The European Air Traffic Management Agency, Eurocontrol NM, held an emergency crisis meeting where Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Air Navigation Services Agency (BHANSA) was briefed on the situation and the plan for flight rerouting, which will increase air traffic over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East may impact air traffic over Bosnia and Herzegovina due to flight rerouting, changes in passenger demand, economic effects, international relations, and security concerns affecting passenger confidence,” said Davorin Primorac, BHANSA Director.

As a result of the Middle Eastern conflict, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has recommended airlines avoid the airspace of Iran, Lebanon, and Israel, with Ukraine's airspace already closed since the start of the Russia conflict.

Primorac noted that air traffic over Bosnia and Herzegovina has already increased by 10% compared to the same period last year. “Due to Bosnia and Herzegovina's geographical location, we expect this trend to continue, particularly for flights between the Middle East, the U.S., Switzerland, Austria, and Spain.”

He added that the situation on the ground in the Middle East would significantly influence the future of air traffic. “Further escalation could cause serious disruptions, impacting global air travel and Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Primorac warned. Additionally, he anticipated an increase in humanitarian, business, and diplomatic flights passing through Bosnia’s airspace.

There are also signs of reduced flights to Turkey and cancellations by major airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, and Ryanair to destinations such as Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Beirut.