Jože Pučnik

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport saw a significant increase in passenger transport in the first two months of the year and is optimistic about the summer season given that some carriers have announced they will return.

Jože Pučnik, a key protagonist of Slovenia's democratisation and independence, was honoured on the 20th anniversary of his death on 11 January with President Nataša Pirc Musar describing him as a model statesman. The party that he used to lead organised a commemoration in Ljubljana.

Brnik – As mass staff shortages have forced many air carriers in Europe to cancel flights, only some individual flights have been so far cancelled at Slovenia’s main international airport Ljubljana. Airport operator Fraport Slovenija meanwhile acknowledges this could quickly change if the situation abroad escalates.

Ljubljana – On the occasion of the 31st anniversary of independence, Slovenia’s first President Milan Kučan and first Prime Minister Lojze Peterle said they would like to see more unity of the nation. They agree that this was the key to gaining independence, and that the idea of the common good should prevail in order to achieve common goals.

Moscow – Russia has closed its airspace for Slovenian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian planes, a retaliatory measure after these countries banned Russian aircraft from their airspace due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Luxembourg – Slovenia saw the biggest drop in air passenger transport in the EU in the 2020 pandemic year, fresh Eurostat data show. While the number of total passengers in the EU dropped by 73% to 277 million, in Slovenia it plummeted by 83% year-on-year. Slovenia is followed by Slovakia and Croatia, where 82% fewer air passengers were recorded.

Brnik – Fraport Slovenija’s new managing director Babett Stapel, who took over at the helm of the company operating Ljubljana’s international airport in October, is optimistic about the airline industry and airport’s future. She sees the industry’s recovery, providing connectivity, and increasing staff numbers as key challenges post-pandemic.

Brnik – Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport has a new flight connection to Madrid since Monday, operated by the Spanish air carrier Iberia. It will fly to the Spanish capital twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, until the end of August. Airport operator Fraport Slovenija would like to see the route become year-round as soon as possible.

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Ljubljana – Janez Janša won another term at the helm of the Democratic Party (SDS) at a party congress in Slovenske Konjice on Saturday. He was endorsed by 650 of the 656 delegates as the only candidate for party head.

Brnik – A new passenger terminal was inaugurated at the Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport on Wednesday. The expansion brings 10,000 square metres of new surfaces, including more space for security checks and baggage handling, and more check-in points. Once opened for business on 1 July, the airport will be able to handle more than 1,200 passengers per hour.