Slovenia is expected to appoint a new government in the coming days, with the incoming Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Jernej Vrtovec, indicating that the country will fast-track approvals for new airlines seeking to enter the market. Mr Vrtovec previously served as Slovenia’s Minister of Infrastructure between 2020 and 2022.
Speaking at a parliamentary committee session yesterday, which endorsed his nomination for the ministerial post, Mr Vrtovec stressed the importance of improving connectivity and attracting new airline partners. “It is about connectivity and attracting partners. I was surprised to read in the media that airlines wishing to operate flights to Slovenia were effectively being shown the door simply because they were coming from places such as the Middle East. We at the ministry will process and sign these documents quickly; there is really no reason for delays. And this applies to operators from the European Union as well,” Mr Vrtovec said.
The incoming minister made no mention of plans to establish a new national airline. In June 2023, while serving as an MP following his first ministerial term, Mr Vrtovec argued that if the purpose of a new flag carrier was simply to provide more expensive flights to Brussels for civil servants, then “it makes no sense and would become a bottomless pit”.
The initial airline subsidy scheme aimed at improving Slovenia’s air connectivity was introduced under Mr Vrtovec’s ministry. The programme was designed to address the combined impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the pre-pandemic collapse of Adria Airways. His ministry oversaw the first rounds of tenders for airlines launching new services to Ljubljana, with the initiative later evolving into a longer-term programme under the subsequent government.
Commenting on the uncertain future of Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport, which remains without scheduled commercial flights, Mr Vrtovec said, “As for Maribor, we already had plans during my previous term and we intend to continue developing them, namely the creation of a multimodal logistics centre. In fact, the concept dates back to 2007 under the so-called Oregon Project. Logistics and logistics-related activities are a key part of improving connectivity and strengthening transport links”.
