Montenegro airport concession process faces uncertainty

The concession process for Montenegro's Podgorica and Tivat airports faces significant uncertainty following the withdrawal of South Korea's Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) in mid-July. This has left Corporación América Airports S.A. (CAAP) as the sole remaining qualified bidder in the international tender.

CAAP has issued an open letter to Montenegrin government officials, expressing concern over recent government announcements regarding the establishment of an inter-sectoral coordination body and the consideration of alternative financing methods for airport reconstruction. CAAP emphasized that its bid remains valid and has formally increased its offer, noting its status as a major global operator managing 52 airports.

In the interim, Montenegro's airports remain under state ownership. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has announced plans for airport adaptation next year and the urgent creation of a Master Plan for long-term development. Local reports have highlighted operational challenges during the summer season, including overcrowding and system delays, alongside allegations of political influence and irregular hiring practices within the state-owned enterprise.