The Macedonian Minister for Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski, has confirmed that discussions are underway regarding the introduction of flights from Saudi Arabia to Skopje and Ohrid. He did not specify which airline is involved, although low cost carrier Flynas has recently expanded within the region by launching services to Pristina, complementing its existing operations to Sarajevo and Tirana. “Direct talks have begun with Saudi Arabia to establish air traffic between the two countries, which will further expand the flight network to Macedonia. We will continue with this policy of incentivising new air routes”, Mr Nikoloski said.
Skopje Airport has been seeking to secure links to the Gulf for the past five years, following the suspension of services by Flydubai and Qatar Airways in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. Saudi Arabia is actively encouraging Kingdom-based carriers to broaden their international networks through the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, which provides support to both local and international carriers to launch new flights from the country. Its CEO, Majid Khan, previously told EX-YU Aviation News the country is looking to expand its footprint in the Balkans.
Mr Nikoloski anticipates for Macedonia’s two international airports – Skopje and Ohrid – to handle a combined total of over four million passengers this year. “We launched a serious strategy to attract new airlines and routes, bearing in mind that Macedonia has no access to the sea and that its airports represent our only gateway to the world. This is key to bringing in more tourists and business travellers, while also creating more opportunities for Macedonian citizens to travel”, Mr Nikoloski said. He added, “I am particularly pleased that both Ohrid and Skopje airports have surpassed 3.5 million passengers [in 2025]. Considering that Macedonia has a population of 1.8 million, it is clear that traffic volumes significantly exceed the size of our domestic market”. Mr Nikoloski further stated that Skopje Airport is on track to record the strongest growth in the former Yugoslav region this year, describing it as a matter of pride given that Zagreb, Sarajevo and Belgrade are all larger cities than Skopje.
