Ohrid, 7 June 2026 (MIA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski, alongside TAV Macedonia General Manager Nejat Kurt, oversaw reconstruction works at the Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport on Sunday.  

The project adds 4,500 square meters of operational space to enhance passenger comfort and experience, and upgrade working conditions for staff, police and customs officials.

Deputy PM Nikoloski said reconstruction works are over 65 percent complete, moving forward without any disruptions to airport operations, i.e. the flow of arriving and departing passengers.

The launch of direct routes from Wroclaw and Katowice to Ohrid marks a major step in expanding the country's air connectivity with Poland, said Nikoloski.

He pointed out that the new flights are expected to increase the number of tourists and business travelers, as well as greater economic exchange and openness to European markets.

"This means many more passengers, many more tourists coming to Macedonia, many more people coming to do business, as well as further promoting global openness," Nikoloski said, adding that the new routes will make a direct contribution to Ohrid, Struga, Debrca and the entire region.

Commenting on results in air traffic, he said a 31.2 percent increase in the number of passengers was recorded in the January-May 2026 period compared to the same period in 2025.

"The numbers are excellent. No other airport in the region has this level of growth," said Nikoloski.

He added that based on this trend, it is realistic to expect that this year the number of passengers will reach 3.5 million, and the next period could see four million passengers at Macedonian airports.

He noted that the reconstruction of the Ohrid airport is running in parallel, and includes expansion of the terminal building and upgrading the passenger experience.

"In about two months, the airport will look brand new, with upgraded arrival and departure areas, bringing additional economic stimulus," said Nikoloski.

According to him, infrastructure projects such as the Ohrid-Kichevo highway will additionally contribute to the development of the entire region.

TAV Macedonia General Manager Nejat Kurt pointed out that the reconstruction of the Ohrid airport is a project worth EUR 2.7 million, funds that will provide passenger comfort and convenience, as well as better operating conditions for employees.

As regards the modernization of the Ohrid airport, he expects it to contribute to further positioning the Ohrid region and the country as one of the most attractive and accessible tourist destinations in Europe. He added that in cooperation with airlines and with the support of the Government, the expansion of the direct route network and the strengthening of the international connectivity of the airport will continue.

"We will continue to expand the direct route network and strengthen international connectivity," said Kurt. 

He noted that as of Monday, Air Serbia will restore the seasonal Belgrade-Ohrid route, while on June 16, Turkish Airlines will launch its seasonal flights, which will operate four times a week.

Kurt added that by the end of June, Ohrid airport will have eight airlines operating to 17 destinations, of which 14 are regular and seasonal routes and three are charter destinations.

Kurt mentioned that Ohrid and Skopje airports are among the fastest growing in Europe, with the country recording a 31 percent increase in passenger traffic in the first five months of this year.

He pointed out that despite stagnation in some European markets, the country is achieving double-digit growth and is positioned among the fastest growing in the region.

Photo: MIA, Ministry of Transport, TAV