Bosnia and Herzegovina Air Navigation Services Agency (BHANSA) took control over Bosnia and Herzegovina’s airspace on midnight at 4 December.
This move represents the complete implementation of Phase II of the Development Strategy of Air Traffic Management System of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH ATM Strategy).
The BH ATM Strategy ensures that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s airspace is controlled by the country itself rather than neighbouring countries.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a European country located on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe.
The country had no control over its airspace until 2014, due to the Yugoslav wars that started in 1992.
In 2014, BHANSA took control of the air space up to 325ft, while the air traffic above that altitude was jointly managed by neighbouring countries, Serbia and Croatia.
BHANSA director Davorin Primorac stated: “This is a great day for Bosnia and Herzegovina as a state. In a relatively short period of time, we, as the youngest European Agency for the provision of air navigation services, have created technical, personnel and all other preconditions for ourselves to fully control the air traffic over the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“In that part of the airspace, 20% of the total air traffic is taking place, ie only 200 aircraft are moving.”
He added that, as of 5 December, Bosnia and Herzegovina would control up to 1,600 aircraft overflights through the Bosnia and Herzegovina airspace.
The delay in resuming control of the air space is attributed to political and financial issues. BHANSA’s projected revenue for the next year is €36m.
