Tuzla Airport is in the process of negotiating a new agreement with low cost carrier Wizz Air, which it hopes will result in the introduction of new routes and the possible stationg of a third aircraft in the city. The two sides recently met in Osijek, where Wizz Air has begun training some of its pilots, and will continue discussions in Tuzla early next month. “Both sides have shown their willingness to reach an agreement. In any case, we must define certain things. If all goes to plan, we expect Wizz Air to introduce some new routes from Tuzla Airport”, its newly appointed General Manager, Esed Mujačić, said.
Tuzla Airport’s contract with Wizz Air expires this June and a new four-year agreement is likely to be inked. However, the slow development of Tuzla Airport’s infrastructure, including the extension of its runway approach lights, continue to be a sticking point between the two sides.
Wizz Air’s CEO, Jozsef Varadi, previously told EX-YU Aviation News he was confident a new agreement would be reached. “I would guess so. I think it is in the interest of Tuzla and the region to see our continuous operations and them improving their infrastructure. I’m pretty sure Tuzla Airport will be business-minded in that regard”, Mr Varadi said.
Wizz Air, as the only airline operating scheduled flights out of Tuzla, helped kick-start the airport’s passenger development seven years ago. The airline currently maintains twelve routes to five countries from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s third largest city, increasing to fifteen destinations over the summer. Potential new routes include Hamburg or Hannover, Paris Beauvais and Milan, as well as the possible resumption of services to London Luton and Sandefjord, which were previously suspended from Tuzla by the budget carrier. The airline recently noted, “We look forward to continuing our fruitful partnership with Tuzla International Airport and remain committed to bringing even more exciting opportunities that can best meet our customers’ needs, while further stimulating economic and business relations in the country”, Ex-Yu Aviation news reports.
