Bosnia poised for greater aviation growth as Minister Forto meets with ACI Europe chief

Minister Forto underscored the remarkable turnaround achieved in the capital, noting how targeted policies and cross-sector collaboration have transformed the travel landscape. "Sarajevo has shown what can be achieved when there is a clear policy of attracting new airlines and when different levels of government, airports, and the tourism sector work together. A few years ago we started changing the approach and creating conditions for new lines, and today we talk about more than 2.2 million passengers annually. It is a model from which we can learn and when we talk about better connectivity of the whole Bosnia and Herzegovina," Forto stated.

A central topic of discussion focused on fostering more favorable operational conditions to sustain this upward trajectory, specifically addressing the financial burden of airport and aviation taxes. Advocating for targeted relief, Minister Forto remarked, "We must reopen the issue of taxes. The moratorium that we introduced at the beginning of my mandate gave good results and was well accepted in the public. Especially in a time of crisis, we should consider the possibility of reducing taxes or a new moratorium in order to maintain growth, attract new airlines, and open new lines."

To secure long-term competitiveness, the Ministry has also prepared new legislative frameworks regarding aviation and BHANSA, which are expected to modernize the institutional structure. Furthermore, the discussions explored incorporating Sarajevo International Airport into the European security recognition system, a move designed to streamline passenger journeys by eliminating redundant security checks at connecting European hubs once standards are met. ACI Europe represents over 600 airports across 55 countries, making cooperation vital as Bosnia works alongside international partners, BHDCA, and domestic airports to enhance infrastructure and air connectivity.