Skopje Alexander the Great Airport

Skopje International Airport is the main air gateway to North Macedonia, combining modern infrastructure with a welcoming atmosphere. Located near the capital, this airport serves as a vital hub for travellers discovering the Balkans. Although many still remember it by the name "Alexander the Great", the airport was officially renamed Skopje International Airport in 2018, symbolizing good neighbourly relations in the region. Following extensive modernization and the opening of a new terminal in 2011, it offers passengers a high level of comfort and efficiency.

Skopje Airport is distinguished by its thoughtful and passenger-friendly organization. It serves as a base for the low-cost carrier Wizz Air, providing a wide network of routes across Europe at affordable prices. Various services are available for travellers, including cafes, Duty Free shops, and car rental desks. You can reach the centre of Skopje via special Vardar Ekspres shuttle buses or by taxi; the journey takes on average 30-40 minutes. It is worth noting that there is no luggage wrapping service at the airport, so this should be arranged in advance. The modern terminal, managed by TAV Airports, ensures rapid processing of all pre-flight formalities, making the start and end of your journey as comfortable as possible.

• Official Website: skp.airports.com.mk
• Information Desk Phone: +389 2 3148 333
• Address: Skopje International Airport, s. Petrovec, 1043, Ilinden, Republic of North Macedonia
• Email (for general inquiries): info.skp@tav.aero
• Social Media: Official airport pages can be found on popular platforms, such as Facebook. We recommend checking the airport website for current links.
• Lost & Found Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must contact the Lost & Found office in the arrivals hall. Contacts depend on your airline and its handling company. Information can be clarified at the information desk at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the information service by phone or visit the information desk in the terminal.

There are several ways to get to Skopje International Airport from the city centre, each offering its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences. The airport is located approximately 25 kilometres southeast of the centre of Skopje, and the journey usually does not take much time.

Public Transport: Shuttle Bus

The most economical way to reach the airport is to use the special shuttle bus operated by Wtransporter (formerly Vardar Ekspres). Buses run according to a schedule between the airport and the central bus station of Skopje, making several stops at key points in the city, for example, near the Holiday Inn hotel. The trip takes about 40-50 minutes. The cost of a one-way ticket is approximately 200 Macedonian Denars (about 3-4 Euros). It is recommended to check the current schedule on the carrier's website, as it may change depending on the season and time of day.

Taxi and Private Transfer

For those who value comfort and speed, a taxi is the optimal choice. The trip from the city centre to the airport will take 25-30 minutes in the absence of traffic jams. An official taxi service with fixed rates operates at the airport, which helps avoid inflated prices. The cost of the trip is usually around 20-25 Euros. You can also book a private transfer online in advance, which is particularly convenient if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or in a group. The driver will meet you at the specified location and take you directly to the terminal.

Car Rental and Parking

If you are travelling around Macedonia in a rented car, getting to the airport will be effortless. The road is well-marked, and navigation systems easily plot the route. Most major rental companies have desks at the airport where you can return the car before your flight without issues. For those arriving in their own vehicle, convenient parking is provided on the airport grounds. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking located in immediate proximity to the terminal building.

Skopje International Airport (SKP) is a modern and convenient transport hub with one passenger terminal that serves all domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, travellers do not need to worry about moving between different buildings, which significantly simplifies navigation and reduces time spent on pre-flight formalities.

The structure of the terminal is intuitive and logical. The building has two main levels:

• Ground Floor — Arrivals area. Here, passengers go through passport control, collect luggage at the baggage claim belts, and pass through customs. The arrivals hall also houses car rental desks, travel agency offices, taxi services, and currency exchange points.
• First Floor — Departures area. Passengers enter here immediately after entering the airport. Located here are the check-in counters, security checkpoints, and passport control. After passing all formalities, travellers enter the spacious departure lounge with gates, Duty Free shops, cafes, and restaurants.

The process of check-in and security screening at Skopje Airport usually proceeds quite quickly due to its compactness and good organization. On average, all procedures take between 45 to 60 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-2.5 hours before departure, especially during the peak tourist season or if you are flying on an intercontinental flight. This will give you enough time to check in luggage without rushing, pass through controls, and enjoy a cup of coffee before boarding.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the clear signs, which are displayed in Macedonian, Albanian, and English. The entire path from the entrance to the boarding gate is organized linearly, eliminating the possibility of getting lost. The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. If you have any questions, you can always contact the airport staff at the information desk located in the central part of the terminal. This makes the journey through the main airport of North Macedonia as comfortable and predictable as possible.

The history of the main airport of Skopje began long before the construction of its modern terminal. The first airfield near the city was built in 1928, and just a year later, in 1929, it received its first passenger flight connecting the capital with Belgrade. In the following decades, the airfield served both military and civil purposes, gradually expanding its flight geography.

A key stage in development was the construction of a new airport complex at its current location, 17 kilometres from the city, which opened in 1987. This was necessary to meet the growing demand for air travel in the then Socialist Republic of Macedonia. The new airport featured a longer runway and was capable of accommodating larger aircraft, laying the foundation for its future international status.

The airport underwent a true transformation in the 21st century. In 2010, management was transferred to the Turkish company TAV Airports, which initiated a massive reconstruction. In September 2011, a new, modern terminal was grandly opened. Its capacity increased to 4 million passengers per year, telescopic jet bridges were installed, and waiting areas and commercial spaces were expanded. This modernization turned the airport into a contemporary and comfortable aviation hub meeting European standards.

An interesting part of the airport's history is the change of its names. In 2006, it was named after Alexander the Great, reflecting a specific period in national policy. However, in 2018, as part of improving good neighbourly relations, it was returned to a more neutral official name — Skopje International Airport. Despite this, many travellers and airlines still use the old name and the IATA code — SKP.

Today, Skopje Airport is the main aviation hub of North Macedonia, annually serving hundreds of thousands of tourists and playing a vital role in the country's economy and transport system. It continues to develop, attracting new airlines and expanding its route network, connecting the region with dozens of cities across Europe and beyond.

Skopje International Airport (SKP) is a modern and well-equipped terminal offering passengers a full range of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Regardless of the purpose of your trip to North Macedonia, here you will find everything necessary to ensure your journey begins and ends pleasantly.

For those wishing to have a snack or do some shopping, the airport has several cafes, lounges, and restaurants serving both local and international dishes. You can have a cup of coffee before departure or a full meal. In the departure area, there is a Duty Free shop with a traditional assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and confectionery, as well as stalls where you can purchase Macedonian souvenirs and delicacies.

For a more comfortable wait, Skopje Airport features a business lounge (Primeclass Lounge), access to which is open to business class passengers or for a separate fee for all visitors. Snacks, drinks, press, and convenient work areas are offered here. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices will help you stay connected.

Financial matters can be easily resolved right in the airport building. At your service are ATMs, as well as currency exchange points where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. To ensure passenger safety, a first aid station operates around the clock at the airport.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. For travellers with small children, special mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change a baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance — from escorting to boarding to special transport. It is recommended to book this service in advance through your airline.

If you need to stay overnight near the airport, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, often offering transfers for their guests. For business travellers, in addition to the mentioned business lounge with workspaces, other services may be available allowing effective use of waiting time for solving work issues.

While waiting for a flight at Skopje Airport, you will easily find a place to have a snack or drink coffee. Despite its compact size, the airport offers several establishments capable of satisfying various tastes and needs of passengers, whether it be a quick sandwich or a more substantial lunch.

In the public area (landside), before passing passport control and screening, several cafes usually operate. This is a great place to have a cup of coffee with those seeing you off or to work quietly before the flight. Here you can find fresh pastries, sandwiches, and a variety of beverages. Prices are generally slightly lower than in the secure area.

The main part of the catering establishments is located in the departure zone (airside), after passing security control. Here lies the main food court and several lounges. Passengers can choose between fast-food establishments, such as Burger King, for a hearty meal, or cafes serving light snacks, salads, and desserts. The lounges offer a wide selection of local and imported beverages — a great opportunity to relax before your flight.

If you want to try something local, pay attention to pastries, for example, burek, if it is on the menu of one of the cafes. You can also order local Macedonian beverages at the lounges. Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian options are available in most establishments, for example, vegetable sandwiches or salads. Please note that options for gluten-free or Halal meals might be limited, so it is best to check with staff on site.

The opening hours of most cafes and restaurants in the departure zone are tied to the flight schedule, so you will always be able to find an open establishment, even if you have an early morning or late-night departure. The price range corresponds to the standard level for European airports — be prepared to pay slightly more for food and drinks than in the city.

Travelling through Skopje International Airport usually proceeds smoothly and comfortably, as it is a modern and not overly congested terminal. However, a few tips will help make your experience even more pleasant and avoid unnecessary hassle on your way to or from Macedonia.

Arrival Planning and Check-in. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before regional ones. This will give you enough time to check in luggage, pass security control, and passport control without rushing. To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to go straight to luggage drop-off or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint.

Security Screening and Hand Luggage. The screening procedure is standard. Prepare liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag), laptops, and other large electronics for separate inspection. Remember that sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in hand luggage. Always check the current rules of your airline, as requirements for the weight and dimensions of hand luggage may differ.

Tips for a Comfortable Flight. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. A window seat will give you beautiful views of the Macedonian mountains during takeoff or landing. An aisle seat is more convenient if you plan to get up during the flight. Passengers transferring in Skopje should carefully follow the "Transit/Transfer" signs. The airport is compact, so navigation will not cause difficulties, but check if you need to undergo security screening again.

Customs Formalities and Savings. When departing from the country, do not forget about the possibility of VAT refund (Tax Free) for purchases made in Macedonia. To do this, keep your receipts and contact the appropriate counter before passing passport control. To save money, take an empty water bottle with you and fill it after screening at drinking fountains. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally higher, so a light snack can be taken with you.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay? In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and your rights. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. Skopje Airport offers free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected. Have a book, a charged power bank, or downloaded movies with you to pass the waiting time.