Carriers eye Skopje void

With the national carrier of the Republic of Macedonia, MAT struggling for survival in the wake of it suspending operations, several carriers are eyeing the opportunties that exist in the market.

MAT was the largest carrier in the market operating roughly 25 weekly departures, however carriers such as Adria, the national airlines of Slovenia is reported to be interested in establishing a base in Skopje to fill the void left by MAT. Adria currently operates also, 25 weekly departures from Skopje making it the largest foreign carrier in the market.

With a growing business market in Macedonia and a growing number of domestic passengers the market appears to be ready more more flights, particuarly as Macedonia seeks to gain future full membership of the EU. Looking at the impact that this had on other markets in Eastern Europe such as Sofia. The main contraint to short term growth would appear to be operational and regulatory, rather than a lack of demand.