Pristina Airport claims win over "subsidised Skopje"
Pristina Airport has said it has overtaken its traditionally busier counterpart in Skopje by the end of July despite the lack of state subsidies for the upkeep of select routes, as well as European Union visa requirements for Kosovo passport holders. Pristina Airport's Scheduling Manager, Driton Hyseni, said, "During the period between January and July of 2019, we surpassed Skopje Airport by an additional 38.000 passengers. While on August 18 [today], we have 83 flights which will carry some 11.000 travellers. Despite the huge subsidies the government of Macedonia is offering airlines and the tourism sector, Kosovo, namely Pristina Airport, surpassed Skopje Airport by 3% or by over 38.000 passengers. During the seven-month period, Pristina Airport handled 1.338.996 travellers to Skopje Airport's 1.300.790.
Mr Hyseni noted that travellers from Kosovo generate considerable traffic at Macedonia's airports. "It should be emphasised that the citizens of Macedonia have for many years been entitled to visa free travel in the Schengen area. Furthermore, Kosovo's proximity to Macedonia generates over half of Skopje Airport's traffic, which offers affordable flights enabled through government subsidies", the Scheduling Manager said. The Kosovo Civil Aviation Authority has previously complained to the European Commission over state subsidies provided to Wizz Air by the Macedonian government since 2012 for flights from Skopje. The regulator argued that incentives should be offered by the airport operator itself and not the government. However, in 2016, the European Commission said its investigation into the matter had proved inconclusive.
Mr Hyseni believes local authorities should do more to help Kosovo's aviation sector. "The time has come for us to offer greater support to airlines and the tourism industry in Kosovo, which would provide our countrymen with more convenient and affordable travel. At the movement, Niš Airport is also being used by passengers from Kosovo. Furthermore, such support would increase the number of foreign visitors to Kosovo, which would generate additional income and provide more jobs in the aviation industry, tourism sector and other services". Mr Hyseni argued that by investing into the aviation sector, Pristina would be able to attract passengers from Skopje and Niš. Earlier this summer, Eurowings became the first low cost carrier to station an aircraft in Pristina.
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