Over the past year, the
London market has been served by two low-cost carriers—Wizz Air and
Ryanair—operating flights to Sarajevo from two different London-area airports:
London Luton and LondonStansted.
Ryanair
launched its London Stansted–Sarajevo service on April 2, 2024, with three
weekly flights, and has maintained this frequency consistently. The airline has
seen strong demand, with load factors exceeding 90% in June, August, and
September, and aircraft flying at full capacity in October 2024.
Wizz
Air initially operated two weekly flights between London Luton and Sarajevo
using Airbus A320 aircraft. From November 2023, the carrier increased its
frequency to four weekly flights and upgraded to the larger Airbus A321neo,
which has a capacity to accommodate 239 passengers. However, despite the apparent demand,
Wizz Air reduced its frequency back to two weekly flights for the summer
schedule. This reduction, especially during the high-travel summer period,
appears counterintuitive given the performance data.
The
contrast between Ryanair’s stable schedule and Wizz Air’s recent cutback raises
concerns about Wizz Air’s long-term strategy in the London-Sarajevo market.
With Ryanair showing consistent commitment and success, it risks capturing the
entire market if Wizz Air does not maintain a competitive presence. There is
clearly enough demand to justify at least two weekly flights by Wizz Air
year-round. Scaling back to seasonal service could ultimately undermine their
market position.
Meanwhile,
Sarajevo International Airport is actively working to expand its airline
portfolio. Discussions are underway with the International Airlines Group
(IAG), which includes British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling. A direct link with
British Airways from London Heathrow (LHR) would be a major milestone, offering
Sarajevo passengers one-stop connections to global destinations via this key
international hub. A three-weekly service from LHR to Sarajevo is both viable
and strategically significant.
Additionally,
Iberia is considered a strong candidate to launch Madrid-Sarajevo flights,
initially as a seasonal service starting in summer 2026, with potential to
evolve into a year-round route. Vueling would also be a welcome addition, with
opportunities to serve destinations such as Barcelona, Rome, and Valencia at
competitive low-cost fares.
The
UK remains one of Europe’s largest aviation markets, and Sarajevo should aim to
connect not only with London, but also with other major UK cities such as
Manchester and Birmingham. Ryanair, with its expansive route network, could
help facilitate these connections.
The
continued development of Sarajevo’s connectivity to the UK and Western Europe
is a critical step forward for the city’s growing tourism and business sectors.
Ensuring competitive airline offerings, including full-service and low-cost
options, will be key to achieving this goal.
Source: Zahid Krkić
