Prishtina, 22 July 2026
Honourable Minister of Finance, Hekuran Murati,
Honourable Chief Executive Officer of Prishtina International Airport “Adem Jashari”, Mr. Gökhan Açıkgöz,
Distinguished representatives of Wizz Air,
Honourable leaders and representatives of the institutions of Kosovo,
Distinguished ambassadors accredited to our Republic,
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Today, as we mark the 16th anniversary of the Opinion of the International Court of Justice, which confirmed that Kosovo’s declaration of independence was not in violation of international law, we are gathered for another piece of good news for our country.
Wizz Air’s decision to establish its operational base at Prishtina International Airport is evidence that Kosovo is increasingly being seen as a reliable destination for investment, with a clear development perspective, as well as significant potential to become further integrated into the European networks of transport, trade and the free movement of people.
This new operational base and the new Airbus A321neo aircraft, with a capacity of 239 seats, are an important investment and an indication that our country is becoming increasingly attractive to the international aviation industry.
Such success has not come by chance. It is the result of joint efforts, institutional commitment, close cooperation with economic operators and our international partners, the increase in the number of passengers, as well as good governance, which has inspired and continues to strengthen confidence in the potential of our country.
The aviation sector, in addition to being a means of transport, is also infrastructure for development. Every new air route creates opportunities and builds bridges for new cultural and human, professional and tourism, economic and trade connections.
In the regional context, in recent years, Prishtina International Airport has grown at a high pace. The number of passengers has continuously reached new records, so even the figure of 4 million that you see here is no longer 4 million, it is 4.6 million. We are slowly but steadily approaching the figure of 5 million passengers at Prishtina International Airport, in which case, compared to 2024, last year we had 12 per cent more passengers, which means that, if we wish to explain this percentage more practically, where there used to be 8 travellers, there are now 9, and now we are interested in ensuring that the growing number of passengers is accompanied by air tickets that are as affordable as possible, so that air travel becomes increasingly accessible.
Overall, this is a sign that our citizens are travelling more, that our diaspora is visiting their homeland more often, but also that the number of tourists is increasing. Therefore, it is essential that we continue to have developments and events such as today’s in the future.
As we all know, and as we experience every day, our diaspora is one of the strongest pillars of our country, and we are pleased that this news comes precisely during the summer season, when our family members and relatives return to their homeland in the greatest numbers.
We know that the number of flights at Prishtina International Airport to Switzerland alone sometimes reaches nearly 30 flights a day during the months of July and August.
Hundreds of thousands of our compatriots live, work and contribute in many European countries and beyond, continuously bringing investment, experience, ideas and new energy here. Therefore, every additional opportunity for air routes is also one more bridge between our diaspora and our shared homeland.
The more destinations, operators and fair competition we have in the market, the more affordable air tickets become for our citizens. And when prices go down, families meet more often, students travel more easily, while businesses create new partnerships.
For the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, the increase in air connectivity is also a strategic issue. Our aim is for our citizens to have as many choices as possible, as many destinations as possible, as many airlines as possible, and the most favourable prices possible. Therefore, we see this investment as the beginning of a new chapter, and we are interested in having as many aircraft as possible in Prishtina, as many direct routes as possible to European cities and beyond, and as many airlines as possible that include Kosovo as part of their long-term strategy, namely these international airlines.
Our Republic has the youngest population in Europe and a sustainable economy that is growing at levels that distinguish it from the countries of the region. Institutional stability and great development potential are strong reasons why investors should see Kosovo as a serious state and a long-term partner.
In this regard, we thank the leadership of Wizz Air, Prishtina International Airport “Adem Jashari”, its management and staff, who have worked with dedication to make this event possible. I also thank the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority, and all the institutions that have contributed to this process and to its successful completion.
The Republic of Kosovo is open, a reliable partner, and the right place for investment. The more connected we are with the world, the more we will develop as a state; the more people come to Kosovo, the more they will become familiar with our potential; and the more easily our citizens travel, the stronger our family, economic, trade, cultural and social ties will become.
Thank you all very much, and congratulations on this important achievement. I wish you even greater successes in the future!