Despite global conflicts and shortages of aviation fuel, airports across Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans are recording significant growth in passenger numbers.

The increase in passenger air traffic in the region is caused by a broad range of factors including the growing number of direct air routes, better connectivity with European markets, increased demand for travel, investments in improving airport services, a wider choice of regular and charter flights, the development of tourism as an economic sector, greater openness to the world, and a growing desire to discover new destinations.

Among the airports recording strong growth in passenger numbers are North Macedonia’s two airports in Skopje and Ohrid, operated by TAV Macedonia, a subsidiary of TAV Airports and a member of the Groupe ADP. From January to August 2026, the two airports handled a total of 2,919,441 passengers, an increase of 29% compared with the same period in 2025. They also recorded 19,406 flights, 10% more than in January-August 2025. The increase was also supported by the introduction of higher-capacity aircraft following the renewal of the locally based fleet, as WizzAir replaced its A320 aircraft with A321s.

“This growth is the result of several factors, including an increased supply of direct air routes, improved connectivity with European markets, demand for travel to and from the country, as well as continued investments in improving services, comfort and the overall passenger experience at both Macedonian airports,” TAV Airports told IntelliNews.

The positive trend in air traffic at Skopje and Ohrid airports has also been confirmed by Airports Council International – Europe (ACI Europe). According to its report for the first half of 2026, North Macedonia was among the markets with the highest growth in passenger traffic in the Non-EU+ category, with an increase of 27.9% compared with the same period in 2025. In May 2026 alone, passenger traffic in North Macedonia grew by 27.4%.

“When analysing the period from 2020 to 2025, it is important to take into account the circumstances that shaped this period. The year 2020 was marked by restrictions and a significant decline in traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting in 2021, a gradual recovery began, followed by positive results and growth in the subsequent years,” TAV added.

The operator of North Macedonia’s two airports says that the growth in air traffic is also the result of improved connectivity, the introduction of new direct routes and increased demand for business and tourism travel.

“The new air routes we introduced this year have provided better connectivity with attractive European destinations, some of which had long been requested by our passengers. At the same time, better connectivity strengthens the country’s appeal as a destination and creates conditions for growth in inbound tourism. For the economy, a higher number of passengers means greater mobility for citizens and businesses, better connectivity with European markets and additional opportunities for tourism development,” TAV said.

According to the airport operator, greater air connectivity also contributes to the development of trade, investment and international business activity, creating broader economic benefits for local communities and the country as a whole.

A sustainable trend?

Whether the trend of increasing the number of air routes and passengers will be sustainable will depend on several factors. First, it will depend on government policy and whether the government continues to provide subsidies and attract more foreign low-cost carriers, says Cvetko Andreесki, a professor at the Faculty of Tourism in Ohrid.

“If the current policy continues, we can expect the trend to continue in the future as well. Another important factor is the global financial and security situation. If the financial situation improves and the security situation in the world becomes more stable, we can expect the trend of increasing the number of flights and arriving passengers to continue,” Andreеski told IntelliNews.

With the start of the 2026 summer flight schedule, a total of 10 new destinations were introduced from Skopje and Ohrid airports. During the summer schedule, 15 airlines operate from Skopje Airport to 54 destinations, including year-round scheduled and seasonal services. At the same time, seven airlines operate flights to 24 charter destinations, bringing the total number of destinations served from the country’s capital to 78.

From Ohrid Airport, eight airlines operate flights to 17 destinations, of which 14 are year-round scheduled or seasonal destinations, while three are charter destinations.

“There is always potential for new routes. We continuously monitor and analyse passenger needs and the potential of different markets, and we are actively talking to airlines about introducing new direct destinations. A broader and more competitive offer from domestic airports could certainly encourage Macedonian passengers to choose to travel from Skopje and Ohrid airports rather than through neighbouring airports,” TAV said.

The company’s goal is for Skopje and Ohrid airports to become passengers’ first choice by providing convenient connections and competitive travel options, while expanding the network of air routes wherever there is genuine market potential.

Airports in Belgrade and Tirana break records

Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, recorded more than 1mn passengers for the first time in July 2026. On July 31, the airport also recorded a record 378 flights in a single day, an increase of 6.2% compared with the same month last year. In August, the airport recorded another 1,078,299 passengers.

“More than 1mn passengers over two consecutive months is a testament to the dedicated work of our entire team, strong partnerships with airlines and the growing attractiveness of Belgrade as a destination. This record-breaking trend further strengthens our commitment to continued investment and improving the passenger experience, as we continue to transform air traffic in Belgrade,” said Šivoan Rem, CEO of Belgrade Airport.

Belgrade airport says the achievement reflects continued growth in passenger traffic and the strengthening of its position as a key aviation hub in the region.

“Thanks to the continued expansion of the flight network in cooperation with airlines, Belgrade is connected this summer season to a record 118 destinations around the world, including five intercontinental routes. This represents the richest seasonal destination network ever available to passengers from Belgrade Airport,” the airport’s media centre said.

Belgrade Airport says it will continue to expand its network of destinations and further develop its commercial offering. The aim, it says, is to strengthen Belgrade’s position as a leading regional aviation hub in Southeast Europe.

Tirana International Airport (TIA) was selected as a finalist for the Airport of the Year 2026 award, the flagship category of the Airport Honour Awards, organised by International Airport Review.

“The selection of TIA as a finalist follows a period of significant transformation and growth, supported by investments made by Kastrati Group over the past five years. From 3.3mn passengers in 2019, the airport reached a record 10.7mn passengers in 2024, while the number increased to 11.6mn in 2025. Around 13.3mn passengers are expected to pass through the airport in 2026,” Tirana Airport said.

The airport says the growth has been supported by continued investment in infrastructure and capacity. Today, Tirana Airport offers direct flights to around 120 destinations through 60 airlines, which, according to the airport, is strengthening its role in supporting tourism, economic development and Albania’s connectivity with international markets.

Tourism growth depends on more flights

According to Andreеski, tourism growth in the region depends on an increase in the number of flights and passengers carried, although this is not the only factor.

“An increase in the number of air passengers is a trend across Europe, driven both by low-cost airlines and by the opportunities to visit different destinations. The financial and security situation in Europe and around the world also has a significant impact,” Andreеski says.

According to him, if countries want air traffic to have a greater impact on tourism development and tourist numbers, the number of dedicated charter flights should be significantly increased. In 2025, North Macedonia saw a 15% increase in the number of charter routes, but charter flights accounted for only 6.15% of all flights in the country.

According to his analysis, during the January-May 2026 period, the number of passengers carried increased by more than 30%, but the number of overnight stays was lower than during the same period a year earlier. He therefore says a strategy should be developed to subsidise passenger numbers on charter flights.

Transport and Communications Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski told an event marking the opening of the reconstructed section of St. Paul the Apostle Airport in Ohrid on September 8 that the development of airports is as important as the development of highways and railways, and the government is working on all three areas.

“The figures are far beyond what we expected. They are breaking all records. Ohrid Airport alone recorded more than 240,000 passengers from January to July this year, something no one expected, while the two airports together are approaching 4mn passengers this year. This was unimaginable for our airports, and we will continue to support their growth,” Nikoloski said.

Part of Ohrid Airport was recently reconstructed in a project worth €2.7mn. A total of 3,364 square metres of the terminal building were reconstructed and adapted. The check-in, security and passport-control areas were expanded, as were the gates, baggage-claim area and arrival and departure facilities. The administrative building was also expanded.

“I am convinced that in the period ahead, both the number of passengers and the number of airlines using Ohrid Airport will increase. As a government, we will work to support this activity because Ohrid Airport is an important link for the development of the entire region and of Macedonia as a country. This will mean more tourists and greater tourism potential, because in this way we are also developing the Macedonian economy,” North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said at the same event.

Previously, at Skopje International Airport, TAV Macedonia invested €1mn in equipment that improved security procedures and enabled faster passenger processing.

Growth at other airports

TAV Airports operates 15 airports in eight countries around the world. In Turkey and Southeast Europe, its portfolio includes eight airports in Izmir, Antalya, Ankara, Milas-Bodrum and Gazipaşa-Alanya in Turkey, Skopje and Ohrid in North Macedonia, and Zagreb Airport in Croatia. From January to August 2026, the total number of passengers handled across all of its airports increased by 2% year-on-year, reaching 76.8mn.

Outside Turkey, its airports handled 29mn passengers, representing an increase of 5%. “International passenger traffic at Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan increased by 11%, driven by strong demand for travel to China, Thailand and Vietnam. Georgia recorded 2% growth, with Tbilisi and Batumi continuing to recover despite geopolitical tensions. Tunisia recorded 5% growth, Zagreb increased by 2%, while Medina remained largely stable, with 1% growth,” TAV said.

The growth was driven by several factors. “Growth was supported by the continued increase in airline capacity and an expanded route network, although demand trends continued to be affected by geopolitical developments and high jet fuel prices,” TAV Airports said.

Although these external factors may affect traffic dynamics in individual markets, the company added that its geographically diversified portfolio provided resilience and flexibility. TAV expects passenger and air traffic to maintain a steady growth trend.