Sarajevo Airport aims to become Ryanair base, expand in 2026

Sarajevo Airport has unveiled plans to transform into an airline base as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its market position. The project also includes expanding facilities tailored for low cost carriers, aiming to boost traffic and attract new operators. Speaking to the “Bizinfo” portal, the airport’s CEO, Sanin Ramezić, said, “A central priority is re-establishing an airline base in Sarajevo, which would provide long-term operational stability, expand the number of nonstop routes and stimulate overall passenger growth. Such a development would not only benefit the airport but also generate wider economic gains for Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole”.

The CEO noted Ryanair is a prime candidate to establish a base in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital. “To achieve this goal, it is essential to create competitive business conditions through state support and the consistent implementation of incentive programs. Ryanair has already indicated that its plans to establish a base in 2026 depend on the removal of airport taxes. This represents a major opportunity to drive growth in both transport and tourism, with ripple effects across the entire economy”. He added, “Ryanair’s rapid growth in Sarajevo, which has positioned the carrier as the market leader, underscores the enormous potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s aviation sector and highlights Sarajevo’s ability to evolve into a key regional hub. Our negotiation team has been working continuously to attract new airlines and expand the destination network, holding numerous meetings this year at international forums such as Routes Europe. Our focus remains on high-demand strategic destinations, with the results of ongoing talks expected to materialise in the upcoming seasons.”.

Sarajevo Airport is on track for another record year, with passenger numbers up 20% on 2024. This has placed pressure on the terminal’s capacity, despite its recent expansion. The airport now plans to further expand its infrastructure with a dedicated area for low cost carriers. “The current terminal, with targeted investments and efficiency upgrades, is capable of handling far more passengers than is often assumed by the public. However, from a strategic standpoint, it is evident that further expansion will eventually be required to meet future growth. According to our projections, Sarajevo Airport will need up to ten additional gates and five passenger boarding bridges in the coming decades. While the project’s timeline will depend on several factors, it clearly illustrates the direction of our long-term development”, the CEO said.

Elaborating further on its planned expansion, Mr Ramezić noted, “We are strategically focused on developing new infrastructure, with completion expected within the next decade, aligned with market needs and global aviation trends. As early as next year, we will begin expanding terminal facilities dedicated to low cost carriers. This will both increase overall capacity and safeguard service quality, since traffic growth inevitably places added pressure on operational standards. Financing will be secured through a mix of internal resources and instruments available on the banking and development markets. Our objective is clear: to ensure the airport’s long-term competitiveness and unlock new opportunities in tourism, trade and the wider economy, as every stage of airport growth generates multiplying benefits for the entire community”.