Montenegro Allocates €5.8 million to Subsidize Five International Air Routes

Montenegro PSO airline subsidy five international routes €5.8 million Air Montenegro

The Montenegrin Ministry of Transport has launched a public‑service‑obligation (PSO) tender to fund five scheduled air routes from Podgorica to Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt, Zagreb and Bari. The package totals €5.8 million (including VAT) and guarantees at least three return flights per week on each line. The subsidy is aimed at maintaining connectivity during the low‑season months when market demand is insufficient for commercial operation.

Airlines of any nationality may submit bids; the government hopes the process will invite competition, though the state carrier Air Montenegro (operating under the ToMontenegro brand) could benefit if selected. The tender is divided into separate parts so carriers can apply for individual routes, with the highest allocation earmarked for the Brussels‑Podgorica‑Brussels leg (€1.49 million). Contracts will run for one year, and the chosen operator must commence service within 90 days of signing.

The initiative follows Montenegro’s broader strategy to boost tourism, business travel and regional integration by ensuring stable, predictable air links to key European hubs that the private market would otherwise abandon.