Mostar Airport has struggled to attract customers over the past years and has been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Its main source of traffic – European charters serving religious pilgrims – were all but wiped out. However, since last September, the airport has seen the gradual resumption of charter traffic. Next month, LOT Polish Airlines will begin regular charter flights from Katowice to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s fifth largest city. Furthermore, in late July, Electra Airways will commence charter services from Catania to Mostar, while Croatia Airlines will begin running charters from Palermo. For the most part, charter operations will be maintained until early September, Ex-Yu Aviation writes.
In 2020 the airport handled just 1.374 passengers, while in 2021 figures barely improved with a total of 1.942 travellers passing through its doors. Despite the disappointing results, Mostar Airport anticipates a revival this year. During the first quarter it welcomed 66 passengers. The airport’s busiest year so far was in 2013 when it registered 75.244 travellers through its doors. In recent months, local authorities have held talks with Wizz Air and are hopeful the low cost carrier will commence operations to the city. The government of the Herzegovina – Neretva Canton in Bosnia and Herzegovina has expressed its willingness to provide financial assistance to airlines serving Mostar.