The South Tyrolean airline Skyalps recently entered into an agreement with Mostar Airport in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of this cooperation is to establish a permanent base in Mostar and to offer eight new international routes from next year.
Sky Alps will not do this entirely on its own, as the carrier will receive significant subsidies. The local government is not only expecting an improvement in connectivity, but also additional tourists. It is also undeniable that many citizens could use the connections to visit their homeland.
An ambitious expansion project
The new agreement with Mostar Airport will see Sky Alps significantly expand its presence in the region. The airline plans to offer connections from Mostar to key European cities such as Bari, Bergamo, Catania, Munich, Naples, Palermo, Rome, Stuttgart and Vienna. These cities are strategically important destinations that will not only improve the connection between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Western Europe, but also strengthen tourism and the economy in the region. As part of this expansion, Sky Alps will permanently base one of its De Havilland Canada Dash 8 aircraft in Mostar.
State subsidies as the key to success?
The project is subsidized by the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina with 345.000 convertible marks (around 175.000 euros). This financial support is crucial to ensure the profitability of the new routes in the first few years. Subsidized flight connections are not uncommon in the region and have also been used by various governments in the past to promote international air traffic. Sky Alps already offers seasonal connections from Mostar to Rome, Bari, Verona and Munich, which are also subsidized.
Long-term planning envisages that these new connections will help strengthen tourism and the economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The government expects around 65.000 passengers to travel to and from Mostar as early as next year. This is a significant increase for an airport that has historically seen sporadic flights. The fact that Mostar now serves as a permanent base for an international airline shows confidence in the region and its potential as a major hub in Southeast Europe.
Tourism and economic implications
The city of Mostar, known for its famous Stari Most bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. However, accessibility to the city has been a challenge due to limited flight connections. With Sky Alps' new routes, this will change dramatically. The improved accessibility could not only lead to an increase in tourist numbers, but also attract international business travelers and investors to the region.
In addition to tourism, the local economy will also benefit from the improved connections. The creation of jobs at Mostar Airport and the increasing demand for tourism and infrastructure services will help to improve the economic situation of the region. In the long term, more international companies may also be interested in investing in Mostar and the surrounding areas if the connections to important economic centers such as Munich, Rome or Vienna are made easier.
Sky Alps: An emerging airline
Sky Alps, a relatively young airline, has established itself as a major player in the Alpine region in recent years. The decision to open a base in Mostar reflects the company's ambition to expand its route network towards Southeast Europe.
Sky Alps' long-term strategy shows that the airline has recognized the potential of niche markets and smaller airports. Instead of expanding into the highly competitive major airports in Europe, the company is focusing on less frequented destinations that nevertheless have a high demand for international connections.