North Macedonia is pushing to reestablish direct air connections with the Gulf region, with the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski, confirming active negotiations with low-cost carrier Air Arabia to launch two new routes from the United Arab Emirates.
During an official visit to the UAE, Minister Nikoloski revealed that the talks with Air Arabia are focused on introducing at least two nonstop services, one of which could serve the tourist hotspot of Ohrid. “We are in discussions with Air Arabia to establish at least two new routes, one of which we hope will serve the Ohrid region to further boost tourism,” he stated.
Air Arabia, which operates bases in both Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, is being considered as a key partner in the government’s broader aviation strategy, particularly as Macedonia has lacked direct flights to the Gulf since 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Flydubai and Qatar Airways to suspend their Skopje services, and neither has returned to the Macedonian market at full strength since.
Flydubai had planned to relaunch its Dubai–Skopje route this summer, but the launch has been delayed. Nevertheless, the airline remains committed to the route. “A nonstop Flydubai service between Dubai and Skopje is expected to launch soon. Flights have been temporarily postponed, though the airline remains committed to launching the route in the near future,” Nikoloski said.
As part of a new government initiative to improve air connectivity, six international routes from Skopje and Ohrid have already been secured for 2025, including the upcoming Flydubai service. The efforts are supported by a revised subsidy programme aimed at attracting airlines. “Through targeted support and a revised subsidy model, we’ve managed to attract new airlines, and the results speak for themselves,” Nikoloski noted. “Under the government’s 2025–2027 financial support programme, a total of 5.9 million euros has been allocated to subsidise new air routes. The programme is designed to boost air traffic, make travel more accessible for citizens, and support the development of civil aviation in the country.”
Despite its ambitions, Air Arabia’s track record in the former Yugoslavia has been mixed. The airline previously operated routes from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi to Sarajevo, but none are scheduled for 2025. Attempts to serve Tuzla (2011), Pristina (2012), and Belgrade (2019) were also short-lived, with routes cancelled within months—or, in Belgrade’s case, never even launched.
Nonetheless, Macedonia appears optimistic that the current talks with Air Arabia—and the renewed interest from Flydubai—could finally restore vital air links with the Gulf, enhancing tourism, business, and regional connectivity in the process.
Source: exyuaviation.com
It’s interesting to see North Macedonia’s efforts to reconnect with the Gulf region through direct air links. This could significantly boost tourism and business ties. However, I wonder if low-cost airlines will be able to sustain such routes given the current economic climate. On the other hand, the strikes in Belgium are concerning, especially for travelers relying on Charleroi and Zaventem airports. Do you think these strikes will have a long-term impact on Belgium’s aviation industry? It’s frustrating for passengers, but perhaps it’s a necessary step for workers’ rights. What’s your take on balancing such disruptions with the need for fair labor practices?
North Macedonia’s efforts to reconnect with the Gulf region seem promising, but I wonder how feasible this is given the current global aviation challenges. The negotiations with low-cost carriers could be a game-changer, but what about the competition from other regional hubs? On the other hand, the strikes in Belgium are concerning—how will this impact travelers and the aviation industry in the long term? It’s frustrating to see such disruptions, especially when air travel is still recovering. Do you think these strikes will lead to any meaningful changes in labor conditions? Overall, it’s a mix of hope and uncertainty in the aviation world right now. What’s your take on these developments?
It’s great to see North Macedonia actively working to reconnect with the Gulf region—it could really boost tourism and business opportunities. However, I wonder how the negotiations with low-cost carriers are progressing in terms of meeting expectations. On the other hand, the strikes in Belgium are concerning—it’s disrupting travel plans for so many people. Do you think this is a common issue in Europe, or is it specific to Belgium right now? I’m curious about how these strikes are impacting the overall perception of Belgian airports. Do travelers see this as a temporary inconvenience or a long-term problem? Would love to hear more about how such situations are being handled to minimize disruptions. What’s your take on balancing workers’ rights and maintaining essential services like air travel?
North Macedonia’s efforts to reestablish direct air connections with the Gulf region sound promising. It’s always exciting to see countries expanding their international reach. Active negotiations with low-cost airlines could make travel more accessible for many. However, I wonder if this will lead to sustainable growth for North Macedonia’s tourism and economy. On the other hand, the strikes at Belgian airports highlight the ongoing challenges in the aviation sector. How do these disruptions impact the overall travel experience for passengers? Could there be better ways to address workers’ concerns without causing such widespread inconvenience? What’s your take on balancing these two very different situations?