Overview
The airport was built in 1961, in Zeta Plain, south of Podgorica. Since its opening, it catered to both civil aviation and Yugoslav Air Force. It was, along with the Tivat Airport, owned by Yugoslav Airlines until 2003, when Government of Montenegro bought both airports. The airport was a frequent target during 1999 NATO bombing, when numerous Podgorica Airbase facilities and underground fuel tanks were destroyed. However, no significant damage on the passenger terminal or runway and taxiway systems was inflicted.
The airport has ICAO classification 4E ILS Cat I. However, ILS landing is possible only on runway 36, as northern approach to runway 18 is visual only, possible under perfect VMC. This is due to proximity of Dinaric Alps in the north.
A major renovation and expansion took place in 2006, with a refurbishment and extension of the apron and improvements to the taxiways system, airfield lighting system and power supply. Entirely new passenger terminal was built, while the old passenger terminal underwent reconstruction and refurbishment in 2009. There are 6 aprons instead of previous 3, and further extension of up to 8 aprons is possible.
The improved taxiway system allowed for wide-body aircraft to be serviced at the airport. Thus, the airport began servicing Il-86s and first Boeing 747 freighter paid visit to the airport in April 2008.
Read more about this topic: Podgorica Airport