North Macedonia is set to welcome a surge in flight connectivity starting in March 2025 as Flydubai, Turkish Airlines, and Wizz Air introduce new routes to the country’s two international airports in Skopje and Ohrid. The announcement came from North Macedonia’s transport minister Aleksandar Nikoloski during a press conference, where he confirmed that the airlines were selected following an open call for flight subsidies aimed at boosting tourism and passenger numbers in the country.
The government’s initiative is part of a broader strategy to position North Macedonia as a more accessible and attractive destination for travelers by offering financial incentives to airlines. The subsidies will support the airlines in launching new direct routes, expanding the country’s connectivity with key international destinations.
| Airline | Departure Airport | Destination | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flydubai | Skopje | Dubai | March 30, 2025 |
| Turkish Airlines | Ohrid | Istanbul | March 30, 2025 |
| Wizz Air | Skopje | Barcelona | 2025 (Exact date TBA) |
| Wizz Air | Skopje | Lyon | 2025 (Exact date TBA) |
| Wizz Air | Skopje | Stuttgart | 2025 (Exact date TBA) |
| Wizz Air | Ohrid | Basel-Mulhouse | 2025 (Exact date TBA) |
New Routes to Launch in 2025
Flydubai, Turkish Airlines, and Wizz Air will each bring new flight routes to North Macedonia, enhancing the country’s links with Europe and the Middle East.
- Flydubai will start direct flights between Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, and Dubai, a key business and tourism hub in the Middle East. These direct flights will commence on March 30, 2025.
- Turkish Airlines will introduce a new route connecting Ohrid with Istanbul, providing another essential link between North Macedonia and Turkey’s largest city.
- Wizz Air, already a major player in the North Macedonian flight market, will expand its presence by launching new flights from Skopje to Barcelona, Lyon, and Stuttgart. Additionally, Wizz Air will begin flights from Ohrid to Basel-Mulhouse, a significant European hub located on the borders of France, Switzerland, and Germany.
The addition of these new airline routes is expected to significantly boost both business and leisure travel to North Macedonia, encouraging more visitors to explore the country’s natural beauty, historical sites, and vibrant cultural scene.
Government Subsidies to Support Flight Growth
In an effort to further stimulate air travel to North Macedonia, the government has committed to providing financial subsidies to airlines operating out of Skopje and Ohrid airports. In early September 2024, the Ministry of Transport issued an open call for airlines, offering a subsidy of 9 euros per passenger at Skopje Airport and 12 euros per passenger at Ohrid Airport.
These subsidies are intended to encourage airlines to add new routes, increase flight frequencies, and ultimately boost passenger traffic to the country’s airports. The government has allocated a total of 360 million denars (approximately 6.3 million dollars) for the 2025-2027 period, with the goal of increasing annual passenger numbers by 200,000 across both airports.
Nikoloski also revealed that the ministry is preparing to launch a second open call for airline subsidies in the coming weeks, signaling the government’s continued commitment to enhancing North Macedonia’s air connectivity.
Rising Passenger Numbers and Tourism Growth
North Macedonia’s international airports in Skopje and Ohrid have already experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2023, the two airports together handled 3.1 million passengers, representing a 32.8% increase compared to the previous year. This growth demonstrates the rising appeal of North Macedonia as a travel destination, particularly in the wake of increased international connectivity and efforts to promote the country’s tourism sector.
With the introduction of new flight routes by Flydubai, Turkish Airlines, and Wizz Air, passenger numbers are expected to rise further, attracting both tourists and business travelers. The routes from Skopje to popular European cities such as Barcelona, Lyon, and Stuttgart will provide greater access for travelers from Western Europe, while the new connection between Ohrid and Istanbul will open up opportunities for increased trade and tourism between Turkey and North Macedonia.
In addition to leisure tourism, North Macedonia is positioning itself as a growing hub for business travel and cultural tourism. The new routes, particularly those linking Skopje to major European business centers, are likely to attract more international conferences, trade shows, and business meetings to the capital.
Expanding Air Travel to Ohrid
Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient architecture and scenic lake, is one of North Macedonia’s top tourist destinations. The city’s international airport has been a focus of the government’s tourism strategy, and the new flights from Turkish Airlines and Wizz Air are expected to bring even more visitors to this historic city.
By offering subsidies for flights to Ohrid, the government aims to diversify its tourism offerings beyond the capital city, encouraging more visitors to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. The direct flights from Istanbul and Basel-Mulhouse will enhance Ohrid’s accessibility to international travelers, making it easier for tourists from Europe and the Middle East to visit this popular destination.
A Bright Future for North Macedonia’s Aviation Industry
The launch of these new routes marks a significant step forward for North Macedonia’s aviation and tourism sectors. By providing financial support to airlines and improving air connectivity, the country is positioning itself as a more attractive destination for both tourists and business travelers.
As passenger numbers continue to rise, the government’s strategy of offering subsidies to airlines is expected to pay off by increasing the country’s visibility on the global stage and drawing more visitors from around the world. With a strong focus on tourism and air travel expansion, North Macedonia is set to become an increasingly popular destination in Southeastern Europe.
In conclusion, Flydubai, Turkish Airlines, and Wizz Air’s new flights to Skopje and Ohrid in 2025 will significantly boost tourism and air travel in North Macedonia. With government-backed subsidies and growing demand for travel, the country is well-positioned to capitalize on these new routes and continue its upward trajectory in the global aviation industry.
The post flydubai, Turkish Airlines, and Wizz Air to Launch New Routes to North Macedonia’s Skopje and Ohrid in 2025 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
