Bosnia and Herzegovina Air Navigation Services Agency (BHANSA) today officially opened the first certified Air Traffic Controller Training Centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a historic milestone for BHANSA and the country’s aviation sector. For the first time, Bosnia and Herzegovina now has its own capacity to train air traffic controllers.
With the opening of the Centre, future generations of air traffic controllers will be trained at BHANSA’s certified facility by domestic instructors, using modern simulators and in accordance with the highest European standards.
This project strengthens national professional capacities and lays the foundations for the long-term development of a safe and efficient air navigation system.
The occasion also marked the beginning of training for a new generation of 17 air traffic controller candidates, who will begin their professional careers at the new Centre.
The ceremony was attended by Edin Forto, Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Zorislav Ivanović, Director General of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Directorate of Civil Aviation; representatives of institutions and partner organisations; and BHANSA employees.
BHANSA Director Davorin Primorac described the opening as one of the most important moments in the Agency’s development.
“Today, we are not merely opening a new centre. We are opening a new chapter in the development of air navigation services in our country. This is one of the most significant moments in BHANSA’s development since its establishment and confirmation that Bosnia and Herzegovina has the knowledge, expertise and capacity to develop its own top aviation professionals From today, we have our own centre where new generations of air traffic controllers will be trained—professionals who will play a vital role in ensuring the safety of our skies for decades to come.” Minister Forto highlighted the strategic importance of the project for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The opening of the first certified Air Traffic Controller Training Centre represents a strategic investment in the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A country that develops its own professionals for one of the most complex and responsible professions in civil aviation builds stronger institutions, a safer transport system and greater resilience to future challenges. This Centre confirms that Bosnia and Herzegovina is investing in knowledge, people and capacities that contribute to the long-term safety of air traffic. The adoption of amendments to the Law on BHANSA and a new legislative framework for the Bosnia and Herzegovina Directorate of Civil Aviation will enable BHANSA not only to train air traffic controllers for its own needs, but also to provide training for the wider marke This creates an opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a regionally recognised centre for the development of aviation professionals.”
Zorislav Ivanović, Director General of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Directorate of Civil Aviation, noted that the certification process for BHANSA as an air traffic controller training organisation had been exceptionally demanding and comprehensive.
“Meeting strict regulatory requirements in such a complex field confirms the expertise and seriousness with which BHANSA approached this project. I am particularly pleased with the excellent cooperation between BHANSA and the Bosnia and Herzegovina Directorate of Civil Aviation, founded on professionalism, trust and a shared commitment to safety. This Centre demonstrates what can be achieved when institutions work in partnership with a clear objective: to develop civil aviation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
On this occasion, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Directorate of Civil Aviation formally presented BHANSA with a certificate confirming that all prescribed requirements for the provision of air traffic controller training have been met.
Air traffic controllers are responsible every day for the safe conduct of flights and the safety of passengers. Their training is therefore among the most demanding and responsible processes in aviation.
By opening the Training Centre, BHANSA reaffirms its commitment to the strategic development of domestic professional capacities and continued investment in people, knowledge and technology, ensuring that Bosnia and Herzegovina has the qualified personnel and resources needed for the safe, efficient and sustainable management of air traffic.
