Aerodromi Crne Gore handled almost 1.5 million passengers between January and early July, around 17 per cent more than in the corresponding record period of 2025. The airport operator expects annual traffic to increase by about 18 per cent to 3.63 million passengers, while projecting €13.37 million in net profit for the year. Air connectivity has also expanded through the opening of Wizz Air’s first Podgorica base in late March, which introduced 17 new routes. The additional connections have expanded access to western and central European markets.
Services operated by British Airways, Iberia and other international carriers have also strengthened, reducing the airports’ dependence on regional traffic and traditional summer charter markets. At Tivat Airport, approximately 10,870 visitors were registered in early August, 8 per cent more than a year earlier. The increase came despite complaints concerning traffic congestion, service quality and high prices during the peak season.
Passenger growth is placing greater pressure on existing physical infrastructure, including airport terminals, baggage handling facilities, aprons, road access and surrounding urban infrastructure. Montenegro has been considering an airport concession for years, while estimates for the modernisation of Podgorica and Tivat airports remain between €250 million and €300 million.
The unresolved ownership decision is taking place as passenger demand continues to increase. Higher traffic can raise Aerodromi Crne Gore’s earnings, while congestion at terminals and unreliable ground access can affect the wider tourism offering and airlines’ decisions on adding year-round capacity. The government is also backing the relocation of the EXIT festival platform to Montenegro. Events planned in Ulcinj and Budva are expected to generate at least 210,000 overnight stays and more than €40 million in direct visitor spending.
The proposed central-government support amounts to €1.5 million, supplemented by contributions from municipalities. The projected economic effect depends on attendance, the extent to which the events generate additional visitors rather than displace existing tourism demand, tax collection and the ability of local infrastructure to accommodate the activity. Event tourism is positioned to generate greater value when it increases demand during shoulder periods rather than adding further pressure to already busy summer weeks.
