Skopje, 26 October 2024 (MIA) - We're seeing the first results of the Government's support for new airlines. We have six new exclusive flights, and I am especially glad we are opening the Ohrid Airport to one of the largest airports in Europe, the Istanbul Airport, which is an airport with the largest number of connections to Europe and the world, said Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski.

Nikoloski said in an interview with Alfa TV that this is a huge opportunity to boost tourism, especially in the Ohrid region. He added that the flight to Istanbul, including the new flight Ohrid - Basel Mulhouse - Ohrid, will give a new input in the development of air traffic, given that the country has a large diaspora across Europe and the world, as well as an opportunity for the citizens of Albania to use the new flights from the Ohrid-based airport, the Ministry of Transport said in a press release. 

"As regards Skopje Airport, the most important destination for me is Skopje - Dubai, because I believe that Macedonia should be opened to the Middle and Far East, there are many opportunities for doing business, for Macedonian companies to sell on that market, and for investors to come to Macedonia. This direct flight means opening many points to Asia. The flight destination to Barcelona is also interesting, and I am sure it will be used by many Macedonian citizens, as well as many tourists from Spain. This flight will be annual, not seasonal. There is also the Stuttgart flight, as well as the completely new flight destination to Lyon, where we are opening to southern France, opening up the possibility of numerous tourists visiting Macedonia," Minister Nikoloski pointed out.  

Regarding the price, he said he expects ticket prices to be between 40 and 60 euros, adding that due to interest in new flights, a second public call for financial support will be announced in November, where another four to five new flights are expected.

Photo: MIA archive