Sarajevo Airport is preparing for further network expansion in 2027 following the launch of a new airline subsidy tender by the Sarajevo Canton Tourism Association. The public call, which will remain open until November 7, aims to encourage airlines to introduce new destinations, maintain strategically important routes and increase frequencies on existing services. The development comes as Ryanair prepares to expand its Sarajevo operations next summer, with the low cost carrier expected to introduce at least three new routes. Manchester, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca are tipped to be among the planned additions, although the airline has yet to officially announce the new services.
Ryanair is expected to serve around fourteen destinations from Sarajevo during the 2027 summer season, compared to eleven this year. The carrier has scheduled approximately 425.000 seats on its Sarajevo flights next summer, representing an increase of 28.3% on 2026, or around 94.000 additional seats. The expansion follows the airline’s decision to suspend its Sarajevo operations during the upcoming winter season. Its planned growth next year is expected to be supported by the latest incentive programme.
The newly launched public call introduces a revised incentive structure designed to encourage airlines to establish new routes and maintain operations over longer periods. Carriers can apply for subsidies for destinations that have not been served by scheduled flights from Sarajevo in the preceding twelve months, routes included on the airport’s strategic destination list, and existing services operating five or fewer weekly flights, subject to certain conditions. The programme also provides incentives for airlines establishing a base at Sarajevo Airport and those introducing long-haul flights exceeding six hours. Airlines must operate at least two weekly scheduled flights on eligible routes, use aircraft with a minimum capacity of 100 seats and maintain services for at least eight consecutive weeks.
Under the new subsidy model, airlines will receive a combination of fixed monthly payments and variable incentives based on the number of arriving passengers. The fixed component ranges from 5.000 euros per month for carriers operating one or two eligible routes to 50.000 euros for those serving ten or more. Airlines establishing a base at Sarajevo Airport will be eligible for 75.000 euros per month. Additional payments range from one to three euros per arriving passenger, depending on the number of routes operated, rising to four euros for airlines establishing a base. The programme also introduces loyalty bonuses for year-round services and additional payments for airlines exceeding 50.000 arriving passengers. The structure is intended to reward carriers operating larger networks and maintaining services throughout the year.
Sarajevo has increasingly relied on airline incentives to support its network development and attract new carriers. The Sarajevo Canton Tourism Association has invested more than 5.1 million euros in subsidising air services over the past two years, with an additional 1.8 million euros earmarked for this year. The latest tender forms part of a broader incentive programme covering the 2027 – 2029 period, although the current public call relates specifically to operations in 2027. The available funding will depend on the Canton’s budget allocations, while successful applicants will be selected following an evaluation of their proposed routes and operating plans, Ex Yu Aviation news writes.
