Tivat Airport in Montenegro faces severe congestion and EU criticism

Over the weekend, Tivat Airport – Montenegro’s main gateway for tourists – was overwhelmed by long passenger queues, severe delays and numerous flight diversions, highlighting major infrastructure shortcomings.

Passengers and on‑site staff said the single terminal is too small for peak‑season demand, with only one runway, limited parking spots for commercial aircraft and no runway lighting. As a result, planes were forced to wait on the apron, and several flights were rerouted to Tirana, Bari, Podgorica or held in the air for extended periods.

The European Union described the situation as “disorganized and chaotic,” warning that such conditions damage Montenegro’s tourism image and calling for urgent renewal of airport facilities. Žarko Radulović, president of the Montenegrin Tourism Association, called the situation “alarmant” and urged authorities to act immediately.