TAV Airports: Austrian Airlines 1st flight from Vienna landed today at Ohrid Airport
With a ceremonial welcome for the first 154 passengers arriving from Vienna at Ohrid St. Paul Тhe Apostle Airport, operated by TAV Macedonia, a subsidiary of TAV Airports and a member of Groupe ADP, Austrian Airlines officially inaugurated its new Vienna - Ohrid route.
The new route, which will operate from today until October 18, twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday, represents a significant step in improving the international connectivity of Ohrid and the region, providing passengers with direct access to one of the most important European destinations for business, tourism and culture.
“Austrian Airlines Ohrid – Vienna route will bring many benefits. First, for our airport, and then for the tourism development of the region and the overall economic connectivity of the country because through this direct air connection, Ohrid gains access to one of the most important European aviation centers, providing passengers with fast and efficient connections to numerous destinations across Europe and the world. It is particularly significant that this route is used by different categories of passengers – from tourists and businesspeople to transit passengers and our fellow citizens who live and work abroad, and that is why our expectations are that it will bring at least 5 thousand incoming passengers.
As an airport operator, our goal is to continuously improve the country’s connectivity and create conditions for passenger traffic growth, especially now that both Macedonian airports operated under concession by TAV Macedonia have officially been recognized among the fastest-growing airports in Europe by Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe). This recognition serves as a strong motivation for us, particularly at a time when the aviation industry is facing challenges. According to the rankings, North Macedonia with above 30% passenger traffic increase, is currently one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in geographical Europe among non-EU countries,” said Nejat Kurt, General Manager of TAV Macedonia.
“After just recently celebrating the 30th anniversary of Austrian Airlines flying to Skopje, we are proud to increase our footprint even further with opening a second destination in North Macedonia. The city of Ohrid and its surroundings has become more and more attractive for travelers from all around the globe, and we are looking forward to bring more guests to this beautiful region as well as to open another gateway for the people of North Macedonia to travel the world via Vienna” – stated Stephan Linhart said, Senior Director Sales for CEE, Israel & Türkiye at Lufthansa Group.
“The launch of the Vienna–Ohrid route represents an important step in strengthening the ties between Austria and North Macedonia. Beyond improving connectivity, this new connection will support tourism, business cooperation, and cultural exchange, while creating new opportunities for people and communities in both countries. We are pleased to see this partnership bringing our countries even closer together and helping showcase Ohrid and North Macedonia to a wider international audience.” – stated Mathias Humenberger, Deputy Head of Mission at the Austrian Embassy to North Macedonia.
The Vienna–Ohrid route is second new flight route launched from Ohrid Airport since the beginning of June. On 7 June, the first service to the Polish city of Wroclaw was inaugurated, followed by the Ohrid–Katowice route that was brought back on 9 June. Meanwhile, the seasonal routes of Air Serbia from Belgrade to Ohrid and Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Ohrid, also commenced on 8 and 16 June, respectively. During the summer flight schedule, eight airlines will operate flights from Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport to a total of 17 destinations. Of these, 14 are scheduled and seasonal routes, while three are charter services.