Ohrid Airport

Ohrid "St. Paul the Apostle" Airport is the aerial gateway to one of the most picturesque regions in the Balkans. Located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the oldest lake in Europe, it welcomes travellers eager to discover the cultural and natural treasures of North Macedonia. The airport serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the city of Ohrid, which is often called the "Jerusalem of the Balkans" due to its rich historical heritage. Despite its modest size, it plays a key role in the country's tourism industry, especially during the summer season.

As the second-largest airport in North Macedonia, Ohrid Airport offers passengers all necessary amenities within a compact and easy-to-navigate terminal. Its main advantage is its immediate proximity to the region's main tourist centres, allowing you to reach your hotel in a matter of minutes. The airport handles both scheduled and seasonal charter flights, connecting Ohrid with major European cities. For passenger convenience, car rental services and taxis are available at the terminal, which are the primary means of reaching the city, as regular bus services can be inconsistent.

Below is the essential contact information for Ohrid "St. Paul the Apostle" Airport (OHD), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

• Official Website: ohr.tav.aero. The site provides up-to-date information on flight schedules, airport services, and passenger regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +389 46 252 820 / +389 46 252 830.
• Address: Ohrid "St. Paul the Apostle" Airport, 6000 Ohrid, North Macedonia.
• Email: For general questions and enquiries, you can use the address information.ohd@tav.aero.
• Social Media: You can follow news from the management company, TAV Macedonia, which operates the airport, on their official pages on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost & Found: In case of lost or damaged luggage, please contact the relevant service via email: lostfound.ohd@tav.aero or by phone: +389 46 252 820 (extension 3006).
• Customer Support Contacts: For assistance with most issues, it is recommended to use the main information phone line or the airport's email address.

Getting to Ohrid "St. Paul the Apostle" Airport (OHD) from the city centre of Ohrid is straightforward, but it is important to plan your route in advance as transport options have their specifics. The airport is located approximately 9 km from the city, and the journey usually takes 15-20 minutes.

Taxi and Transfer — this is the most common and reliable way to reach the airport. Cars can be found anywhere in the city or ordered by phone. The cost of the trip is usually around 10–15 Euros. It is strongly recommended to agree on the price with the driver before starting the journey or ensure the taximeter is switched on. For greater peace of mind, you can book a private transfer in advance through your hotel or an online service — this guarantees a fixed price and timely vehicle arrival.

Public Transport to the airport is poorly developed. There are no direct regular bus routes from the centre of Ohrid. Some airlines organise shuttles tied to their flight schedules, but this information must be verified on your airline's website or at local tourist offices. Trains and metro services are not available in this region.

Car Rental — an excellent option for those who value independence and plan to explore the scenic surroundings of Lake Ohrid and other parts of Macedonia. Most rental companies allow you to pick up a car in the city and return it at the airport before departure, which is very convenient.

For travellers using a personal or rented vehicle, a car park is available directly in front of the terminal building. It is suitable for both short stops to drop off passengers and long-term parking during your absence.

"St. Paul the Apostle" Airport in Ohrid consists of one passenger terminal that handles all flights — both international and domestic. Thanks to its compact size and modern layout, the airport is very convenient for passengers, and it is practically impossible to get lost here. This makes it an ideal starting point for travelling around Macedonia.

The structure of the terminal is extremely simple and intuitive. The departure and arrival zones are located in the same building, eliminating the need for long walks or shuttles. Check-in counters are located at the terminal entrance, followed by the security control zone. Immediately after screening, passengers enter a small but comfortable departure lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is organised just as logically: after disembarking the plane, you will pass through passport control, collect luggage from one of the belts, and pass through customs into the general hall.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Ohrid Airport typically takes significantly less time than at major aviation hubs. Flight check-in and security screening usually proceed quickly without long queues. Nevertheless, especially during the peak tourist season (summer), it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5-2 hours before departure, to check in luggage and complete all procedures without rushing.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. The entire path from the building entrance to the boarding gate takes just a few minutes on foot. Due to the small size, all key points — from check-in counters and security to cafes and the Duty-Free shop — are within walking distance of each other, ensuring a comfortable and calm start or end to your journey.

The history of Ohrid Airport, officially known as Ohrid "St. Paul the Apostle" Airport, is closely linked to the development of tourism in this picturesque region of North Macedonia. The aerial gateway opened in 1952 and initially consisted of a small airfield serving domestic flights. Its main task was to improve transport accessibility to the famous Lake Ohrid.

With the growing popularity of Ohrid as an international resort in the 1960s and 1970s, the need to expand the airport arose. Gradually, it began to receive the first charter flights from abroad. A significant stage in its history was a major reconstruction in 1995. During the works, the runway was significantly expanded and modernised, and a new, more spacious passenger terminal was built, capable of handling the growing flow of tourists.

A new era in the airport's development began in 2010, when it came under the management of the international operator TAV Airports. This attracted significant investment for further infrastructure modernisation. Navigation systems were updated, passenger service was improved, and the flight network was expanded. Thanks to this, Ohrid Airport began receiving flights from many European airlines, leading to record growth in passenger traffic in subsequent years.

Interesting fact: the airport received the name "St. Paul the Apostle" in honour of the apostle who, according to tradition, preached in these lands. Today, Ohrid Airport represents a modern and comfortable aerial gateway, playing a key role in the tourism appeal of not only the Ohrid region but the entire country.

St. Paul the Apostle Airport in Ohrid, despite its compact dimensions, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is a modern and convenient terminal where it is easy to orient oneself.

For those wishing to have a snack or drink coffee, several cafes and snack bars operate at the airport. After passing passport control, passengers have access to a Duty Free shop, where perfumes, beverages, tobacco products, and traditional Macedonian souvenirs can be purchased. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging points for electronic devices are available in the waiting lounges.

For travellers who value enhanced comfort, a VIP Lounge is provided, offering a secluded atmosphere, snacks, and drinks. ATMs and currency exchange offices are located in the airport building, allowing you to settle financial matters immediately upon arrival or before departure. There is also a first aid station.

The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, special restrooms, and the option to request assistance services. For families with small children, mother and child rooms are provided. There are no hotels directly inside the airport building, but many accommodation options are located in the city of Ohrid itself, which can be quickly reached by taxi. There are no separate conference halls at the airport, but the VIP Lounge services can be used for business meetings.

Ohrid "St. Paul the Apostle" Airport (OHD) is a small and compact airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited but sufficient for a snack before departure or a coffee upon arrival. Dining options are mainly concentrated in two key zones.

Public Zone (Landside): In the main hall, accessible to all visitors before security control, there is a main restaurant-cafe. Here you can sit quietly while seeing off or meeting passengers. The assortment includes:

• Hot and cold drinks: coffee, tea, juices, carbonated drinks.
• Pastries and desserts: croissants, cakes, and sometimes local pastries, such as burek.
• Sandwiches and snacks: ready-made sandwiches with cheese, deli meats, or vegetables, salads, crisps.

This is the best place for a more substantial snack or if you have plenty of time before your flight. Prices here, as in most airports, are higher than the city average.

Departure Zone (Airside): After passing passport control and screening, there is a small bar in the departure area. It is designed for passengers waiting to board their flight. The selection here is more modest and focused on quick snacks:

• Beverages, including alcoholic options (beer, wine).
• Light snacks: crisps, nuts, chocolate.
• Coffee and bottled water.

Regarding special dietary requirements, the choice is very limited. Vegetarians will be able to find cheese sandwiches or vegetable salads. For vegans, options may be limited to black coffee, tea, some juices, or fruit if available. Finding certified Halal or gluten-free meals here is likely not possible. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. The opening hours of the establishments are usually synchronised with the flight schedule, so they are open to serve all passengers.

To ensure your journey through Ohrid "St. Paul the Apostle" Airport goes smoothly, make use of these tips. The airport is small, making it quite convenient for passengers, but preparation is never amiss.

Arrival Time. For international flights, the standard recommendation is to arrive 2-3 hours before departure. Ohrid Airport is not overcrowded, so 2 hours is usually sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing. During the peak season (July-August), it is better to allow an extra 30 minutes.

Check-in and Security. Whenever possible, use online check-in — this will save you time. If you need to check in luggage, counters usually open 2.5 hours before departure. The screening procedure is standard, but thanks to the terminal's compactness, it generally proceeds quickly and without long queues.

Seat Selection. When flying out of Ohrid, try to get a window seat. You may be lucky enough to see a breathtaking panorama of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding mountains — a wonderful farewell to picturesque Macedonia.

Hand Luggage. The rules are standard: liquids (including creams, gels, and pastes) are allowed in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml each. All of them must be packed in a single transparent re-sealable bag. Remember that local delicacies, such as Ajvar or honey in jars, also fall under this rule. Sharp objects must be checked into hold luggage.

Connecting Passengers. Ohrid Airport is not a major transit hub; most flights are direct. If you have a self-transfer, ensure you have enough time (at least 3-4 hours) to collect luggage, pass border control, and check in again for the next flight.

Customs Control. When leaving the country, ensure you have all necessary documents for exporting cultural valuables or antiques if you have purchased them. Cash amounts exceeding the established limit are subject to declaration.

Saving Time and Money. Book a transfer to your hotel in advance — this is often cheaper than a taxi waiting at the terminal. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are higher than in the city, so you can bring a solid (non-liquid) snack with you. Water and other drinks are sold in shops after passing security control.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, contact the airline representative for information regarding your rights, including the provision of drinks, meals, or accommodation. The small terminal has a cafe and a waiting area where you can spend time.