Air Montenegro plans to introduce flights from Podgorica to Brussels, Frankfurt and Zagreb by the end of November, under a government-backed public-service aviation programme designed to improve Montenegro’s year-round European connections.
The airline intends to operate three weekly flights on each route. Promotional return fares are expected to start at approximately €100 for Zagreb and €150 for Brussels and Frankfurt.
The three destinations are part of a five-route Public Service Obligation (PSO) programme, which also covers Paris and Bari. The procurement was valued at approximately €4.79 million excluding VAT. This amount represents the programme’s estimated ceiling, rather than a confirmed subsidy payment. The routes have different strategic roles. Brussels provides access to EU institutions, while Frankfurt connects Montenegro with one of Europe’s largest aviation hubs. Zagreb is expected to strengthen regional air links.
The programme is intended to address Montenegro’s reliance on peak-season air traffic by improving connectivity during the winter months. More frequent year-round links could support business travel, conferences and off-season tourism, while helping hotels maintain occupancy beyond the summer season.
The commercial viability of the routes will depend on whether passenger numbers can grow sufficiently to reduce reliance on state support. Public-service contracts are typically used when governments consider particular connections economically important but believe initial demand may not be strong enough to sustain fully commercial operations. Their effectiveness depends on the wider economic benefits generated in relation to the required subsidy.
The new routes are being introduced as Montenegro considers major long-term investment in Podgorica and Tivat airports, where rising passenger numbers are increasing pressure on terminal and infrastructure capacity.
For Air Montenegro, the services provide an opportunity to establish a more stable year-round network while competing with larger regional airlines and low-cost carriers. The launch will test whether publicly supported air connectivity can develop into sustainable commercial demand.
