Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air has reached a preliminary agreement with the Government of Montenegro to open a new operational base in Podgorica, confirmed Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević.
“We have reached a preliminary agreement with Wizz Air and expect to sign a cooperation contract soon, which will make Montenegro a base for this renowned airline. This will significantly improve our connectivity and further increase passenger numbers. We already have announcements regarding the opening of the Wizz Air base, as well as new routes from other well-known carriers, and it is encouraging that the number of available destinations continues to grow each year. What is certain is that we will soon expand the number of year-round routes connecting Montenegro,” said Vukićević, as reported by RTV Podgorica.
Two aircraft to be stationed in Podgorica
The Director of Airports of Montenegro, Roko Tolić, previously announced that Wizz Air plans to base two aircraft in Podgorica, with the possibility of adding a third. Tolić emphasized that this is a partnership project with mutual benefits, noting that while the airport may accept lower passenger fees, the overall economic impact — through tourism growth and new jobs — will be significantly greater.
Currently, Wizz Air operates year-round flights to Podgorica from Budapest, Dortmund, Memmingen, and Milan (Malpensa), while seasonal routes include Katowice, London (Gatwick), Vienna (until October 2024), and Warsaw. A new summer route to Vilnius is planned for June 2026.
Podgorica seeks recovery after a weak summer season
The opening of the base in Podgorica is expected to help the airport recover from a weaker 2025 summer season, during which a reduction in Ryanair flights led to a decline in passenger numbers in July and August.
The Government of Montenegro will soon publish a list of Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes — air connections that are commercially unprofitable but strategically important for the country and will be subsidized from the state budget.
“The Government, at the proposal of the Ministry of Transport, has adopted a regulation defining the conditions under which certain routes can be declared of public interest. We are currently in communication with the European Commission to ensure the entire process aligns with Montenegro’s obligations as an EU candidate country,” Minister Vukićević explained.
The opening of the Wizz Air base in Podgorica represents the most significant development in Montenegro’s aviation sector in recent years. It is expected to enhance connectivity, attract more tourists, reduce flight costs, and create new business opportunities across the tourism and service industries.
