The acting CEO of Sarajevo Airport, Sanin Ramezić, has said Ryanair is considering stationing one aircraft in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital and opening a base in the city next year.
Speaking to the “Klix” portal, Mr Ramezić said, “Ryanair has stated that the elimination of the airport [departure] tax is crucial to its strategic plans, including the establishment of a new base in Sarajevo in 2026. This is contingent upon the removal of these taxes across airports in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The launch of this base would significantly benefit various sectors, enhancing airport operations, boosting tourism and generating new employment opportunities. In a joint effort with other airports, we have proposed the suspension of this tax in 2025. This initiative aims to maintain the competitiveness of all airports in the country, laying the groundwork for sustained growth in both the transport and tourism industries, which are pivotal to the economic development of any nation”.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is due to reintroduce a 1.5 euro tax per departing passenger in two weeks’ time. The tax was suspended for a year in 2024 in a bid to boost the country’s connectivity. Ryanair recently noted, “Abolish the taxes and enable us to have serious discussions about establishing a base. Taxes are the first condition to establish a base. We cannot even start discussions if the taxes remain”.
The budget carrier will introduce five new routes out of Sarajevo this summer season and increase frequencies on existing services, thus doubling operations. It will boast eleven routes from the city and is estimated to generate over 400.000 passengers per year.
Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness, said late last year, “I’m a bit concerned about the reintroduction of taxes here in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The development that was discussed for Sarajevo will not be possible if that decision stands. When we look at how we allocate resources, we deploy them where our costs are the lowest. I think this airport [Sarajevo] wants to be competitive, but it is at a disadvantage compared to Dubrovnik, Zadar, or other places where there are no taxes. That is the main drawback. For example, Hungary has abolished aviation taxes. Why would we base an aircraft here if we can base it in Budapest?”, Ex YU Aviation news portal writes.
