The introduction of visas for Turkish citizens has already started to negatively affect air traffic and tourism in Montenegro, warns Orhan Hodžić, president of Oki Air. He noted a visible decline in passenger numbers between the two countries. Montenegro Airports confirmed a similar trend, reporting reduced traffic on flights from Turkey since the visa regime took effect, though no routes have been canceled so far.
Turkey is Montenegro’s second most important aviation market, and the new visa policy could have serious long-term consequences if extended or if Turkey responds with reciprocal measures.
Hodžić emphasized that all three airlines operating between the two countries had planned an increased number of flights based on strong passenger demand, but interest has now dropped due to visa requirements. He warned that continued restrictions could lead to fewer flights and harm economic cooperation and both the winter and summer tourism seasons.
The head of the Montenegrin Tourism Association, Žarko Radulović, confirmed that hotel bookings from Turkey were canceled immediately after the government temporarily suspended the visa-free regime. He described the decision as hasty and said it was already causing significant losses for hotels.
According to data from Montenegro Airports, Turkish Airlines had planned to increase weekly rotations from 14 to 18 during the winter season and add three weekly flights to Tivat. However, since visas were introduced on October 30, the number of arriving passengers per flight from Istanbul has dropped from 120–150 to around 40.
Radulović added that although Turkish partners have reacted with understanding, the impact on tourism is substantial. Many Turkish tourists hope the situation will be temporary and that travel will soon normalize.
The government’s decision followed an incident in Podgorica involving a Turkish and Azerbaijani national, which triggered public tensions and calls for stricter immigration control.
