The High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Christian Schmidt, yesterday visited the Area Control Center of the BiH Air Navigation Services Agency (BHANSA) in Sarajevo, where he was welcomed by the Agency’s director, Davorin Primorac, management, and employees.
The visit comes after BHANSA, thanks to the decision of the High Representative from July 2025, overcame one of the biggest financial crises in its history – the blockade of revenue from EUROCONTROL. Primorac emphasized that, along with being saved from financial collapse, a legal framework was created that prevents similar situations from endangering the work of strategically important institutions in the future.
During the visit, Schmidt stressed that the stability of the air navigation system must be continuously strengthened in order to guarantee uninterrupted service. Air traffic control of BiH must be fully operational in order to fulfill international obligations and effectively represent regional interests in the development of the European air network. The High Representative also stated that vital state institutions, such as BHANSA, must never be put at risk or become hostages of domestic political disputes.
The crisis, however, also raised the issue of the need for full alignment of BiH’s civil aviation legal framework with European standards. Primorac informed Schmidt that the Ministry of Communications and Transport of BiH is already preparing a set of legislative solutions, whose adoption is expected by the end of the year, and which should ensure the long-term development of the sector in the next 15 to 20 years. Civil aviation has already proven to be a key driver of economic growth and international competitiveness, and it is expected to retain that role in the coming decades.
During the tour of the operations hall, the High Representative was introduced to the processes of airspace control and spoke with air traffic controllers, who ensure the flow of air traffic over BiH on a daily basis.
Speaking about the future, Primorac announced that BHANSA, relieved of financial pressure, is entering a new phase of strategic development. The focus is on modernizing infrastructure and strengthening human capacities – from the installation of modern radar and communication systems, including the recently installed Mode S radar on Jahorina, to intensive training of new generations of controllers and technical staff in Mostar. At the same time, new hiring is planned in order to respond to the growing needs of the system.
BHANSA will become more actively involved in regional and European initiatives, especially in the Single European Sky program, which opens up an opportunity for BiH for greater integration, efficiency, and safety in airspace management.
The visit ended with a tour of the Approach and Aerodrome Control Unit at Sarajevo International Airport, with the message that the Agency, with the support of international partners, will continue to strengthen the safety, efficiency, and quality of services for all users of BiH’s airspace.
