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SARAJEVO, July 8 (FENA) – The Director of Sarajevo International Airport (SIA), Sanin Remezić, told FENA that the airport has welcomed its millionth passenger, nearly a month earlier than in 2024, when that milestone was reached on August 1.
''This symbolically confirms the speed at which we are growing and expanding. In the first six months of this year, we recorded a 31 percent increase in passenger numbers and a 23 percent rise in flight operations compared to the same period last year. This growth confirms Sarajevo’s strengthening position on the European aviation map,'' Remezić emphasized.
According to the latest report by Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE) for the first four months of the year, Remezić added, Sarajevo Airport ranks second among Europe’s 'medium' airports in passenger growth, with a 40.7 percent increase compared to last year.
Vedrana Vikić Musić, Director of Airport Services at SIA, noted that Sarajevo is currently connected to 34 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa via 24 scheduled and charter airlines.
''We have achieved historic results, with significant growth recorded. Our goal remains clear – to provide efficient, safe, and modern services to all passengers and to continue developing Sarajevo Airport as an important hub for international travel and connectivity. Such results would not be possible without the continued support of the Government of the Federation of BiH, the Sarajevo Canton Government, the Sarajevo Canton’s Tourism Board, and all our institutional and business partners,'' said Vikić Musić.
Haris Fazlagić, President of the Sarajevo Canton Tourism Board, stated that the tourism sector in the Canton saw notable growth in the first half of the year. In cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Sarajevo Airport, and the cantonal inspection authorities, concrete results have been achieved.
''In June, we saw a slight increase of 2 percent in tourist arrivals and 3 percent in overnight stays, while over the first six months, there was a 10.5 percent rise in arrivals and more than 18 percent increase in overnight stays,'' Fazlagić highlighted.
He added that geopolitical developments and events in Gulf countries have led to a drop in tourists from certain regions, but a recovery is expected in July and August. The highest number of arrivals came from neighboring countries, the USA, the UK, Turkey, and Germany, with UK and Italian tourists appearing in the Top 10 for the first time, thanks to the introduction of direct flights.
''This year, the Sarajevo Canton Tourism Board is allocating nearly 4 million KM to subsidize direct flight routes. According to a survey conducted at Sarajevo Airport with 800 respondents, 95 percent of tourists chose Sarajevo specifically because of direct flights. The city’s cultural and historical offerings remain the main reason for their visit,'' said Fazlagić.
The survey also highlighted tourists' needs for better public transportation, more internet access, and additional public restrooms. Fazlagić stressed that tourism development must be planned and systematic, noting that Sarajevo remains an economically affordable destination, which further attracts visitors. He announced several upcoming congresses, cultural, and sports events expected to further boost arrivals.
Amir Hadžić, President of the Association of Hoteliers and Restaurateurs of the Federation of BiH, said that Sarajevo stands out as a unique tourist destination in both the region and the world.
''This isn’t just our opinion—leading international organizations have identified Sarajevo as one of the most distinctive cities for tourist visits. Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a whole, offers all forms of tourism,'' Hadžić stated.
Thanks to good air connectivity and the strategic location of Sarajevo Airport, he added, the number of tourists continues to grow steadily.
(FENA) A. B.
