The first aircraft from Ankara, carrying 179 passengers, was welcomed at Sarajevo International Airport with a ceremonial reception attended by numerous distinguished guests. This new route marks another step forward in strengthening the friendly, economic and cultural ties between the two countries, while significantly facilitating travel for citizens, business travellers and tourists through a faster and more convenient service. Flights will operate twice weekly.
Acting Director of Sarajevo International Airport, Dino Selimović, said that the new route represents a historic milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Türkiye.
“During the summer season, Sarajevo will be connected to five destinations in the Republic of Türkiye, with around 60 weekly flights, clearly demonstrating the intensity and importance of this cooperation. The direct Ankara route is AJET’s third service from Sarajevo, alongside its flights to Bodrum and Istanbul. We are confident that it will further enhance tourism, business exchanges and cultural cooperation between our two countries,” said Selimović.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador to Ankara, Mirsada Čolaković, emphasized that the launch of a direct air connection between Sarajevo and Ankara is of great importance for the two friendly countries.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina and Türkiye share deep historical and cultural ties, and this route will further facilitate people-to-people contacts, business cooperation and tourism flows. Ankara is a city of warm and welcoming people, while Türkiye is a country that respects the sovereignty of the Balkan states and is a very important partner for us, both politically and economically. This new air route is yet another bridge connecting our peoples and strengthening our friendship,” said Čolaković.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Emin Akseki, described the launch as a highly significant event for both Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the new direct route links Ankara and Sarajevo—an objective long shared by the governments of the two countries.
“That is why we are so pleased today to see this vision become a reality. I am convinced that the new route will further strengthen relations between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina in all aspects of bilateral cooperation,” the Ambassador stated.
The Mayor of Ilidža Municipality, Nermin Muzur, highlighted that every new direct destination connecting Sarajevo with the world is welcome and represents an additional opportunity for the development of tourism, the economy and international cooperation.
“Ilidža is already recognized as an important gateway to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and projects such as this further strengthen our position and open the door to new partnerships. We are already recording an increase in overnight stays in our municipality, and it is certain that these new routes will contribute to the continued growth of tourism in Ilidža as well as throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Muzur.
The welcoming programme also featured members of the LOLA Cultural and Artistic Society (KUD LOLA), who, dressed in traditional Bosnian folk costumes, contributed to the festive atmosphere and showcased a part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s rich cultural heritage. The event partner, Lasta Company, also took part in the celebration by distributing biscuits to passengers and guests.
Flights will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and tickets are already available at the sales counters of Sarajevo International Airport as well as through the official AJet website.
Sarajevo International Airport remains committed to expanding its network of destinations, with the aim of offering passengers an increasing number of direct flights and high-quality service.