Air Serbia's first aircraft landed in Banja Luka

(Photo: Teodora Brnjoš)

An Airbus A319 airplane of the Serbian flag carrier Air Serbia was landed Sunday (1 December 2013) at 1.10 PM at the airport in Banja Luka, meaning that air traffic between Serbia and the Republic of Srpska is officially reinstated.

This aircraft departed from Belgrade at 12.15 PM and was welcomed in Banja Luka with traditional water cannons and red ribbon cutting. The ceremony was attended by Milorad Dodik, the president of the Republic of Srpska.

Air Serbia's first flight to Banja Luka carried Serbian Transportation Minister Aleksandar Antic and Air Serbia General Manager Dane Kondic.

Dodik said at Sunday's welcome ceremony that Air Serbia was one of the few airlines to start expansion, while other air transportation companies were mainly in a crisis.

(Photo: Teodora Brnjoš)

Dodik also said that they would do everything to make Belgrade-Banja Luka flights sustainable and cost-efficient, adding that all government officials would be advised to fly with Air Serbia.

Miroslav Janjic, the direktor of the Banja Luka airport, reiterated that Air Serbia would operate Belgrade-Banja Luka flights every day.

Dane Kondic explained that the new service would allow for excellent connection with international destinations: Paris - Amsterdam - Prague - Stuttgart - Zurich - Moscow.

A return ticket for this 35-minute flight between Belgrade and Banja Luka is priced at EUR 89 with all taxes included.