Wizz Air has accused the Serbian authorities of making an attempt to power the closure of its Belgrade base by amended aviation rules that redefine how international airways can function companies from the nation. The low price provider argues the adjustments successfully forestall airways from sustaining bases in Serbia except they’re Serbian operators, claiming the measures violate the European Frequent Aviation Space (ECAA) Settlement and are aimed toward defending flag provider Air Serbia.
The next is Wizz Air’s assertion in full:
Wizz Air strongly condemns the Serbian authorities’ plan to breach its obligations to Europe as they implement measures aiming to power the airline to stop its base operations in Belgrade from November 2026. Their actions are a calculated assault on honest competitors, shopper selection, connectivity, and 1000’s of Serbian jobs, in addition to being an unarguable breach of the nation’s obligations underneath the European Frequent Aviation Space Settlement.
Since 2010, Wizz Air has invested closely in Serbia, contributing a number of a whole lot of thousands and thousands of euros to the nation’s financial system, transporting greater than 14 million passengers, supporting tourism, commerce, and employment throughout the nation. The airline has constructed an in depth community of inexpensive direct connections between Serbia and main European cities (29 routes to 26 cities throughout 10 nations), making journey accessible for Serbian residents, companies, college students, and vacationers alike.
Regardless of these contributions, Serbian authorities at the moment are pursuing measures clearly designed to push Wizz Air out of Belgrade in an effort to defend the state-backed nationwide provider from official competitors – the identical state-backed airline which has swallowed the equal of a whole lot of thousands and thousands of Euros of Serbian tax-payers’ money by means of authorities assist similtaneously WIZZ has been investing.
If Wizz’s Belgrade base is pressured to shut, the implications for Serbia might be extreme:
• Greater than 150 extremely expert, effectively paid airline jobs could be misplaced;• 1000’s of further jobs in tourism, hospitality, airport companies, and associated industries could be positioned in danger;• Serbia would lose essential low-cost and direct air connections to main European locations;• Serbian shoppers would face diminished competitors, fewer journey choices, and better airfares;• The nation’s tourism sector and broader financial system would undergo important harm.
Past the speedy financial impression, these actions increase critical considerations about Serbia’s commitments to the European Union and its standing as an EU candidate nation. Wizz Air strongly believes in honest competitors, open markets, and powerful connectivity, rules that underpin Europe’s aviation system.
“The Serbian authorities should determine whether or not they assist open markets, connectivity, funding, and shopper selection – or whether or not they intend to limit the market in an effort to defend artificially one provider on the expense of the Serbian financial system and towards the pursuits of the Serbian folks”, mentioned Owain Jones, Chief Company Officer of Wizz Air. “The measures they plan to make use of towards Wizz Air are unlawful. We name on the Serbian authorities to cease discriminatory practices instantly, respect worldwide obligations, and permit honest and clear market situations for all airways working in Serbia”.
Wizz Air stays dedicated to Serbia, its loyal passengers, and its skilled and devoted group of colleagues who make up the Belgrade base. The airline urges Serbian authorities, regulators and all related stakeholders to reverse course earlier than lasting harm is finished to Serbia’s worldwide connectivity, financial credibility, tourism sector, and funding atmosphere – and calls upon the European Union to make sure that Serbia abides by its worldwide agreements.
In the meantime, the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate has additionally issued an announcement concerning the continued matter.
The next is the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate’s statemetn in full:
In response to latest media reviews regarding proposed adjustments to the regulatory framework governing civil aviation, the Civil Aviation Directorate of the Republic of Serbia needs to stress that no airline has been denied the appropriate to function flights between the Republic of Serbia and European Union member states, nor the appropriate to launch new companies in accordance with the relevant worldwide agreements.
The Civil Aviation Directorate carries out its tasks professionally, impartially, and in full compliance with each home and worldwide rules, whereas upholding the rules of equal therapy and honest competitors.
It’s important that the general public is precisely knowledgeable that the proposed regulatory adjustments don’t represent a restriction of site visitors rights, however slightly an adjustment of the regulatory framework that might be utilized equally to all airways working within the Serbian market.
The Directorate will proceed to behave transparently and responsibly, within the curiosity of the protected, steady, and aggressive improvement of civil aviation within the Republic of Serbia.
