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11th September 2025. | News

The High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt visited BHANSA in Sarajevo

The High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt visited today Area Control Center of Bosnia and Herzegovina Air Navigation Services Agency (BHANSA) in Sarajevo, where he stated in a meeting with Director Davorin Primorac, management and staff.

The visit comes after BHANSA, thanks to the decision of the High Representative in July 2025, overcame one of the biggest financial crises in its history – the blockade of revenues from EUROCONTROL. Primorac emphasized that in addition to preventing financial collapse, a legal framework was also established to ensure that similar situations cannot threaten the operation of strategically important institutions in the future.

During the visit, Schmidt underlined that the stability of the air navigation system must be continuously strengthened to ensure uninterrupted service. Air traffic control in Bosnia and Herzegovina must be fully operational in order to meet international obligations and effectively represent regional interests in the development of the European air network. The High Representative also stressed that vital state institutions, such as BHANSA, must never be put at risk or become hostages of domestic political disputes.

The crisis, however, also raised the issue of the need for full alignment of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s civil aviation legal framework with European standards. Primorac informed Schmidt that the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina is already preparing a set of legislative solutions, expected to be adopted by the end of the year, which should ensure the long-term development of the sector over the next 15 to 20 years. Civil aviation has already proven to be a key driver of economic growth and international competitiveness, and it is expected to maintain that role in the decades to come.

While touring the operations room, the High Representative was briefed on airspace control processes and spoke with air traffic controllers who ensure the daily flow of air traffic over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Looking ahead, Primorac announced that BHANSA, relieved of financial pressure, is entering a new phase of strategic development. The focus is on modernizing infrastructure and strengthening human capacities – from the installation of advanced radar and communication systems, including the recently deployed Mode S radar on Jahorina, to intensive training of new generations of controllers and technical staff in Mostar. Parallel to this, new recruitment is planned to respond to the growing needs of the system.

BHANSA will take a more active role in regional and European initiatives, particularly in the Single European Sky program, which opens opportunities for greater integration, efficiency, and safety in airspace management for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Approach and Aerodrome Control Unit at Sarajevo International Airport, with a message that the Agency, with the support of international partners, will continue to strengthen safety, efficiency and service quality for all users of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s airspace.