Sarajevo Airport's new management has adopted a Reform Agenda, which foresees the construction of a new passenger terminal in the near future.
Depending on the cost, the airport will either build a brand new facility or expand the existing terminal building.
It comes four years after the former management cancelled plans to expand, despite securing a 25 million euro loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to do so.
According to then General Manager, Ivica Veličan, the expansion was unjustified as the terminal is yet to reach its maximum operating capacity of one million passengers per year.
The project involved building an additional 7.000 square metres of space, a new apron and the overhaul of existing jetways. The final price tag of the project was estimated at 32 million euros.
Under the new Reform Agenda, the airport first plans to build a VIP lounge, car park, office building for staff and support services. a rapid-exit taxiway and expand the apron.
In 2017, work will begin on upgrading its runway, as well as its taxiways.
“All development projects are planned in line with international standards with the aim to meet the expectations of passengers, airlines and other customers using our services”, Sarajevo Airport says.
So far this year, the airport has overhauled part of its terminal in a bid to boost capacity at check-in, customs and the arrivals gate.
Some two years ago, the airport intended to reconstruct its old terminal (A) building, currently used for administrative purposes, and turn it into a low cost terminal instead.
Work was scheduled to begin in 2015 and was to be completed this year. However, the project never materialised.
The Acing General Manager of Sarajevo Airport, Armin Kajmaković, says he is certain 2016 will be remembered as a “turning point” for the airport.
“With ambitious projects and innovations, we look forward to keeping up with modern trends. Already in November, travellers can expect the opening of Qatar Airways’ service from Doha, and we have also resumed negotiations with the Hungarian airline Wizz Air”, Mr Kajmaković notes.
Next year, Croatia Airlines is expected to base an aircraft in Sarajevo, with direct services to several key European destinations, while flights to both Iran and Egypt are expected to be launched as well.
(EX-YU Aviation News)
