The presentation of the EU funded business plan for the restructuring of the Mostar International Airport was held on 7 March 2014 in the premises of Mostar City Hall.
In his opening address, Ambassador Peter Sorensen, Head of the EU Delegation to BiH/EU Special Representative said that, “Mostar International Airport is one of the many parts of the BiH transport infrastructure that has benefited directly from EU Assistance. The airport was re-opened in 1998 with considerable support by the EU”.
Ambassador Sorensen also mentioned future plans for the Airport, emphasizing its economic significance and possible development.
“The studies show that the potential growth of the Airport is above 1.5 million passengers per year over a 30 year period. The local and regional tourism potential, including the pilgrimage centre of Međugorje, is the foundation for this overall growth potential”, he said, emphasising that if used in a good way, the airport could become a source of employment for people in this region, as well as a source of economic prosperity.
Mayor of Mostar City, Ljubo Bešlić, thanked Ambassador Sorensen and the EU for all the assistance given to Mostar and the Airport, stressing the Airport’s significance for both the city and the region. “Further development of Mostar Airport is the opening of a big window into the world, and all the possibilities that Airport enables are extremely important for the future of this region”, he said.
EU consultants have explored the situation and suggested a three-phase approach.
Phase One: Includes the preparation of a comprehensive gap analysis, aimed at addressing all issues preventing the Airport from obtaining a permanent operational licence and restricting its future development.
Phase Two: the consultants have produced a business plan, a marketing plan and a financial plan for the Airport to cover the next thirty years.
Phase Three: Explores options and scenarios for restructuring of the ownership of the Airport, and relevant tender documents.
The Airport is currently facing challenges in ensuring the provision of its permanent licence, in sustaining the long-term viability of its operations as well as its future expansion and development.
The EU has already invested around 4 million Euro in the post-war rehabilitation and restart of the Airport, mainly in the construction and equipping of the air traffic control tower, and the FBiH Civil Aviation Directorate facility. The airport was re-opened in 1998 with considerable support by the EU.
The studies prepared by the consultants have shown the future potential for the sustainable profitable development of the Airport, the city and the region. The presentation was also attended by representatives of the local business community.
