Skopje, 28 October 2025 (MIA) - Skopje International Airport launched Tuesday afternoon its first direct flight to Madrid. Wizz Air will operate the route three times a week, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, supported by government subsidies.

Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski said that following the start of direct flights from Skopje to Madrid and previously to Barcelona, more destinations in Spain are planned. He added that since the new government came to power last year, 21 new direct airline routes have been opened, and the revised subsidy policy has led to increased passenger traffic at Skopje and Ohrid airports.

“The direct flight between Madrid and Skopje connects the two capitals of Macedonia and the Kingdom of Spain, which is very important for the development of tourism, business, and cultural exchange, something that truly matters. Last year, together with TAV, we developed a new strategy for subsidies, an innovative policy in subsidizing, which allowed us to double the subsidies compared to before. The subsidy for Skopje is €9 and for Ohrid €12 per arriving passenger, aimed at attracting more visitors to Macedonia. As a result, I am proud to report that between January and October this year, passenger numbers grew by seven percent overall, six percent at Skopje and 17 percent at Ohrid airports, reaching a total of 2,862,677 passengers, significantly more than the country’s population,” Nikoloski stated.

He listed the newly introduced flight routes, emphasizing that more destinations in Spain will follow and that Barcelona and Madrid will not be the last.

“From Paris Orly, flights operate to Skopje; from Istanbul to Ohrid; and from Dubai, flights to Skopje will start this winter. From Barcelona, Lyon, Amsterdam, and Ljubljana, flights also go to Skopje, along with charter flights by Freebird Airlines, which currently land daily at Skopje Airport and will soon increase to twice daily. Flights to Ohrid have begun from Basel and Larnaca. Madrid, Stuttgart, Paris, and Stockholm are starting at the main airport these days. We are opening connections to Geneva, Cologne, Prague, and from spring, Naples, Budapest, Katowice, and Wrocław to Ohrid, as well as Milan to Ohrid. In total, 21 new destinations and 21 new routes to increase tourism and business in Macedonia,” Nikoloski said.

For the Ambassador of Spain, Rafael Soriano Ortiz, this is a historic day, as he emphasized, since the two capitals are being connected by a direct flight for the first time.

He also underscored the importance of the recently established route to Barcelona and said that such connections are a prerequisite for improving bilateral relations between the two countries.

“I am convinced that this new route will achieve great success and mark a milestone in tourism, business, and cultural cooperation, paving the way for stronger ties between our two nations,” Ambassador Ortiz stated.

TAV Macedonia General Manager, Nejat Kurt, underline that with this airline route, Skopje and Madrid are closer than ever, and that Macedonia and Spain are strengthening their diplomatic and economic ties, which represents a huge opportunity for everyone.

“From today, Madrid, one of the most desired destinations for our passengers, is a reality, and they will be able to enjoy the city of art, music, life, squares, and terraces. Home to the famous Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, as well as people known for their warmth and hospitality,” Kurt said.

He pointed out that this airline, along with the four new routes that started operating recently, is proof that Macedonia’s connectivity with Europe is increasing.

“With the winter flight schedule, effective since last weekend, Skopje International Airport is now connected to a total of 49 regular destinations throughout the year and 13 charter flights. For us at TAV Macedonia, every new destination means more opportunities for our passengers, for tourism and the economy, and also for new friendships among people,” Kurt noted.

Photo/video: MIA