The idea of building an airport in Pljevlja was first publicly proposed in 2006 by then-mayor Filip Vuković during his presidential campaign. Two decades later, the project has resurfaced in planning documents. The recently adopted Spatial Plan of Pljevlja until 2040 envisions an airport for sports and recreational aviation within the municipality.
The proposed location, Potrlica, was also identified in the 2011 municipal plan and meets all regulatory requirements for an airport and VFR (visual flight rules) helipad. Alternative or additional sites for smaller helipads have been identified in Kosanica, Bukovica, Šulima, Kovačević, Bobovo, and Crljenice.
The original airport plan included a grass runway 960 meters long and 30 meters wide, with parking, a hangar, fuel station, restaurant, club space, car parking, access roads, and a helipad. A second phase would pave the runway to accommodate small business and sport aircraft carrying up to 20 passengers. The airport was intended to improve connectivity, support emergency services, and stimulate socio-economic development.
In parallel, plans for railway infrastructure are being revived. The Spatial Plan of Montenegro until 2040 includes construction of secondary rail lines connecting Pljevlja with Bijelo Polje and possibly Prijepolje, linking to the Belgrade–Bar railway. These connections aim to reduce transport costs, better utilize natural resources, and integrate the region into broader economic networks.
Overall, the combined development of a sports and recreational airport, local helipads, and improved rail links is seen as a strategic step to attract investment, boost tourism, and enhance the quality of life for Pljevlja residents.
The national plan envisions a network of Montenegrin airports including the two existing international airports, the planned Berane airport, and six smaller recreational and sports airports in Ćemovsko Polje (Podgorica), Kapino Polje (Nikšić), Žabljak, Pljevlja, Bar, and Ulcinj.
