Sarajevo International Airport Raises the Bar on Security and Achieves Record Results
In May this year, Sarajevo International Airport took over counter-diversion screening duties from the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and since then more than 500,000 pieces of hand luggage have been screened, with 75,000 requiring additional checks. The airport emphasizes that during this period no incident was recorded that could endanger the safety of passengers, staff, or flights. This demonstrates that Sarajevo proves security is not a matter of status, but of principles and systems, comparable to standards at airports across the European Union.
From the beginning of the year until the end of August, more than 450,000 checked bags were processed through the Baggage Handling System, with 40,000 referred for manual inspection. All potential incidents, such as abandoned luggage or false threat reports, were declared harmless after emergency procedures. The airport maintains established crisis management plans and readiness of responsible services to minimize risks and prevent escalation.
When it comes to cargo, prohibited shipments or smuggling attempts are rare, as shippers, through freight forwarders, are usually well-informed in advance about aviation transport regulations. The spectrum of imported goods is diverse, most commonly including telecommunications and IT equipment, pharmaceutical products, and industrial spare parts. The airport is equipped with modern security technology—from walk-through metal detectors and facial scanners to advanced X-ray machines for baggage and cargo inspections. Despite the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not an EU member state, no European or global airport has raised any objections regarding the quality of security screenings conducted in Sarajevo.
According to Sarajevo International Airport, security also relies heavily on human resources—well-trained teams that carry out demanding physical protection measures across the entire complex. “Their weapons are discipline, vigilance, and knowledge,” the management emphasized, adding that they closely follow global trends and continuously invest in the modernization of security equipment.
