Sarajevo Airport eyes direct US route within next 24 months - EXCLUSIVE
Sarajevo International Airport continuously analyses opportunities to improve connectivity with long-haul markets, including the United States, being a very interesting and strategic market for us. Given the size of the Bosnian diaspora, as well as the friendly and strong business, tourism and institutional ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States, several potential markets have been identified as having long-term potential. At this stage, it is still premature to comment on specific destinations or priorities before detailed analyses are completed and discussions with relevant industry stakeholders progress further. Our aim is to connect to one of the airports at the East Coast of the U.S.
This was said by Dino Selimović, Acting CEO of Sarajevo International Airport, in an exclusive statement with CE Report.
"We are regularly engaging with different airlines, industry partners and relevant institutions regarding opportunities to expand connectivity and develop new routes. Discussions of a commercial nature remain confidential until a concrete outcome is achieved. Therefore, we are not in a position to comment on specific airlines or ongoing negotiations," Selimović explained.
He noted that the U.S. represents an important market for Bosnia and Herzegovina due to strong diaspora ties, tourism potential and growing business and institutional links.
"Any future direct connection would be expected to generate benefits in the areas of tourism, trade, attracting investments and overall international connectivity. As part of its ongoing route development activities, Sarajevo International Airport continuously monitors market trends and passenger demand and regularly evaluates opportunities for network expansion. We are not in a position to disclose details of internal analyses or commercially sensitive assessments, but considering all current ongoings in the aviation industry, we're still cautiosly optimistic for the near future, as Bosnia and Herzegovina is booming as a destination tourists from all over the world wish to visit. And yes, we're encouraging everyone to come, explore, discover, visit and invest in Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina," Selimović added.
Meanwhile, Vedrana Vikić Musić, Airport Services Manager at Sarajevo International Airport, told CE Report in an exclusive statement that the launch of a long-haul route depends on a number of factors, including airline fleet planning, market demand, operational requirements, regulatory considerations and overall commercial viability.
"While Sarajevo International Airport welcomes discussions regarding direct connectivity with the United States, it would be speculative to indicate a specific timeline at this stage, but we do hope to have this realized within the next 24 months, considering all other pre-conditions to be met," Vikić Musić noted.
She reminded that Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina have for many years actively cooperated with relevant stakeholders on initiatives aimed at improving air connectivity and opening new markets.
"Sarajevo International Airport operates its own Incentive Programme, which recognizes various categories of operations, including long-haul services. In addition, since 2023, Sarajevo International Airport, in cooperation with the Sarajevo Canton Government and the Visit Sarajevo Canton Tourism Board, has implemented a programme designed to support tourism development, strengthen air connectivity and enhance the airport’s competitiveness. The programme has already delivered significant results by increasing the number of destinations served, flight frequencies and overall passenger traffic. Preparatory activities are currently underway for a new three-year programme covering the period 2027–2029. Any potential support measures for future air services, including possible intercontinental routes, would be considered within the framework of existing incentive programmes, applicable regulations and coordination with the relevant institutions. At present, there is no incentive scheme dedicated exclusively to the establishment of a direct route between Sarajevo and the United States. Nevertheless, the existing programmes provide a framework through which various forms of support for strategic new routes and long-haul operations may be considered," Vikić Musić concluded.
Photo: Facebook/SarajevoAirport
This interview was prepared by Julian Müller
