The capital cities of Montenegro and Turkey, Podgorica (TGD) and Ankara (ESB), are now connected by a direct flight route. This route is operated by the Turkish low-cost airline, Pegasus Airlines, with flights announced twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays.
The first plane with passengers landed at Podgorica Airport at 11:25. A ceremonial welcome was organized for them, attended by the Ambassador of Turkey to Montenegro, Bariş Kalkavan, the Trade Relations Advisor at the embassy, Erdal Karaömeroğlu, the President of the Board of Directors of Airports of Montenegro, Eldin Dobardžić, the Deputy CEO, Petar Radulović, board members Nebojša Đoković and Kemal Purišić, as well as the Head of Business Supervision and Control Service, Nikola Bulatović.
The establishment of a direct flight route between the two capital cities is seen as a symbolic representation of the excellent ties between the citizens and the executive authorities of the two countries, assessed the Ambassador of Turkey.
“I am pleased that all seats on both incoming and outgoing flights are filled. This indicates mutual interest between the citizens of Turkey and Montenegro. In this way, we strengthen trade and tourist connections between our countries. During the summer season, we expect even more flights,” stated Kalkavan.
The President of the Board of Directors of the Airport, Eldin Dobardžić, emphasized the importance of strengthening air links between Montenegro and Turkey.
“The flight between Ankara and Podgorica can be considered historic. It is well known that Podgorica is highly connected to Istanbul, but as of today, the business community and political elites from Ankara have a direct route to Podgorica. It is especially important that new routes are being opened even before the official start of the summer season, which is expected to be record-breaking in all parameters,” Dobardžić assessed.
Nikola Bulatović, the Head of the Business Supervision and Control Service at ACG, reminded that Pegasus Airlines opened the Izmir (ADB) – Podgorica route on February 1st, and has been operating on the Istanbul (SAW) – Podgorica route earlier.
“The establishment of a direct route between Podgorica and Ankara is a logical consequence of excellent interstate relations, and the collaboration between the two companies, Airports of Montenegro and Pegasus Airlines, sets an example,” Bulatović evaluated.
