Spajić to lead team for accelerated airport development: Master Plan to be prepared for 2027

The Government of Montenegro will establish an Interinstitutional Coordination Body for the development and expansion of Podgorica Airport and Tivat Airport ahead of the next summer season, it was decided at an operational meeting between Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and representatives of the relevant ministries and institutions.

The Coordination Body will be chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, while its members will include representatives of the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Defence and Airports of Montenegro.

Given that Airports of Montenegro achieved historic results in both passenger traffic and the development of the air connectivity network in 2025 and 2026, while the existing infrastructure has long since reached its capacity limits, urgent solutions are required, alongside the development of a long-term Master Plan.

The Prime Minister stressed that the airports must be ready to welcome the 2027 season in a new and improved form.

Following a record-breaking 2026, we have identified the key challenges. We have established a clear sequence of steps for improvements so that we can respond to the significant growth in passenger numbers, the Prime Minister said.

In addition to urgent measures for the coming year, the development of a Master Plan is also a priority, as it will provide the basis for the long-term development of Podgorica and Tivat airports. This is a specialised aviation document whose preparation requires a reputable international partner with decades of experience in this field. The Master Plan will define precise steps for the development of the airports over the next ten years.

Key infrastructure projects at Podgorica Airport include the construction of a new terminal, the reconstruction and expansion of the apron, as well as the reconstruction and extension of the runway to enable the airport to accommodate and handle wide-body aircraft. Montenegro must be connected to the rest of the world through direct long-haul flights.

Within the framework of the Master Plan, key infrastructure projects at Tivat Airport include the construction of a new terminal, a new apron and taxiway, as well as a comprehensive reconstruction of the runway.

Given the urgency of preparing this document, potential opportunities for accelerating the process include the use of mechanisms available under existing intergovernmental agreements. In addition, the Master Plan is a necessary formal requirement for applying for and accessing grants from EU funds, as well as favourable financing from international financial institutions.

In the meantime, the expert team led by the Prime Minister will be tasked with accelerating the preparation and implementation of urgent projects and ensuring the timely removal of administrative, planning, property and legal, financial and other obstacles, within the powers established by law.

The Government of Montenegro will task the management of Airports of Montenegro, in cooperation with the members of the Coordination Body, with immediately commencing the implementation of priority activities necessary to maintain operational functionality and increase the capacity of Podgorica and Tivat airports pending the adoption of the new Master Plan.