Over the past seven days Wizz Air launched public service obligation flights, within a concession agreement with the Hungarian National Ministry of Development, from Budapest to Skopje, Podgorica, Sarajevo and Pristina, as well as Tirana. The new routes are expected to stimulate business and economic relations between Hungary and the Western Balkan countries, while boosting bi-directional tourism as well. Speaking at a press conference in Budapest, Wizz Air's CEO, Jozsef Varadi, said, ”Starting five new strategically important routes to the capitals of Western Balkan countries once again underlines our commitment to Hungary as the de facto national carrier. We believe that our new services will help stimulate economic and business relations between the countries, as well as further improve accessibility to Budapest”. Robert Homolya, Hungary's State Secretary for Transport Policy, noted, “In the spirit of 'opening to the South' policy, Hungary intends to re-establish its position in the Western Balkan countries as well. Negotiations between the concession winner airline and the Ministry were completed last November. Within a few months, bilateral interstate agreements, which are necessary for the commencement of flights, were also signed. Operating twice a week, the direct flights between Budapest and the capitals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro will significantly improve the diplomatic, economic, cultural and touristic relationships”. Jost Lammers, the General Manager of Budapest Airport, added, "Budapest Airport warmly welcomes the launch of the new West Balkan destinations which were missing from the airport route map for several years”. He noted that "these new routes are of great importance both for Hungary and the people of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo since the Wizz Air flights help to tighten European connections of these nations. "Aviation connectivity also strengthens the development of economic relations”, he concluded.
Skopje Airport
Sarajevo Airport
Skopje Airport
Pristina Airport
Intrigued to see the loads on these flights.
ReplyDeleteFlew PRN-BUD on 7 Apr and returned today. Both flights were almost packed with backpackers :)
DeleteHawe chance to see wizzair on brac next sommer
ReplyDeleteWell I dont they will start flying next summer, I think other airlines like RyanAir, Transavia, easyJet or Eurowings will start earlier seasonal flights to Vrač
DeleteBrač*
DeleteSo no chance to come wizz air on brac? Rayan air will come?i did not sure that brac will pay that mony whot rayan air wont to flight there ?whot abaut easyyet? Are brac talking vich some other companu or onle with tui and eurowings?
DeleteThe SKP-BUD are going strong the another flights are better than they thought they would be!!! Wizz Air is a great Hungarian airline and they know what they do!
ReplyDeleteBUD is one of the major turist destinations in EU. On the other hand Skopje is just low and the state is going down.
DeleteWe need legacy routes and different politics.
You can cry how much you want but Skopje is getting more and more tourists every year, even tho is not like Paris och London, people travel to Skopje to explore the capital and rest of the country. I was there 2 weeks ago (flew from Stockhom Skavsta, plane had 4-5 seats empty) and there were around 30-35 people from Sweden wich doesent sound like a lot, but it was nice to see...
DeleteThe main source of the passenger growth is the fact that people immigrate from this country. Then business tourism only third. The country has a problem to survive and there is no chance it will become a part of EU in the next 10-15 years...
DeleteI have a different opinion, airline business is thriving not because but DESPITE the fact that the country is falling apart...it is actually one of the few policies that worked out. But yeah as a whole as doomed as Adria and we all know why
DeleteWizzair rules!!! :)
ReplyDeleteTirana is going extremely well.
ReplyDelete