The assessment of airport assets must be complete, independent and publicly verifiable, says the Airport Union of Montenegro.
The president of the union, Damjan Radulović, emphasized that they are against giving Podgorica Airport and Tivat Airport under concession.
He said that they welcome the fact that the Protector of Property and Legal Interests of Montenegro, Bojana Ćirović, suggested to the Ministry of Transport that it initiate the procedure for assessing the assets of ACG, as well as the fact that the relevant ministry sent the State Property Administration a request for an assessment.
They also welcome, he adds, the initiative of the chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Economy, Finance and Budget, Boris Mugoša, to hold a session with representatives of the Government and the Airport, at which all activities related to the concession would be discussed. They expect, he said, that all members of the Committee will respond and show the level of responsibility that this topic requires.
"Precisely because this is an issue of the highest public interest, and because there are perceptions and strong suspicions among the public that the procedure is intended to be concluded in favor of the South Korean company Incheon International Airport Corporation, the procedure must be conducted with maximum transparency, verifiability and institutional control. Therefore, we propose that, in addition to the appraisers hired by the State Property Administration (court experts), additional independent appraisers be included, in order to obtain the most precise assessment and the broadest possible expert consensus on the real value of the Airport of Montenegro," Radulović announced.
This requirement, he said, is additionally important due to the real change in market values in the last few years.
"According to MONSTAT data, the average price per square meter of a new apartment in Podgorica increased from €1.054/m² (2018) to €2.153/m² (Q3 2025), or by about 104%. In the coastal region, it increased from €1.397/m² to €2.458/m², or by about 76%. These data are not a direct valuation of airport property, but they unequivocally confirm that today's decisions should not be based on outdated estimates and partial representations of value," Radulović points out.
It also reminds that, according to the current legal framework, the disposal of state property worth more than 150 million euros requires a decision by the Parliament, at the proposal of the Government. This further obliges all institutions to ensure that the assessment process is flawless, well-argued and widely accepted, the statement says.
The union is asking for experts from ACG to be involved.
"We especially emphasize that within the company itself there are competent experts and auditors who know the assets, contractual relationships, operational needs and risks best. Their opinion must be included substantively, not formally."
The union president notes that they are against the concession, but says that they are not against development, investment and modernization.
"On the contrary. But we are against the long-term concession of strategic state infrastructure, especially at a time when the system is achieving results and has real potential to develop under state ownership, through smart investment, reinvestment of profits and the use of development financial instruments."
He also says that airports "are not just runways and terminals". Airports are people. Behind this system are employees and their families, who are responsible for operations and traffic safety 365 days a year. It is unacceptable that such an important topic is decided without a serious and respectful social dialogue with employees, said Radulović.
He also says that at a time of growth, "institutional uncertainty must not be introduced."
"We are facing the IATA summer season (NS26), which begins on March 29, 2026, which further increases the need for rapid, stable and responsible operational decisions. At such a time, there must be no room for management uncertainty that can complicate capacity planning and relations with airlines," he adds.
The union demands a pause, dialogue and a decision based "on the full truth about value."
"We call on the Government of Montenegro and the Parliament of Montenegro, before any final decision: to open formal consultations with social partners and the professional public; to ensure an independent, multiple and transparent assessment of the assets and total value of the Airport of Montenegro (with multiple appraisers and substantial participation of internal experts); to publicly disclose the assessment methodology, key assumptions and results; to present a comparative analysis of the two models: concession versus state-owned development (financial, operational and social effects)," the statement reads.
Airports are not a burden, but a strategic development opportunity for Montenegro, the union says. "Mistakes of this type are difficult, and often impossible, to correct later," said Radulović.
Bonus video:
