English
The success we are achieving in the development of air traffic is the result of the smart subsidy policy we devised in 2024 and began implementing in 2025—a policy that has already yielded results. We are breaking records every month. In July, compared to July of last year, traffic at the two airports grew by 21 percent, and in August, it grew by 31 percent, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski.
When we took office, the total passenger volume across both airports combined was around 2.4 million. I had anticipated reaching approximately 3.2 to 3.3 million passengers by the end of this VMRO-DPMNE government’s first term; yet, within just one year, we have already reached the 3-million mark. Now, it is literally a matter of a mere ten thousand passengers or so whether we will hit 4 million this year. So, a country with a population of 1.8 million is seeing 4 million passengers pass through its two airports. Furthermore, we supply the Pristina airport with all its jet fuel and meet a significant portion of the fuel needs of the Niš airport.” “Skopje Airport also hosts Wizz Air’s third-largest base—currently the largest European airline in the industry after Turkish Airlines—and all the aircraft they overnight at Skopje Airport are the latest Airbus A321neo models, which have the lowest emissions, noted Deputy Prime Minister Nikoloski.
Regarding Ohrid Airport, the Deputy Prime Minister noted a massive surge in traffic, with the possibility that Wizz Air might expand its base there by adding another aircraft. “When the concession was granted, it stipulated that Ohrid Airport would reach a volume of 130,000 passengers by 2030—a target set by both the concessionaire and the state. This year, however, Ohrid will handle between 350,000 and 400,000 passengers, with a very strong chance of surpassing Niš Airport,” Nikoloski said.
He also announced that plans for launching a Skopje-Dubai route are being finalized. “Dubai is an excellent destination—especially given that a significant portion of business, particularly from Europe, is already relocating to the United Arab Emirates.” “Major trade fairs where manufacturers showcase their products are already shifting to Dubai, which will be highly significant for Macedonian producers. At the same time, we expect an increasing number of tourists from the United Arab Emirates to visit Skopje as well,” noted Nikoloski.