Turkish Airlines has announced a new route linking Ohrid with Istanbul, set to provide an essential travel link for both tourists and business travelers. This initiative aligns with the North Macedonian government’s strategy to stimulate air travel and boost tourism by offering financial incentives to airlines operating from Skopje and Ohrid airports.
In early September 2024, North Macedonia’s Ministry of Transport launched a subsidy program offering airlines 12 euros per passenger flying out of Ohrid Airport. The initiative, aimed at encouraging new routes and increased flight frequencies, is part of a larger financial commitment from the government, which has allocated around $6.3 million in subsidies for the period from 2025 to 2027. The goal is to increase passenger traffic by 200,000 annually across both Skopje and Ohrid airports.
The impact of these efforts has already been notable. In 2023, Skopje and Ohrid airports together handled 3.1 million passengers, marking a substantial 32.8% growth compared to the previous year. The introduction of Turkish Airlines’ new route is expected to contribute significantly to this upward trend, making North Macedonia more accessible to international visitors and further strengthening its position as a hub for regional travel.
With more connections to Istanbul, both the tourism sector and local businesses stand to benefit, as North Macedonia continues to attract increasing numbers of travelers and investors.