ACI EUROPE calls for policy action to support Bosnia and Herzegovina aviation

ACI EUROPE calls for policy action in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo Airport traffic 28.6pc above pre-pandemic levels
Air connectivity increased by 40pc since 2019
Four priority actions identified including abolishing passenger tax
Sarajevo to host ACI EUROPE Aviation Security Committee in 2027

ACI EUROPE has called for decisive policy action to safeguard the continued and sustainable development of air connectivity in Bosnia and Herzegovina as the country progresses towards deeper integration within the European Common Aviation Area. During a visit to Sarajevo, ACI EUROPE Director General Olivier Jankovec held meetings with representatives of different levels of government and institutions. Passenger traffic at Sarajevo International Airport now stands 28.6pc above its pre-pandemic level of 2019, while air connectivity has increased by 40pc over the same period.

Jankovec stressed the economic and social benefits resulting from these developments. Research shows that every 10pc increase in air connectivity is associated with a 0.5pc increase in GDP per capita and a 1.6pc increase in employment. Together, Sarajevo International Airport and the other airports in Bosnia and Herzegovina contribute around €300m to the country’s GDP. Jankovec pointed to the strategic importance of aviation for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European future, stating that strengthening Sarajevo Airport’s competitive position will be instrumental in bringing the country closer to the EU.

ACI EUROPE identified four priority actions needed to safeguard aviation’s role, including abolishing the tax levied on each departing passenger, securing competitive traffic and connectivity incentives to attract and retain airline capacity, supporting Sarajevo Airport’s long-term development through its new 2028-2048 Master Plan, and accelerating the implementation of EU aviation legislation under the ECAA Agreement. The visit also marked a further strengthening of cooperation between ACI EUROPE and Sarajevo International Airport, with Sarajevo set to host ACI EUROPE’s Aviation Security Committee in 2027.

Olivier Jankovec, ACI EUROPE Director General, shared: “Strengthening Sarajevo Airport’s competitive position and enabling its continued development will be instrumental in bringing the country closer to the EU, facilitating the movement of people, trade and investment, and supporting its wider economic and social integration into the European Single Market. Bosnia and Herzegovina has achieved remarkable progress in air connectivity, and Sarajevo Airport has been at the heart of that success. Removing fiscal barriers, supporting connectivity, investing in capacity and completing regulatory integration with Europe will allow aviation to deliver even more for the country.”