Professional Association: If BHANSA's problems are not urgently resolved, Bosnia and Herzegovina's air traffic system will be seriously threatened

(Patria) - The ATSEP Association, a professional association of air traffic safety technical personnel, expresses deep concern over the current situation threatening air traffic safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Business restrictions, resulting from a dispute between the Slovenian company Viaduct and the entity of Republika Srpska, have led to serious difficulties in the operations of the Air Navigation Services Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHANSA), which is not responsible for the dispute and has become a victim of circumstances beyond its control, the Association stated.

BHANSA, as one of the key institutions in air traffic, as they emphasize, plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of air navigation.
- As a non-profit organization, funds collected from route charges are exclusively used for the renovation, modernization, and maintenance of technical equipment, as well as for the continuous professional development and training of aviation personnel. This process ensures a high level of safety, as well as the operational efficiency necessary for the smooth functioning of air traffic.

The current problems in BHANSA's operations, if not resolved promptly, seriously threaten the stability of the entire air traffic system in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The lack of adequate funds for the renovation and maintenance of technical systems directly jeopardizes the safety, capacity, and efficiency of air traffic. Furthermore, the inability to continue the training and licensing of aviation personnel leads to a decrease in the quality of services and professionalism in the sector.

Long-term consequences include the loss of skilled personnel, which can pose serious threats to the stability of air traffic, jeopardizing airport operations and the overall safety of airspace - they pointed out.

As a professional association, they emphasize that the current problems must be urgently resolved to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of air navigation, preserve passenger safety, and maintain the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina's airspace.

- Timely reaction from all relevant stakeholders is crucial for preserving the stability of air traffic and continuing to provide high-quality services, thereby ensuring user confidence in the system. We also appeal for the adoption of permanent measures that will prevent the recurrence of similar scenarios in the future, stabilizing and ensuring the efficient operation of the aviation sector. Considering the experiences of other countries, it is clear that it is necessary to adopt new models for protecting funds collected from route charges to prevent situations that could jeopardize the entire system - they added.

The ATSEP Association, as a member of the international umbrella organization IFATSEA, has promptly informed this organization about the current situation and secured their full support. IFATSEA, they state, has highlighted the importance of international cooperation in maintaining a high level of air navigation safety, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the system and preserve stability in global air traffic.

- We express our firm support to the management of BHANSA, led by Davorin Primorac, in their continuous efforts to ensure the smooth functioning and preservation of air navigation safety interests.

We support their work and dedication in ensuring airspace safety, service continuity for all users, and maintaining confidence in the air navigation system. We believe that with the joint efforts of all stakeholders - institutions, regulators, and experts - we can ensure a favorable outcome for the future of air traffic in Bosnia and Herzegovina - they concluded.