The government’s plans to improve the country’s dismal air connectivity have gone off to a rocky start as only Luxembourg and Montenegro flag carriers have applied for state subsidies to help them cover airport fees at Slovenia’s three international airports.

Luxair and To Montenegro submitted their bids by the deadline that expired last week, the Infrastructure Ministry said on Monday.

The final decision on whether the bidders meet the eligibility criteria will be announced after their bids have been reviewed by a government commission.

Under the scheme to improve Slovenia’s air connectivity, two more calls are to be published this year, one in July and one in November.

The government has earmarked €5.6 million per year over three years for the scheme.

Carriers can apply to get subsidies for new passenger air links covering 50% of airport fees at Slovenia’s three international airports.

The scheme prioritises Brussels, Skopje, Prague, Berlin, Vienna, Copenhagen, Athens, Madrid, Amsterdam and Helsinki.

Rome, Stockholm, Oslo, Barcelona, Lisbon, Pristina and Paris have been designated as secondary destinations.

If funds remain after the second round, subsidies will be made available for routes across the European Common Aviation Area.

(Sebastijan R. Maček | sta.si)

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