Pristina Airport plans long haul flights
Pristina Airport is aiming for the resumption of long haul flights, having recently completed the extension of its runway and launching a new incentive program targeting services to far-away destinations, among others. “We are using every opportunity to expand our route network or even double or triple services to existing destinations. Surely, with the runway extension, we will have heavier aircraft landing at Pristina Airport. Each airport would like to have long haul flights. Our diaspora is not only based in Europe but also in the United States, Australia and other countries. By having this runway extension and upgrade of the Instrument Landing System (ILS), we believe that we will possibly have long haul flights as well. We used to have services to JFK Airport years ago”, the airport said recently. Its runway has been extended by some 500 metres.
The airport has also launched a new incentive program between 2022 and 2024, which aims to encourage carriers to introduce long haul services to the city. “The purpose of the incentive program is to stimulate direct long haul routes from Pristina Airport, expanding connectivity, and providing more options for passengers”, it said. Long haul routes eligible for the financial stimulus are those operated by an aircraft with maximum take off weight equal to or more than 55.000 kilograms, as well as nonstop flights, operating at least twice per week and those running for at least two years. In return, the airport is offering a 100% landing discount, 50.000 euros for marketing and a 20% discount on handling fees.
During last year, which was still severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, New York was the most popular far away destination for travellers bound to and from Pristina. It was followed by Chicago, Washington and Toronto. Scanderbeg Air, a short-lived tour operator that contracted with Sky King Airlines, maintained two weekly flights between Pristina and New York with a Boeing 767-200ER aircraft from June to September in 2009. Ever since, there have been no long haul flights. Pristina Airport's General Manager, Haldun Firat Kokturk, previously said the US city continues to be a target destination.
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