Montenegro’s Airport Revolution Begins As Podgorica And Tivat Enter New Era Of Expansion And Modernisation

Written By: Sanjana Dubey

Sanjana Dubey

A passionate storyteller and emerging journalist, I am currently doing job while diving deep into the world of journalism. With two years of practical experience, I have cultivated a knack for transforming ideas into engaging narratives that captivate readers. My journey blends academic insight with real-world reporting, allowing me to explore culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and informed lens. Committed to delivering fresh, authentic, and impactful content, I strive to make every story not just read, but truly experienced.

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September 3, 2026 12:21 PM |

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New plans reveal that Montenegro is focusing its investments in developing Podgorica and Tivat airports. These changes indicate that the Montenegrin government is commencing a new aviation infrastructure project aimed at developing the capacity, modernizing the amenities, and preparing the aviation sector for prospective tourism demand in the coming years.

The country is creating an interdepartmental coordination body to guide the development of Podgorica Airport and Tivat Airport, two key gateways that handle the majority of Montenegro’s international passenger traffic. The initiative will focus on urgent improvements, long-term planning and the preparation of a new airport development Master Plan.

The government’s decision comes as rising passenger numbers and growing airline activity have placed increasing pressure on existing airport facilities. Both airports are operating with infrastructure that was designed decades ago and is struggling to meet modern aviation demands.

Montenegro Creates New Airport Development Body To Drive Infrastructure Expansion

The government is preparing to establish a specialised coordination body responsible for overseeing the development and expansion of Montenegro’s airport network. The body will bring together key state institutions and airport authorities to ensure faster decision-making and coordinated investment planning.

The main goal will be to improve airport capacity, strengthen operational performance and support future growth in air connectivity.

The coordination body will include representatives from ministries responsible for construction, finance, transport, defence, spatial planning and state property, along with representatives from Airports of Montenegro.

Other government institutions, municipalities and relevant organisations may also participate when specific projects require additional expertise.

The body will monitor priority projects, coordinate approvals and help remove administrative barriers that could slow down airport modernisation.

Airports of Montenegro will also provide regular progress reports, including updates on project implementation, deadlines, challenges and possible risks.

This new structure represents a major shift towards stronger state involvement in managing airport development after previous plans for private concession management failed.

New Master Plan Becomes Foundation For Montenegro’s Airport Future

One of the most important steps in the government’s strategy is the creation of a new Master Plan for Podgorica and Tivat airports.

The document will become the central roadmap for future airport development and will define how Montenegro’s aviation infrastructure should expand over the coming decades.

The Master Plan will identify future capacity requirements, infrastructure priorities, investment phases and possible funding sources.

It will examine how terminal buildings, aircraft parking areas, runways and supporting facilities should develop to handle expected increases in passenger and aircraft movements.

Existing airport development plans are based on older forecasts. However, Montenegro’s aviation market has changed significantly, with passenger growth, new airline connections and changing travel patterns creating new demands.

The government believes a new strategy is essential to ensure that airport expansion happens in a planned and sustainable way.

International expertise and possible European funding opportunities will also be considered during the preparation of the document.

Podgorica Airport Set For Major Capacity Improvements

Podgorica Airport has been identified as one of the main priorities for immediate investment.

The planned improvements include expanding terminal facilities, increasing aircraft parking capacity and improving essential airport systems.

The government is considering an expansion of the terminal area on the northern side, along with additional development on the western side of the terminal building.

Other planned measures include strengthening electricity supply systems, expanding aircraft stands and improving airport platform areas.

Authorities are also examining the possibility of using parts of existing military airport infrastructure for civilian operations.

This could include converting the military terminal for special categories of aviation, such as VIP flights, government aircraft and other specialised services.

The possibility of acquiring existing facilities in Golubovci is also being reviewed as part of efforts to increase available airport space.

These improvements are designed to help Podgorica Airport manage increasing passenger demand and improve operational efficiency.

Tivat Airport Faces Urgent Need For Modernisation

Tivat Airport is another major focus of Montenegro’s airport development strategy.

The airport plays a vital role in supporting tourism along the Adriatic coast, especially during the busy summer travel season.

However, its current infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with rising visitor numbers.

Priority improvements include upgrading passenger areas, improving terminal facilities and increasing operational space.

Plans include adapting the arrivals area at Terminal 1, building additional protection structures at Terminal 2 and improving facilities for general and business aviation.

Authorities are also examining land-use issues around the airport area, including the management of nearby roads and surrounding spaces.

The goal is to create a more efficient airport environment that can better support tourism growth and international connectivity.

New Investment Push Comes After Failed Airport Concession Plans

The renewed focus on state-led airport development follows the collapse of a long-term concession process.

A foreign airport operator that had been selected as the preferred bidder for managing Montenegro’s airports later withdrew from the process.

After this development, the government decided to take direct responsibility for modernising the country’s aviation infrastructure.

The delay in investment decisions had limited the ability of Airports of Montenegro to carry out major upgrades.

As passenger traffic continued to grow, both Podgorica and Tivat airports faced increasing pressure from outdated facilities and limited capacity.

The new approach aims to immediately address critical problems while creating a long-term development strategy.

Additional Airport Equipment And Operational Improvements Planned

Alongside major construction projects, Montenegro is also planning improvements to daily airport operations.

One of the key priorities is purchasing additional equipment needed for aircraft handling, passenger processing, security checks and maintenance of operational areas.

These upgrades will help airports improve efficiency and maintain service quality as traffic increases.

The government has identified 13 urgent activities across Montenegro’s airport system, although detailed investment values and construction timelines have not yet been finalised.

The projects will be implemented alongside the wider Master Plan process.

Nikšić Airport Potential To Be Examined Despite Challenges

The government will also review the possible future use of Kapino Polje Airport near Nikšić.

The assessment will examine existing infrastructure and whether it can contribute to Montenegro’s wider aviation development strategy.

However, the airport faces significant challenges due to its technical limitations, surrounding environment and close distance to Podgorica and Tivat airports.

Experts consider its potential for commercial passenger aviation limited.

The review will mainly focus on understanding whether the existing facilities can serve any alternative aviation purpose in the future.

Montenegro Targets Stronger Tourism Connectivity Through Airport Growth

The modernisation of Montenegro’s airports is closely linked with the country’s tourism ambitions.

Air connectivity plays a crucial role in attracting international visitors, especially to coastal destinations such as Tivat and major urban centres connected through Podgorica.

Improved terminals, expanded facilities and better operational capacity could help Montenegro welcome more travellers while strengthening its position as an important Mediterranean tourism destination.

The government’s new airport strategy aims to balance immediate improvements with long-term infrastructure planning.

By combining urgent upgrades with a comprehensive Master Plan, Montenegro hopes to create a modern aviation system capable of supporting future tourism growth, stronger airline networks and increased international accessibility.