves in the best way possible. Now is the time for dynamics, we are working hand in hand with the ministries of tourism and transport. I believe that we will make strides in the coming year," he stressed, adding that the process is neither easy nor fast, but that they expect more serious steps in terms of infrastructure in 2027.
During the opening, Tolić said that nothing has happened or been invested in Podgorica Airport for two decades, so it must be addressed, while "Wizz Air" will now open 17 routes, or with the existing ones - a total of 24.
Asked about ACG's capacities and serving 40 lines per day, Tolić stated that the operators received awards so they could serve that much on the current infrastructure - but they did not accept more lines.
Wizz Air CEO Roland Tišner pointed out that today is a turning point and that two Airbus A321 neo aircraft will be based in Podgorica, one immediately and the other from June.
"We are introducing 17 new lines, which will connect Podgorica with Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Hamburg. With the new lines, we will have a total of 24 lines to 13 countries. For the citizens of Montenegro, this means more travel options, more affordable tickets and connections with Europe. At the same time, more visitors will visit Montenegro," he said.
He added that the base brings tangible economic benefits to the country, and that in addition to the expected growth in the number of passengers, it will also contribute to the creation of 80 direct jobs and 700 jobs in related industries.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić emphasized that this is an important step, while 17 new lines will contribute to an increase in the number of tourists.
"I think this is a great opportunity for our economy and citizens and it shows how much the Government is involved in air traffic. We will have to think about infrastructure because the Airport can no longer accommodate more flights, so we will look at how to improve it," Spajić emphasized.
He also referred to routes of public interest, namely PSO and six lines to Western Europe, thanking the ACG management, which, he claims, has shown that it is possible to work in the interest of the state - not like before when it was done in favor of regional companies.
Due to the ceremony, photo shoot, and base opening, Wizz Air's flight to Paris departed at 13:05 p.m. instead of 12:20 p.m.
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