The government is set to address the situation concerning the national air navigation service provider M-NAV during its session on January 9. Discussions will encompass potential measures, including the dismissal of all company management. This decision comes in response to an incident on January 4, wherein eight individuals, including Bekim Neziri—an M-NAV executive advisor, former government minister, and DUI branch president—breached the air traffic control facility and assaulted staff.

As per a January 4 press release by the government, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, in collaboration with Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and Minister of Transport and Communications Blagoj Bochvarski, initiated these proposed solutions. The release stated that Kovachevski would call upon various agencies, including the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the State Anti-Corruption Commission, the State Audit Office, the Financial Police Office, and international air traffic control bodies, to conduct a thorough audit of M-NAV’s prior operations.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office immediately launched an investigation into the suspects, citing the endangerment of international air traffic safety during 28 ongoing flights under M-NAV’s jurisdiction. The suspects face charges punishable by at least five years in prison.

Expressing concerns about potential flight risks, procedural influence, or repeated offenses, the Public Prosecutor’s Office requested detention orders for four suspects in custody, while the search for the remaining four continued. However, the Skopje Criminal Court rejected this request, imposing precautionary measures instead.

The incident unfolded subsequent to a press conference by Trade Union of Air Traffic Controllers leader Aleksandar Tasevski earlier on January 4. Tasevski announced the resignation intentions of numerous air traffic controllers and their assistants within M-NAV due to dissatisfaction with recent job announcements and to show solidarity with the union’s stance against the management board.

In response to the incident, the union leader declared an imminent general strike on January 10 unless M-NAV directors resigned, as pledged by the government.

Fahrudin Hamidi, M-NAV management board chair and executive director, referred to the event as an “unfortunate conflict” between colleagues. He assured the formation of a Security Committee to investigate the attack but refrained from providing further details due to the ongoing inquiry. Hamidi also affirmed his decision to remain in his position, citing positive achievements during his tenure.

He assured the safety of Macedonian skies during the incident, attributing it to personal disputes among M-NAV employees. Additionally, Hamidi accused union leader Tasevski of acting with personal motives against the management board.

Tomislav Tuntev, director general of the Civil Aviation Agency, affirmed that air traffic safety remained unaffected, emphasizing the professionalism and responsibility of air traffic controllers.

The incident at M-NAV has triggered widespread public concern.