FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The Kosovo government will start implementing a program to subsidize airlines transporting migrants to the country during the summer season on June 1. According to documents published by the Kosovo media, the financial support will range from 3 to 6 euros per passenger, depending on the performance and criteria that the companies must meet.
The program, called "Connectivity Support for the 2026 Summer Season", includes flights to and from countries where a large part of the Albanian diaspora lives, including Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Turkey.
To become part of the scheme, airlines must submit their flight plans to Pristina International Airport in advance. Then, at the end of the summer season, their performance will be verified to determine the level of support they will receive. The final assessment will be made after October 24, when the summer flight season closes.
The document provides for three categories of subsidies. According to the first criterion, companies will receive 3 euros for each passenger if they operate at least 85% of their scheduled flights.
The second criterion relates to the addition of flights beyond the initial plan. In this case, companies can benefit from 6 euros for each additional passenger, but only if at least 80% of the seats on the plane are occupied.
Meanwhile, the third criterion also provides financial support for companies that open new air routes to Kosovo. In this case, too, it is required that flights operate with at least 80% of aircraft capacity.
According to authorities in Kosovo, the goal of the program is to maintain and expand air connections with European markets, as well as improve the country's connectivity with international destinations during the summer months, when travel demand increases significantly due to the return of migrants.
The decision was approved by the government shortly before the start of the election campaign in Kosovo and has sparked political debate. The opposition has criticized the measure, claiming that it could have an electoral impact. Prime Minister Kurti has rejected these accusations and argued that the subsidy is necessary to maintain the stability of flights during the summer season and to help airlines cover operating costs.
Lini një Përgjigje