Bosnia and Herzegovina has announced the reintroduction of a departure tax at all of its commercial airports, a decision likely to face resistance from low-cost carriers, particularly Ryanair. Previously, the tax applied only to Sarajevo Airport but will now extend to Banja Luka, Mostar, and Tuzla as well, affecting all departing passengers starting April 1, 2025. The tax will be set at €1.50 per passenger.
The Ministry of Communication and Traffic stated that this measure was implemented to address operational challenges and support airport infrastructure. However, low-cost airlines like Ryanair, which recently launched services in Sarajevo, have advocated for reduced fees to encourage passenger growth and facilitate affordable travel options in the region. Ryanair, in particular, had persuaded the government to update airport fees and temporarily suspend the departure tax in Sarajevo, hoping to improve market conditions and stimulate traffic growth.
The decision to reinstate the departure tax may deter budget airlines from expanding in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as high operational costs have already discouraged low-cost carriers from entering the market in the past. While the tax amount is relatively low, industry observers worry it could still impact the country’s appeal as a competitive destination for affordable travel in the Balkans.
