A final decision is expected in the coming weeks as the Ministry of Infrastructure wraps up its analysis of a feasibility study on the economic implications of founding a new airline. As per 24ur's sources, this study will reveal that the Slovenian economy, particularly the tourism sector, has suffered losses of approximately EUR150 million euros (USD163 million) in the wake of Adria's demise.
Departures from Ljubljana Airport, also known by its former name Brnik, have become less frequent, and connections with other European capitals have worsened. Attendees of a recent major medical congress had to be transported via cars and buses from other neighboring airports due to their superior connections, one source revealed.
While demand remains strong, aviation experts cited in the news report, including former Adria chief executive (1992-2001) and president (2001-2005) Peter Grašek and former Fraport Slovenia chief executive Zmago Skobir, cautioned the government against assuming Slovenians would be willing to pay more to fly with a national carrier. The plan hinges on approval from the European Commission, which Grašek expressed doubts about. Skobir, on the other hand, suggested that the project would only be feasible with partial ownership by a foreign airline.
A recent government tender offering subsidies to airlines to initiate new routes from Slovenia attracted applications from only two airlines, Luxair and Air Montenegro.
