Mostar Airport expects passenger numbers to exceed 70,000 again this year

"The season went well, pretty much as we expected. Based on the figures we currently have, we expect to surpass 70,000 passengers again by the end of the year," Djuzel told FENA.

His remarks confirm that passenger traffic has remained at a satisfactory level, having increased almost consistently over the past several years.

He added that 2026 should be very similar to last year, when the airport handled 72,000 passengers, but noted that certain factors had prevented further growth.

"If it had not been for the war in the Middle East and the sharp rise in fuel prices, we would probably have reached 80,000-something passengers. However, this year we had good reason to take a more cautious approach, and we nevertheless maintained last year's traffic levels," he said.

He stressed that all established routes to Zagreb, Belgrade, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Bari, Palermo, Rome and Bergamo had been retained. The Mostar–Stuttgart route will operate year-round, as have the routes to Zagreb and Belgrade for some time.

Looking ahead, Djuzel said it was 'quite difficult to make projections for next year, as routes are constantly being cancelled around the world, while fuel is also 110 percent more expensive'.

Nevertheless, he said several indicators made him optimistic.

"We have already sold tickets for next year's flights to Zagreb and Belgrade, as well as to Düsseldorf and Stuttgart. We also expect tickets for Rome, Bari and Palermo to go on sale soon. Therefore, I expect figures for 2026 to be similar, unless something dramatic changes by the end of the year," Djuzel said.

Mostar International Airport also has reason to be satisfied with progress on infrastructure, which should ultimately have an additional positive impact on passenger traffic.

Djuzel said the Airport's terminal building would be renovated, expanded and reconstructed by the start of the next season, increasing its passenger-handling capacity fourfold.

The Airport has also announced the signing of a new contract with AIR Tractor d.o.o. from Osijek, Croatia, to ensure that two Air Tractor aircraft are once again stationed at the airport to support firefighting operations during the fire season.

The difference compared with the previous contract is that the overall capacity of the aircraft will be increased.