The Mayor of Berane, Đole Lutovac, spoke on Gradska TV’s “Epicentar” program about the idea of reactivating the local airport, stating that while the concept itself is not disputed, the proposal presented by German investor Mike Steinmiller does not align with realistic possibilities.
Lutovac highlighted that the detailed urban plan for Jelovica envisions a modern tourist complex featuring cable cars, gondolas, and hotels, and that the municipality is awaiting a response from investor Mohamed Alabbar. The municipality has also prepared conceptual projects for Jelovica and suggests more rational models for developing a regional airport with minimal land expropriation.
He criticized Steinmiller’s proposal for failing to address critical issues such as expropriation costs, environmental impact, and financial responsibility. Lutovac noted that Steinmiller’s plan would require the removal of around 700 buildings, which is impractical.
Instead, Lutovac referenced a 2018 University of Maribor study that proposes developing a regional airport with significantly less expropriation, primarily targeting illegally constructed buildings in the airport zone.
Lutovac emphasized that the issue is not the airport itself but the approach to its implementation. He called for a narrower airport zone that respects existing conditions, which would create a more sustainable and acceptable project.
He concluded that Steinmiller’s proposal exceeds both local and regional standards in scale and impact, whereas functional regional airports in Europe do not require such extensive land or displacement.
The municipality awaits further engagement with investors to explore feasible and lawful development options.
