Russian carrier plans Banja Luka flights

The government of the entity of Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the final stages of talks with a private Russian carrier over the introduction of three weekly flights between Moscow and Banja Luka. The entity's Minister for Transport and Communications, Nedjo Trninić, said, "These negotiations are in their advanced stages. We already have a draft agreement in place. If all goes to plan, as we expect, flights between Moscow and Banja Luka will commence in April. A total of three weekly services are planned and we are fully engaged on this matter". The Minister did not reveal the name of the Russian carrier in question.

On the other hand, Ryanair is set to launch flights between Berlin and Banja Luka on April 3, while Mr Trninić believes that additional new routes will be introduced by the budget carrier later this year. "We are preparing an autumn surprise, but I will keep that a secret for now", Mr Trninić said. Berlin will become Ryanair's fourth new destination from Bosnia and Herzegovina's second largest city. "We have given our proposals to Ryanair concerning new routes. Of course, it is up to them to make a final decision based on their research, however, I expect at least one more new and interesting destination to be announced", Mr Trninić noted.

In addition to Ryanair's expansion and the planned flights from Moscow, Banja Luka Airport will also see charter flights to Antalya and Thessaloniki this summer. "In 2019, we anticipate for Banja Luka Airport to handle over 130.000 passengers, which would make it a record year", General Manager, Duško Kovačević, said. Banja Luka Airport handled 36.180 travellers in 2018, representing an increase of 73.4% on the year before. The bulk of the growth came during the last two months of the year, when Ryanair launched operations to the city. "With four routes this year we will help deliver over 135.000 customers through Banja Luka Airport", the low cost carrier said.

EX-YU Aviation News

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