Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević announced that the Tender Commission for the award of Montenegrin airports has not yet completed its work, but should do so in the coming days. Vukićević also confirmed in "Boje jutra" on TV Vijesti that the offer of the South Korean company "Incheon International Airport Corporation" does not envisage the development of bases for low-cost airlines, unlike the Luxembourg-American company "Corporación América Airports".
"However, that does not mean that they will not have such bases in the future, because that depends on the interests of the companies themselves. However, for me personally, it would be unacceptable for our airports to be left without low-cost flights, because they are important for both citizens and tourism," she pointed out.
According to her, if the Government decides to go into concession, investments could begin in 2027, while another bidder offered an earlier start to investments.
"The state must carefully assess whether it needs a concession at all, because Montenegro's airports are currently operating very well," added Vukićević.
Speaking about the temporary introduction of visas for Turkish citizens, the minister emphasized that the security of the country must be a priority, but also that cooperation with Turkey should not be interrupted.
"We have excellent cooperation with Turkey, especially in the transport sector. Turkish Airlines continues to fly regularly, and Istanbul is an important market for Air Montenegro as well. I expect a rational solution to be found that will not jeopardize economic cooperation," she said.
Vukićević assessed that the arrival of the low-cost company Wizz Air has already yielded positive results. She added that, after the agreement with Wizz Air, interest from other airlines has increased, including Ryanair, and that negotiations are also underway with British Airways.
"Our national airline is doing great, it will end the year in the black. They have good flight occupancy and stable business. Negotiations are underway on new destinations, especially to Italy, Spain and Israel," she said.
According to her, out of five electric trains, four are currently in operation, while the fifth is undergoing repairs.
"We have received a loan of 30 million euros from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to purchase three to four new trains. A tender has been issued and we expect deliveries to begin in the next three years," she said.
When asked about the safety of rail transport, the minister stressed that the trains and the railway are safe.
"The incidents that were recorded were minor technical problems. The tracks are old, but they are being maintained. The repair of a landslide on one section of the track will begin in November," she said.
The modernization of the Bar - Vrbnica railway will begin early next year, on the Bioče - Bratonožići - Lutovo section, 20 kilometers long.
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