Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Airports of Montenegro has launched its 23rd and final new route of the season, Madrid–Tivat.

 

The company said in a press release that a total of 180 passengers arrived on the inaugural flight operated by Spain’s national carrier Iberia from Madrid to Tivat, where they were welcomed with flamenco and the traditional Montenegrin “oro” dance. 

 

Flights will operate twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, until mid-September. 

 

Executive Director of Airports of Montenegro Roko Tolic said the company had made an important step forward this year in expanding its route network. 

 

“This new Madrid–Tivat route is also an elegant way to once again put a little pressure on decision-makers to finally determine the future management model for Airports of Montenegro. If we want even more air routes – and today’s figures clearly show that we do – we cannot provide passengers with the level of comfort they deserve,” Tolic said in Tivat.

 

He added that it would be a great pity to enter next year, when the company expects even more passengers, under the same conditions.

 

“Human resources alone cannot make up for what efficient infrastructure should provide,” Tolic said.

 

Recalling that since last season Tivat has been connected with Barcelona through Vueling, while Podgorica is linked to Barcelona by Wizz Air, Chairman of the Airports of Montenegro Board of Directors Stefan Madzgalj said there was potential for further expanding air links between Montenegro and Spain.

 

“While I hope that the citizens of Montenegro will use this new route to get to know Spain, which has never been closer to us, I am equally confident that we will be good hosts to Spanish visitors because, if this route reaches its full potential, it could open the door to connections with other popular Spanish destinations,” Madzgalj said.

 

Minister of Tourism Simonida Kordic said that Spain is a very important tourism market for Montenegro with considerable potential for further growth. 

 

She added that the figures already show that improved air connectivity is delivering tangible results.

 

Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Spain, Jorge Urbiola Lopez De Montenegro, said the new route would also strengthen economic relations.

 

“We already have an operational office of the Embassy of Spain in Podgorica, new Spanish hotels are opening in Montenegro, and last month we concluded two important economic agreements that will pave the way for a large number of Spanish investors. That is why this new Madrid–Tivat route will also be important for investors and companies,” Montenegro said.