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Economic growth

Strategic Investment in Aviation Connectivity Drives Economic Growth in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The development of air traffic has emerged as a key driver of tourism, investment, and economic growth in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in the Federation of BiH. The government's 2025 budget prioritizes aviation connectivity, allocating a total of 19.3 million KM to support the air transport sector. This investment aims to enhance business mobility, strengthen ties with the diaspora, and attract foreign investment by providing faster and more accessible links with European and global destinations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government of the Federation of BiH has allocated 19.3 million KM to the air transport sector through the 2025 budget.
  • The largest portion, 12 million KM, has been earmarked for the public company 'Bihac Airport' to support the construction of the airport complex and planning documentation.
  • An additional 300,000 KM has been allocated to cover operational expenses.
  • The remaining 7 million KM is being used to subsidize existing and newly established air routes, with 3.01 million KM allocated to the Sarajevo International Airport, 2.03 million KM to the Mostar International Airport, and 1.96 million KM to the Tuzla International Airport.
  • The Sarajevo International Airport recorded a 31 percent increase in passenger numbers and a 23 percent rise in flight operations in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
  • The Sarajevo International Airport ranks second among medium-sized European airports in passenger growth for the first four months of 2025, based on ACI EUROPE data.
  • Mostar International Airport recorded a 41.9 percent increase in passengers in May 2025 compared to May 2024.
  • The FBiH Government aims to make air transport a cornerstone of development, not a supporting component.
  • Secretary of Transportation and Communications Andrijana Katic emphasizes the importance of responsible budget spending and concrete results from subsidized routes.
  • Minister Katic highlights the potential of Mostar and Tuzla airports for regional tourism, trade, and foreign capital.

Statistics:

  • 19.3 million KM allocated to the air transport sector through the 2025 budget.
  • 12 million KM allocated to the public company 'Bihac Airport' for airport complex construction and planning documentation.
  • 300,000 KM allocated for operational expenses.
  • 7 million KM allocated to subsidize existing and newly established air routes.
  • 3.01 million KM allocated to the Sarajevo International Airport.
  • 2.03 million KM allocated to the Mostar International Airport.
  • 1.96 million KM allocated to the Tuzla International Airport.
  • 31 percent increase in passenger numbers at the Sarajevo International Airport in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
  • 23 percent rise in flight operations at the Sarajevo International Airport in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
  • 41.9 percent increase in passengers at the Mostar International Airport in May 2025 compared to May 2024.

Sources:

  • Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2025 Budget Allocation
  • Sanin Remezic, Director of Sarajevo International Airport, interview (exact date not specified)
  • Andrijana Katic, Minister of Transport and Communications, statement (exact date not specified)
  • ACI EUROPE, Airport passenger growth data (exact date not specified)

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