Dismissal of Sarajevo Airport management sparks controversy

NEWS FLASH


The Federal Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has dismissed Alan Bajić, the CEO of Sarajevo Airport, in a decision that has drawn criticism from multiple quarters. Mr Bajić has been replaced by Sanin Ramezić. The airport’s Executive Director for Development, Samra Pehilj, has also been relieved of her duties. During his tenure, Mr Bajić oversaw the expansion of Sarajevo Airport’s terminal, a project that significantly increased the airport’s capacity and modernised its facilities. Under his leadership, Sarajevo Airport also collaborated closely with the local tourism authority to introduce incentives and subsidies for airlines to establish new services to the city. This strategy proved successful, leading to the launch of several new routes, boosting Sarajevo's connectivity. The decision to dismiss Mr Bajić and Ms Pehilj has drawn criticism from multiple quarters. The union representing the airport’s employees have said the move is politically motivated and aimed at paving the way for the airport to be given up for concession. A spokesperson for the union stated, “This is a blatant disregard for the progress we’ve made. The government is putting political and economic agendas ahead of the airport’s success and the interests of its employees”. A large sign appeared in downtown Sarajevo today reading, “We are all Alan Bajić”.

Comments

  1. Anonymous13:39

    Disgusting from the corrupt government in Sarajevo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:14

      This move might be political, but Sarajevo cantonal government is far for being called corrupted for the Balkan's standards! If you don't know something, skip the comment. Also, who said it is controversial? Alen Bajić? Wow! Sarajevo airport baš also been golden basket where probably every person employed during his mandate was employed because he did something good for the old government, it's a company where one position is done by three persons. It's highly political public company and they started cleaning it up, maybe in the wrong way, but the cleaning had to be done.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:26

      https://avaz.ba/vijesti/bih/635558/celnik-aerodroma-sarajevo-alan-bajic-u-centru-korupcijskog-skandala

      He should have been removed from the position at this certain moment. But because it is Balkans, he has not been removed and now, with two propaganda articles by "expert" everyone believes he did miracles. No, he didn't.

      Sarajevo Canton government did miracles with taxpayers money as subsidies.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous13:41

    I'm grabing the pop corn!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous13:45

    I would now question the motives of the Bosnian officials. That notorious tax, change of SJJ CEO after major growth... I doubt their good intentions, it looks like they want to stop the development. Weird.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous15:15

      It's Trump logic. They make "deals" and it's all about "winning".

      Delete
    2. Anonymous22:30

      Ttump in Bosnia!
      🤣🤣🤣

      Delete
  4. Anonymous13:48

    I'm sad that our region is affected by corruption 2024. I wish people were smarter and worked together instead of against one another..

    Great article by Sarajevo Airport :
    https://sarajevo-airport.ba/List/Saopstenja/Read/2085/Protestno%20pismo%20sindikata%20i%20radnika%20JP%20Me%C4%91unarodni%20aerodrom%20Sarajevo%20doo%20Sarajevo,%20zbog%20nezakonite%20i%20neopravdane%20smjene%20Uprave

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous13:51

    If he was against the airport's privatization he should be dismissed.
    The new management team would facilitate the privatization process.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13:54

      He advocated for a hybrid concession model
      https://www.exyuaviation.com/2024/09/sarajevo-airport-is-poised-for-another.html

      Delete
  6. Anonymous13:55

    Hopefully Fraport takes over SJJ.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13:58

      Fraport had done wonders for Greek and Bulgarian airports so maybe it would be a good thing.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous14:04

      It will go to a US company. US Ambassador already got guarantees from corrupt politicians.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous14:12

      Great news! More US investment and involvement in B&H is very welcome. 🇧🇦❤️🇺🇸

      Delete
    4. Anonymous14:15

      In Chile they were thinking the same...

      Delete
  7. Anonymous14:09

    Wonders for Bulgarian airports? Is Fraport paying you to say this BS?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous14:14

      It transformed both VAR and BOJ. Also AYT.
      In fact only Slovenians are not happy with Fraport.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous14:16

      ^ Because in Slovenia it does not have a concession, it owns the airport and most importantly owns the surrounding land. So they are more interested in developing the industry around the airport than actual traffic.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous14:25

      I'm sure they are very happy knowing last year both VAR and BOJ combined had 1 million passengers less than in 2019. Not to mention this year they have almost 10% less passengers than last year. Bravo Fraport!

      Delete
    4. Anonymous20:07

      The decline in VAR is because WizzAir reduced the capacity from three to one aircraft this year. So its good if they only have 10% less.

      Delete
  8. Anonymous14:59

    Live by the party, die by the party. Just because Bajic is half-competent compared to mostly wholly incompetent third-tier airport managers in the region doesn't mean he's any less of a political apparatchik.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:23

      Stupid comment

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:19

      Bajic came there politically, not because he is competent. He managed to achieve something, but he still came there politically and now had been removed, again politically.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous15:53

    The wrong Bajić got dismissed...

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous17:17

    This looks weird only to outsiders...Corruption in all the Balkan countries is limitless....

    ReplyDelete

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