Banja Luka, the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the capital of Republika Srpska, deserves more visibility and international connectivity. Dynamic, expanding economically, rich in cultural heritage, it is still too poorly integrated into major European air networks.
With an increasing number of business travellers, students, tourists and members of the Bosnian diaspora residing in Italy, the introduction of a direct route between Rome Fiumicino and Banja Luka would be a strategic step. At present, those wishing to travel between these two realities must resort to intermediate stopovers, which are often costly and inconvenient.
Why a direct Rome-Banja Luka route is needed
Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina have long-standing historical, cultural and economic relations. Rome, the European capital and reference airport node, is the ideal bridge to connect Banja Luka to the rest of the European Union and the Mediterranean basin.
Not only that. Banja Luka is also an important university and medical centre, as well as the headquarters of numerous regional companies. A direct connection would facilitate trade, academic collaborations, and the attraction of foreign investment in the Krajina region.
An opportunity for Italian and Balkan carriers

In a context where airlines are rethinking their strategic connections, the Rome-Banja Luka route could represent a new opportunity for carriers such as ITA Airways, Wizz Air or Balkan regional companies. A short, economically viable route with growing demand.
The opening of a direct route from Rome Fiumicino to Banja Luka is not only desirable, but also forward-looking. It would be a concrete sign of openness, cooperation and development between two realities that, although geographically close, are still waiting to be connected in a direct and effective manner.