Last checked: November 2026
Most international visitors fly into Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), the country’s main gateway. Tuzla, Banja Luka and Mostar also have airports, with smaller and more seasonal networks. Some travellers fly into Croatia and continue overland, but a direct flight to Bosnia and Herzegovina is simpler for most trips.
The main airport is Sarajevo, about 12 km from the city centre, with year-round connections to European and Turkish hubs. Tuzla and Banja Luka are served mainly by low-cost airlines, and Mostar has a small seasonal schedule. Routes change each season, so confirm flights on the airport and airline websites.
Which airports serve Bosnia and Herzegovina?
| Airport | Code | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sarajevo International | SJJ | Main gateway, the widest choice of routes |
| Tuzla International | TZL | Northeast, Wizz Air base, low-cost routes |
| Banja Luka International | BNX | Northwest and Republika Srpska, low-cost routes |
| Mostar International | OMO | Herzegovina, small seasonal schedule |
Sarajevo’s airport announced a summer 2026 schedule of 24 airlines flying to 39 destinations, according to a press release reported by FENA. You can check current routes on the Sarajevo Airport website.
How do you reach the city from each airport?
- Sarajevo (SJJ): the city centre is about 12 km away. An airport bus, taxis and pre-booked transfers run to the centre, and you should confirm the bus timetable and agree a taxi price before you set off.
- Tuzla (TZL): the airport is in ลฝivinice, near the city of Tuzla. Use a taxi or a pre-booked transfer, and check options on the Tuzla Airport website.
- Banja Luka (BNX): the airport is in Mahovljani, outside the city. A taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the simplest option.
- Mostar (OMO): the airport is close to the city, and a short taxi ride takes you to the Old Town.
For travel between cities after you land, see our guide to getting around Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Which airlines and routes are the main ones?
Sarajevo has the widest network. Airline listings show carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Austrian, Lufthansa, Pegasus, Croatia Airlines, Air Serbia, Wizz Air, easyJet and Ryanair, along with the local carrier FlyBosnia. Istanbul is the busiest route, and European hubs such as Vienna, Frankfurt and Munich are common connections.
Direct long-haul flights are limited. Current route listings show nonstop services mainly from Europe, Tรผrkiye and the Middle East, so travellers from other regions usually connect through a hub. Flight times depend on the route and season, so check the airline for the schedule.
Tuzla has been a Wizz Air base since December 2025, and a second based aircraft arrived in March 2026, according to Tuzla Airport. Banja Luka has flights to several European cities, and Mostar has only a small number of routes in winter. Seasonal changes matter:
- Ryanair announced it will fly from Sarajevo between March and October 2027 and will not operate there in the 2026/27 winter season.
- Turkish Airlines has cut some winter 2026/27 frequencies across the region, so check your date.
- Winter timetables run from late October to late March, and summer timetables run from late March to late October.
Should you fly to Croatia instead?
Some travellers fly to Dubrovnik, Split or Zagreb and continue overland, often to reach Mostar. This can make sense if fares are lower or you are also visiting Croatia. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not in the Schengen Area, so you will face a border check, and the UK FCDO warns of significant delays at crossings with Croatia because of the EU Entry/Exit System. See our Bosnia and Herzegovina visa guide for entry documents.
What time zone is Bosnia and Herzegovina in?
The country uses Central European Time (UTC+1), and moves to UTC+2 during daylight saving time. It is six hours ahead of Washington, D.C. during standard time, according to the US State Department.
Booking tips
- Compare Sarajevo with nearby airports in Croatia if your dates are flexible.
- Check baggage rules and airport fees on low-cost carriers.
- Book winter trips with extra time, because fog or snow can cause delays. See the best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina for seasons.
- If you connect through a Schengen airport, allow extra time, because the EU Entry/Exit System may slow border checks.
- Check your entry rules before you buy a ticket.
Before You Fly: checklist
- Passport valid for at least three months after your departure date, with a blank page, according to the US State Department.
- Visa, or the Schengen, EU or US visa or residence permit you rely on.
- Return or onward ticket ready.
- First hotel address saved offline.
- Some convertible marks (KM) for small purchases and buses.
- Travel insurance.
- A phone charger and a European plug adapter.
3 Quick Answers
Which airport should I use?
Sarajevo for most trips. Choose Tuzla or Banja Luka if you find a good low-cost fare and your plans are in the north, and Mostar if a seasonal flight suits a Herzegovina trip.
Is the airport far from the city?
Sarajevo’s airport is about 12 km from the centre, and the other airports are also close to their cities. A transfer or taxi is usually short.
Do I need a visa to fly in?
It depends on your passport. Check the official Bosnian government page for your nationality before you book.
Flight Deals
Compare current offers below. Always confirm the final price, taxes and cancellation terms on the partner site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is best for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Sarajevo is the best choice for most travellers, because it has the most airlines and year-round routes. Tuzla and Banja Luka suit low-cost fares, while Mostar has a small seasonal schedule that may not match your dates.
Does Ryanair fly to Sarajevo in winter?
Sarajevo International Airport says Ryanair will fly from Sarajevo between March and October 2027 and will not operate there in the 2026/27 winter season. Other airlines fly year-round, so check current routes before you book.
Are there direct flights from outside Europe?
Direct long-haul service is limited. Current route listings show nonstop flights mostly from Europe, Tรผrkiye and the Middle East, so travellers from other regions usually connect through a hub such as Istanbul or a European city.
How much extra time should I allow for border checks?
Allow extra time. The UK FCDO says the EU Entry/Exit System may take each passenger longer at borders in the Schengen area. Your arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a separate check, so keep your passport and return ticket ready.
