Most travel agency ads prominently feature the capital of Albania, and for good reason. Tirana isn’t just a layover between Podgorica and Sicily; it’s the gateway from which more and more Montenegrin citizens are embarking on international journeys.
Last year alone, approximately 53,000 passengers from Montenegro took off from Tirana’s “Mother Teresa” Airport, with another 20,000 by April of this year, according to Pjervitorio Farabi, the operational director of the airport. He noted that Tirana’s airport outperformed others in the region, with nearly 1.6 million passengers departing from there by April, setting a regional record.
Situated about 140 kilometers from Podgorica, it’s roughly a three-hour drive away.
For Montenegrins, Tirana’s airport has become the preferred departure point, primarily due to limited flight options, high ticket prices, and poor destination choices from their own airports in Podgorica and Tivat.
Nikola, just back from his maiden trip to Sicily, attests to Tirana’s appeal: “The round-trip ticket from Tirana to Catania costs less than 20 euros. Despite minor inconveniences, it gets you where you want to go.”
Comparatively, the flight options from Podgorica and Tivat are limited to around ten destinations, whereas Tirana offers a plethora of choices every 15 minutes, often at low-cost rates.
Bojan, a resident of Podgorica, opts for Tirana for its affordability and diverse destinations. “With the costs of transportation and airport parking, it’s significantly cheaper. The limited options from Montenegro are highly unattractive.”
However, Montenegro’s aviation scene faces challenges. Despite increased traffic at Podgorica Airport, with 370,000 passengers recorded recently, flight options remain limited. The withdrawal of low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizzair from certain routes has exacerbated the situation.
In contrast, Tirana’s airport boasts over 120 daily arrivals and departures, attracting passengers with its extensive network of flights and competitive prices.
Wizz Air’s substantial investment in Albania’s aviation sector has bolstered Tirana’s prominence as a regional hub. The airline’s expansion has created hundreds of new jobs and further solidified Tirana’s position as a preferred departure point.
While the three-hour drive from Podgorica to Tirana may seem daunting to some, it’s a small price to pay for access to affordable flights and a wide range of destinations.
For travelers like Jovan from Bar, Tirana’s airport offers tempting flight options but comes with its drawbacks, including congestion, road infrastructure issues, and logistical challenges.
Despite the hurdles, Tirana’s airport continues to attract travelers seeking convenience and affordability, highlighting the need for Montenegro to improve its aviation infrastructure and expand flight options to remain competitive in the tourism market.
