Kosovo to establish state-owned national airline, funding included in 2027 draft budget
Prime Minister Albin Kurti says the carrier will use public capital to open more direct routes, especially to countries with large Kosovar diasporas.
Kosovo plans to create a state-owned national airline, with funds earmarked in the draft budget for 2027, Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced. The carrier is intended to open new direct routes, especially to countries with large Kosovar diaspora communities.
What the government approved
At a cabinet session on 2 November the Government adopted the draft 2027 budget, set at €4.27 billion — €200 million more than the revised 2026 budget. The draft allocates public capital for the establishment of the airline, but does not yet specify the precise investment amount.
Kurti said the new carrier will operate with state capital and will be developed in cooperation with experienced domestic and foreign partners. He also noted a promotional role: aircraft bearing Kosovo's national markings will land at international airports, raising the country's visibility.
Details such as the number of aircraft, the planned destinations and the date when commercial flights would begin have not been announced.
The project will enter a market already served by several international carriers, including the low-cost airline Wizz Air, which this year announced an expansion of operations at Pristina airport.
The draft budget has been submitted to the Assembly of Kosovo, where it must complete the legislative procedure before final adoption.
Photo: press material from the event
