Ryanair is considering entering the market of Montenegro on the Adriatic coast, the Podgorica daily Vijesti said today, quoting a government document.
The paper said the government welcomed the idea of the airline entering Montenegro, a move opposed by Montenegro Airlines, the official flag-carrier in the tiny republic, which is heavily reliant on tourism. No low-cost airlines fly to Serbia and Montenegro at the moment.
Citing a preliminary report on the introduction of low-cost carriers to the country, Vijesti said it would likely take until autumn for Ryanair to launch regular flights.
'The Irish company informed the Airports of Montenegro of its intent last December,' Vijesti said. 'The Ministry of Tourism supports the activities on opening Montenegro for low-cost airlines. The Ministry of Shipping and Transport has taken a positive stand on Ryanair using airport capacities in Montenegro,' Vijesti said quoting the document.
The document added that low-cost carriers were the biggest opportunity for Montenegro to dramatically increase its visitor numbers, and so boost hotel and car-rental revenues.
