Aviation in Montenegro

Overview

The airport was built in 1961, in Zeta Plain, south of Podgorica. Since its opening, it catered to both civil aviation and Yugoslav Air Force. It was, along with the Tivat Airport, owned by Yugoslav Airlines until 2003, when Government of Montenegro bought both airports. The airport was a frequent target during 1999 NATO bombing, when numerous Podgorica Airbase facilities and underground fuel tanks were destroyed. However, no significant damage on the passenger terminal or runway and taxiway systems was inflicted.

The airport has ICAO classification 4E ILS Cat I. However, ILS landing is possible only on runway 36, as northern approach to runway 18 is visual only, possible under perfect VMC. This is due to proximity of Dinaric Alps in the north. A major renovation and expansion took place in 2006, with a refurbishment and extension of the apron and improvements to the taxiways system, airfield lighting system and power supply. Entirely new passenger terminal was built, while the old passenger terminal underwent reconstruction and refurbishment in 2009. There are 6 aprons instead of previous 3, and further extension of up to 8 aprons is possible.

The improved taxiway system allowed for wide-body aircraft to be serviced at the airport. Thus, the airport began servicing Il-86s and first Boeing 747 freighter paid visit to the airport in April 2008.

Terminals

As air traffic in Montenegro saw a rapid increase in traffic in recent years, the old passenger terminal, a small, cobblestone building, had been retired except for duties with small-volume charter flights after the new terminal was built in 2006. The new passenger terminal (5,500 m²) opened on May 14, 2006. It has eight departure and two arrival gates, and is able to handle up to 1 million passengers annually. The terminal currently does not feature jetways, as passenger flow at the airport does not impose the need for ones.

The main (new) terminal building is a modern aluminium and glass structure, featuring advanced architectural solutions such as indirect lighting throughout the building. Since its opening, it features Costa Coffee outlet, two newspaper stalls, a duty-free shop, rent-a-car posts, and CKB bank outlet. Although the airport is considered a low-risk one, security screening has been visibly increased since the introduction of the new terminal. Security measures and monitoring that are standard for European airports are applied on the terminal.

The old terminal building is now housing medical staff, the Airports of Montenegro school center, lost-and-found luggage, airlines offices, a VIP lounge and a press conference hall. It was completely renovated and opened on September 15, 2009 and is now intended for VIP use and general aviation.