Iran is working on establishing a new service between Tehran and Sarajevo via Belgrade, the Iranian Chairman for the Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, said following talks in the Bosnian capital.
The matter will be further discussed later this month during a visit by the Iranian Foreign Minister to Belgrade. Negotiations concerning the service launch began last year with both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia initiating the abolishment of visa restrictions for Iranian nationals. The two former Yugoslav states have already taken steps for the Tehran flights to materialise this year.
European carriers have been ramping up their operations to Iran as the country emerges from international isolation and sanctions, which were lifted a year ago.
Iranian officials noted that the establishment of direct flights between Tehran and Sarajevo would help promote tourism and boost economic and cultural ties.
Iranian carrier Mahan Air planned to launch services from Tehran to Sarajevo via Istanbul in 2010. However, the flights never materialised.
Sarajevo Airport's General Manager, Armin Kajmaković, recently said, “There are plans for new flights to the Middle East but we are still in the early stages of negotiations. Our analysis, which is undertaken on a regular basis, shows there is certainly room to expand in that area”.
Qatar Airways plans to launch services to Sarajevo later this year, joining Air Arabia and Flydubai which maintain services from the region to the Bosnian capital.
Ex-Yu Aviation News
