✈ Eurowings has inaugurated Berlin-Sarajevo flights

Eurowings Relaunched Berlin–Sarajevo Flights for Summer 2026 Enhancing Connectivity and Tourism Between Germany and Bosnia-Herzegovina

Eurowings is bringing back its direct flights between Berlin and Sarajevo for summer 2026 after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, airline inaugurated its first flight from Berlin. The flights will run until October 24, with an increase in frequency during peak summer months (July and August) to twice per week. This route is expected to have a significant impact on the growing travel and tourism sector between Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Boosting Sarajevo’s Appeal to Berlin Travelers Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s vibrant capital, is known for its historical and cultural richness, making it an increasingly sought-after destination for European tourists. The city blends Ottoman heritage with Austro-Hungarian influences and is a center for cultural tourism in Southeastern Europe. Famous landmarks such as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Baščaršija Square, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum draw visitors keen on history and culture. For travelers from Berlin, this direct flight offers a convenient way to access Sarajevo’s stunning old town, lush surroundings, and diverse cultural life. Sarajevo’s cultural significance, along with its picturesque landscapes and historical sites, has led to increased interest from European visitors. This revitalized flight will make it even easier for tourists to enjoy these unique offerings, especially those looking for an alternative to more mainstream European destinations.

Strengthening Ties with the Bosnian Diaspora

One of the key beneficiaries of this revived route will be the Bosnian diaspora living in Germany, many of whom reside in Berlin. The flight will enhance the ability for Bosnians living in Germany to visit family back home, reinforcing personal and cultural connections between the two countries. This also aligns with Eurowings’ broader mission to support regional connections and foster a sense of unity and accessibility for travelers from the Balkans and Europe.

Eurowings’ Expanding Summer 2026 Schedule

The Berlin-Sarajevo route is a part of Eurowings’ extensive summer 2026 schedule expansion. With its low-cost services, the airline continues to enhance its offerings, especially in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Sarajevo, along with other growing destinations in Southeastern Europe, has attracted more tourists due to its combination of rich culture, natural beauty, and affordability, making it an ideal addition to the airline’s summer network. Eurowings is further solidifying Berlin’s position as a central for Central Europeans traveling to the Balkans, promoting easier access to new and emerging tourism destinations. With the growing demand for travel to  the airline’s reintroduced flights will provide seamless connections, contributing to the continued growth of tourism in both regions.

Benefits to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tourist industry

The return of direct flights between Berlin and Sarajevo also comes with significant tourism benefits for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo, with its proximity to natural wonders like Vrelo Bosne and the Olympic mountains, attracts visitors keen to experience both urban culture and outdoor activities. The Sarajevo Film Festival, an event that draws international crowds every year, along with the city’s thriving food scene, will also gain increased international visibility with the convenience of direct flights. This route offers Bosnia and Herzegovina an opportunity to increase international visitor numbers, encouraging economic growth through tourism and fostering greater investment in local businesses. With the return of these flights, Sarajevo will be better connected to major European markets, facilitating increased tourism and strengthening Bosnia’s position as a travel destination.

Fostering Sustainable Tourism and Economic Growth

The relaunch of the Berlin-Sarajevo route underscores Eurowings’ commitment to supporting the sustainability of European tourism. With an increasing demand for access to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the airline’s reintroduced connection will help drive tourism and economic development in the region.

The route plays a role in reconnecting Germany with the Balkans and supporting the growing demand for regional travel. It is expected to foster long-term benefits, including new economic opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as providing a reliable and efficient travel option for visitors.

A Major Step in Regional Connectivity

The relaunch of Eurowings’ Berlin-Sarajevo flights for the summer of 2026 is a pivotal moment in strengthening travel links between Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This direct connection will not only enhance tourism to Sarajevo, one of South-Eastern Europe’s most fascinating cities, but also serve as a vital link for the Bosnian diaspora in Germany. As more visitors explore Sarajevo’s unique offerings, Eurowings continues to play an essential role in boosting access to both the cultural and natural treasures of Bosnia and Herzegovina, further integrating the region into the European travel network.

Source: Zahid Krkić

✈ Sarajevo International Airport achieves record breaking year in 2025!

Sarajevo Airport, photo by Damir Džubur sa_spotter

Sarajevo International Airport has reached a significant achievement, marking a milestone in its growth and development. Over the past year, the airport welcomed a record breaking 2.226.692 passengers, an impressive figure that showcases a 22% year over year increase. This surge in traffic represents an additional 404.930 travelers compared to the previous year, underscoring the airport's continued upward trajectory and growing. This achievement not only highlights the airport's expanding capacity but also reflects the increasing demand for air travel in and out of Sarajevo.

According to the most recent ACI EUROPE Airport Traffic Report, Sarajevo International Airport has been recognized as one of the fastest growing airports in Europe within its category in 2025. This recognition serves as a testament to the airport's ongoing efforts to enhance its infrastructure, improve services, and adapt to the ever changing demands of the aviation industry. 

My own analysis of air travel trends throughout the year further confirms this growth. At the start of 2025, based on previous patterns and the rising demand for air travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I projected that Sarajevo Airport would reach the 2,2 million passenger mark by year-end. With the actual figures now in, this prediction has come to fruition. The airport's success is not just a result of organic growth but also strategic efforts to attract more airlines and increase the variety of destinations available to passengers.

The table below is detailing my monthly passenger traffic projections for the past year, which reflect the airport's steady growth and performance throughout 2025. These projections were based on a combination of factors, including seasonal trends, new route launches, and the ongoing efforts by the airport and  Sarajevo Tourist Board (VISITSARAJEVO.BA) by providing incentives for the airlines to open new routes and by promotions of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina as desired tourist destination. 

Looking ahead to 2026, Sarajevo International Airport is set to continue this remarkable growth trend, with plans for another record breaking year. Several new routes have already been announced, promising to further boost passenger traffic and enhance connectivity. Airlines like Ajet are introducing new flights to Ankara and Bodrum, while Eurowings will be launching a route to Berlin. Additionally, Nile Air is set to offer direct charter flights to Hurghada, and Transavia will be connecting Sarajevo with Paris.

With these developments, Sarajevo International Airport is well-positioned for continued success in the coming years. The growth in passenger numbers is a clear indicator of the airport's rising significance, and the continued introduction of new routes ensures that 2026 is set to be another record  year for the airport.

Source: Zahid Krkić 

✈ Wizz Air ponovo otvorio bazu u Tuzli

Wizz Air danas svečano obilježava zvanično otvaranje svoje baze u Tuzli, čime potvrđuje obnovljenu dugoročnu posvećenost Bosni i Hercegovini. Stacioniranje modernog aviona Airbus A321neo omogućava uvođenje novih ruta, povećanje kapaciteta i širenje mogućnosti za zaposlenje u regiji. Karte su dostupne na zvaničnoj web stranici Wizz Air-a i putem mobilne aplikacije, po cijeni već od 30,99 KM .

Do marta 2026. godine, bazi u Tuzli pridružit će se i drugi avion, čime će se udvostručiti broj raspoloživih sjedišta te dodatno podstaći rast broja radnih mjesta i međunarodne povezanosti. Ovim proširenjem, Wizz Air dodatno učvršćuje svoju poziciju vodeće aviokompanije u Bosni i Hercegovini, nudeći pristupačnije opcije putovanja i bolju mobilnost putnicima širom Evrope.

Kako bi podržao povećanje operacija, Wizz Air će organizovati posebna dva dana zapošljavanja za buduće članove kabinskog osoblja:

8. januar 2026. u 9:00 sati.

16. januar 2026. u 9:00 sati.

Roland Tischner, generalni direktor Wizz Air Hungary, izjavio je: „Današnje otvaranje naše baze u Tuzli označava uzbudljiv novi početak za Wizz Air i putnike širom Bosne i Hercegovine. Povratak našeg modernog A321neo aviona u Tuzlu omogućava nam širenje mreže destinacija, više povoljnih mogućnosti putovanja te otvaranje novih lokalnih radnih mjesta. Ponosni smo što ovim događajem potvrđujemo našu dugoročnu posvećenost ovom regionu.“

Dževad Halilčević, direktor JP „Međunarodni aerodrom Tuzla“ d.o.o., rekao je: „Otvaranje baze Wizz Aira na Međunarodnom aerodromu Tuzla predstavlja važan korak u razvoju našeg aerodroma i jačanju međunarodne povezanosti Bosne i Hercegovine. Povratak i baziranje modernog aviona A321neo potvrđuje dugoročnu saradnju i povjerenje koje Wizz Air ukazuje našem regionu. Očekivani dolazak drugog aviona dodatno će proširiti broj destinacija, otvoriti nova radna mjesta i doprinijeti ekonomskom razvoju Tuzlanskog kantona. Međunarodni aerodrom Tuzla nastavit će ulagati u infrastrukturu i kvalitet usluga kako bi ostao pouzdan partner svim putnicima i aviokompanijama.“

Izvor: Medjunarodni Aerodrom Tuzla

✈ Banjaluka Airport winter 2025/2026

The 2025/26 winter timetable will begin on Sunday, October 26, 2025, and run through March 28, 2026. During this period, passengers will be able to fly to 8 destinations across 5 countries, operated by 3 airlines. A total of 1.052 commercial flights are scheduled, offering 194.628 seats from November to March. Ryanair will operate the majority of flights to and from Banjaluka, serving five destinations in three countries. The airline has scheduled 684 round-trip flights, providing 129.276 seats.

During the November-March period, Ryanair will hold a 66% share of flights at Banjaluka Airport, followed by Wizz Air with 30%, and Air Serbia with just 3%. With Wizz Air establishing a base at Tuzla Airport and Ryanair expanding its operations in Sarajevo, Banjaluka Airport faces increasing competition for new routes and retaining its current ones.

To stay competitive, Banjaluka Airport management should focus on developing new markets not already served from Tuzla or Sarajevo. Many of these routes could work as summer seasonal, including:

• Athens (ATH) – Greece (Sky Express)
• Alicante (ALC) – Spain (Wizz Air)
• Bodrum (BJV) – Türkiye (SunExpress Airlines)
• Eindhoven (EIN) – Netherlands (Ryanair or Wizz Air)
• Tivat (TIV) – Montenegro (Air Montenegro)
• Nuremberg (NUE) – Germany (Ryanair or Wizz Air)
• Naples (NAP) – Italy (Ryanair, Wizz Air, or EasyJet)
• Salzburg (SZG) – Austria (Eurowings)

Source: Zahid Krkić

✈ Mostar Airport winter 2025/2026

During the 2025/2026 winter schedule, Mostar International Airport will be connected to only two destinations. Air Serbia will operate two weekly flights from Belgrade, while Croatia Airlines will maintain three weekly flights from Zagreb. Eurowings will offer a limited service of six round trips from Stuttgart during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Compared to the previous season, Air Serbia has reduced its Belgrade service from three to two weekly flights, whereas Croatia Airlines has retained the same frequency as in the summer. Throughout the winter timetable, Mostar Airport is scheduled to handle a total of 232 commercial flights, offering 21,472 seats.

Given the minimal airline presence and typically low passenger loads during the winter months, the airport’s operation during this period raises questions about its economic viability.

Source: Zahid Krkić

✈ Record September for Sarajevo Airport!

Sarajevo International Airport recorded another milestone in September 2025, handling 222.576 passengers  an 18% increase compared to the same month in 2024. This represents a year over year growth of 34.536 passengers. Aircraft movements also rose by 15%, while cargo volume surged by an impressive 55%.

From January to September 2025, the airport welcomed a total of 1.777.721 passengers, marking a 23% increase or 333.540 more passengers when  compared to the same period last year.

Source: Zahid Krkić and Sarajevo International Airport

✈ Belgrade – Sarajevo air traffic statistics data for 2024

Last year, a total of 42.467 passengers traveled between Belgrade and Sarajevo. Air Serbia was the sole airline operating on this route, offering one daily flight with an ATR72 aircraft, although at times, an Airbus A319 was also used. In total, Air Serbia operated 742 flights (round trip), with an average cabin load factor of 66%, which equates to about 57 passengers per flight.

Although Air Serbia has previously announced plans for a second daily flight to Sarajevo, the airline has yet to seize the opportunity to connect passengers from Bosnia and Herzegovina to its long-haul network. A second daily flight, with a late arrival and an early departure from Sarajevo, is essential for Air Serbia to link passengers to its extensive range of routes from Belgrade.

Historically, airlines flying to Sarajevo started with just one daily flight, but many, including Austrian Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, have since expanded to two or even three daily flights. Air Serbia, however, appears to be lacking a clear strategy when it comes to route development. Its current offering of a single daily flight with a small ATR72 to Sarajevo, or even worse, only two weekly flights to Banjaluka, puts it at a disadvantage.

Since, Air Serbia has ideal aircraft ATR72, for short routes, the airline must increase its service to at least two daily flights to Sarajevo (3 daily during summer months) and introduce a daily flight Belgrade-Banjaluka.

Source: Zahid Krkić

✈ Record April for Sarajevo Airport

Another record-breaking month for Sarajevo International Airport, 185.911 passengers used the airport during the last month, representing an increase of 39% when compared to April of 2024. or 53.079 increase in passengers handled. The number of aircraft operations grew by 24%, while cargo increased by 6%. Year to date airport recorded 519.713 passengers, representing an increase of 150.399 passengers or 41%.

✈Sky Alps statement regarding operations at Mostar International Airport

✈ Banja Luka Airport Summer Timetable 2025

Banja Luka Airport is set to experience an increase in both flights and seat capacity, as Ryanair expands its services to include more flights from Gothenburg and Stockholm. Meanwhile, Wizz Air will ramp up its operations from Basel, offering flights six times a week (daily except Saturdays) for most of the summer season.

Air Serbia, which had initially planned to increase its flights from Belgrade to three weekly services, has now canceled this plan. Instead of offering daily flights Air Serbia will reduce its services from three to just two weekly flights. Given Air Serbia’s lack of interest in developing the Belgrade-Banja Luka route, the airport may want to consider offering subsidies to a European legacy carrier to establish at least one direct connection to a major hub. This would provide convenient one-stop access to wide range of global destinations.

Austrian Airlines, with its five weekly flights to Vienna, or Turkish Airlines, with three to five weekly flights to Istanbul, would be ideal candidates to serve such a route.

Additionally, the following airlines will not be returning to Banja Luka this summer:

• Air Cairo, Hurghada 
• Nouvelair, Monastir
• Tailwind, Antalya

Source: Zahid Krkić