Podgorica airport set to surpass Zagreb as Croatian airports face decline

Podgorica (PRN) is expected to overtake Zagreb (ZAG) in passenger traffic this year, while Croatian airports are experiencing a free‑fall in volumes, with a reported drop of 27,000 passengers in November and December.

Croatia Airlines and airport management are not expanding terminals despite the downturn, and the airport has remained profitable for years. In contrast, Montenegro continues to subsidise Air Montenegro on certain routes, while Wizz Air expands commercially without public service obligation payments. Sarajevo’s airport is seeking to retain Ryanair for winter service, and Niš reports a mixed picture of airlines adding and cutting routes, highlighting a need for more year‑round connections.