Bosnia and Herzegovina Air Navigation Services Agency (BHANSA) is intensively preparing for the 2026 summer flight season. In addition to the adopted operational and financial plans, the focus has been placed on technological upgrades and organizational measures to ensure the safe and continuous flow of air traffic.
Through the modernization of the main data processing system, new functionalities have been introduced to improve operational processes. “We have implemented 13 new functionalities aimed at shortening operational steps, reducing manual tasks, and enabling faster and more efficient internal coordination, as well as coordination with neighboring sectors. This directly contributes to more efficient and stable air traffic management,” said Elvira Hajdarević, MSc in Electrical Engineering and Air Traffic Controller at the Area Control Centre (ACC).
The modernization has also resulted in an increase in airspace capacity of approximately 12%. This increase has been confirmed through expert analyses and operational validation, including a comprehensive simulation cycle based on representative samples of real traffic.
“Air traffic controllers with different operational profiles and levels of authorization participated in the testing, with the aim of validating safety margins, workload, and the sustainability of the declared capacity increase in demanding high-density traffic environments”, Hajdarević added.
Beyond technological upgrades, BHANSA is also implementing organizational measures to further relieve employee workload. A so-called ‘combined working position’ is currently being introduced during daytime shifts, where operational conditions allow, complementing the already established practice during night shifts. A specialized scheduling team has also been established to develop a dynamic staffing plan for 2026, including contingency scenarios.
“The goal is the optimal use of available capacities, supported by clear procedures and planning that also covers extraordinary situations. For peak traffic periods, we have prepared operational scenarios in cooperation with European partners, primarily EUROCONTROL. These include flexible sector configurations and measures to balance traffic flow”, Hajdarević explained.
The Agency has ensured both full technical readiness and financial stability. The adopted financial plan for 2026 foresees an increase in operational staff salaries of up to 25%, bringing the cumulative increase since 2016 to approximately 100%.
“ The systematic improvement of employees’ material status has further enhanced the professional motivation of operational staff, which is one of the key factors for the stable and continuous provision of air navigation services. Although the air traffic controller market is highly competitive globally, BHANSA is fully staffed and operationally ready for the upcoming season,” Hajdarević concluded.
As part of its preparations for the upcoming summer season, BHANSA has introduced staffing changes, alongside technological and organizational improvements, to further strengthen operational management. A new management team has recently been appointed at the Bosnia and Herzegovina Area Control Centre (BHACC), continuing the process of modernization and strengthening of operational capacities.
For the first time since its establishment, BHACC will be led by a woman – Elvira Hajdarević, who will take on both operational duties and overall leadership of the Centre, which plays a key role in the safe and efficient management of air traffic in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I would like to thank my colleague Dalibor Ninković for his many years of professional work and significant contribution to the development of BHANSA and the achievement of our strategic goals, and I look forward to continuing our cooperation in different professional roles. I am convinced that Elvira Hajdarević, with her knowledge and dedication, will successfully lead BHACC and continue to develop its operational capacities,” said BHANSA Director Davorin Primorac.
BHANSA continues to invest in the training of new generations of air traffic controllers, while protecting its investments through contractual clauses, thereby further ensuring the long-term stability of the air navigation system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
