Skopje and Ohrid maintain strong growth

Passenger numbers on the rise in Skopje and Ohrid

Macedonia’s two international airports have seen strong growth in the first half of the year. Skopje and Ohrid airports handled a combined total of 400.188 passengers, a surge of 18.4% compared to the same period last year when they welcomed 337.888 passengers through their doors. The increase can be attributed to a range factors including an increase in the number of scheduled flights which rose from 3.487 last year to 3.766 in 2012, representing a boost of 8%. In June alone the two airports saw a passenger increase of 14% compared to 2011 when they welcomed 88.092 people, despite a decrease in the number of operated flights.

July has also started on a strong note. This past weekend Skopje handled 153 flights and 14.062 passengers. Numbers are set to surge in the winter season as well as Wizz Air opens its base in the Macedonian capital and Flydubai launches its services from Dubai. However, this year Skopje has also seen some airlines suspend flight to the city. Malév ended services after declaring bankruptcy while ČSA Czech Airlines pulled out as it struggles with its own financial problems.

Meanwhile, Ohrid Airport has received confirmation that it will be served by the Turkish-Dutch charter company Corendon Airlines until the summer of 2015. The airline will operate six weekly flights to the lake side town next summer. “We've decided to extend the contract with our Macedonian partner Fibula Air Travel for three more years. As of next season, two more weekly charter flights from Brussels will be introduced. We are planning on bringing over 20.000 tourists from the Benelux region to Ohrid", Corendon manager, Atilay Uslu, said.