The Supreme Court of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has imposed restrictions on the acting CEO of Sarajevo Airport, Sanin Ramezić, as well as members of the airport’s Supervisory Board, according to local media. The individuals named are now prohibited from entering airport premises and performing their official duties while an investigation into alleged abuse of power continues. Those affected include Supervisory Board members Benjamin Mešak, Adnan Mahmutović, Vlado Džoić, Žan Matić and Adil Halilović. The government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina appointed the Board in February 2024. The current airport leadership was appointed on December 5 of last year.
The investigation is led by POSKOK, the national anti-corruption and organised crime unit. For several months, POSKOK has been examining suspected wrongdoing related to changes in the company’s bylaws, which may have altered the qualifications required for senior management positions. The concern is that these changes were designed to secure full-term appointments for the newly selected management. Investigators are examining whether the bylaw revisions were made outside of official governmental publication requirements, removed minimum aviation industry expertise needed for top roles, eliminated the need for a technical engineering degree and removed the requirement for at least five years of aviation experience. If true, critics argue the changes would allow politically favoured candidates without industry qualifications to take leadership positions at Bosnia and Herzegovina’s busiest airport. POSKOK reportedly seized internal documents from the airport one month ago as part of the inquiry.
The airport is currently running an open recruitment process for the position of CEO and Executive Director roles, with more than five candidates applying, including one former airport head, Alan Bajić, who was controversially replaced last year. The investigation could delay the appointment process.
The investigation comes as Sarajevo Airport attempts to secure new Ryanair routes and a potential base. A delegation from the airport, led by the Premier of the Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, visited Dublin last week where they met with Ray Kelliher, the carrier’s Director of Airports and Commercial Finance. Commenting on the talks, Mr Uk said, “We discussed concrete steps to further improve air connectivity for our capital city. Our focus is clear: more direct routes between Sarajevo and key European destinations. Better connectivity boosts tourism, facilitates business and directly contributes to strengthening our economy. I am confident that this direct dialogue will soon lead to new travel opportunities and greater economic benefits for all citizens of Sarajevo Canton”.
