The Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings is planning a comprehensive expansion in the markets of the former Yugoslavia for the 2025 summer season. With a large number of new flight connections aimed particularly at the capital cities and growing European markets, the low-cost airline aims to significantly increase its presence in the Balkans and Southeastern Europe.
This expansion will focus on both established destinations and new routes supported by subsidies from the respective governments. This strategy underlines the growing competition among European airlines and the continued importance of the Balkan market for the European aviation industry.
The return to Sarajevo and the extension of the routes to Ljubljana
Eurowings will introduce a year-round connection between Berlin and Sarajevo from summer 2025. This route will be served every two weeks and represents the resumption of a connection that was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. However, it is already the airline's third attempt to serve this route.
Previously, the route was operated by Germanwings, the predecessor of Eurowings, from April 2014 to March 2015. The Bosnian airline B&H Airlines also offered connections between the two capitals between 2009 and 2015. The restart of the connection by Eurowings is a clear sign of the potential of these markets and the increasing demand for flights between Germany and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Another significant step in Eurowings' Balkan strategy is its entry into the Slovenian market. The airline plans to start flights from Berlin and Düsseldorf to Ljubljana in April 2025. This route is particularly supported by the support of the Slovenian government, which provides subsidies for the establishment of new airlines in the country through a public tender. Eurowings was the only airline to apply for this tender and now expects the State Aid Commission to grant the relevant approvals. The Berlin-Ljubljana route was previously served by easyJet and Adria Airways, but without the desired success.
The expansion to Mostar and Niš
In addition to the already planned routes to Sarajevo and Ljubljana, there are rumors that Eurowings is also considering flights to Mostar and Niš. In summer 2025, Eurowings is expected to start flights from Düsseldorf and Stuttgart to Mostar, which would mark the airline's return to Mostar after almost six years. Previously, Eurowings operated this connection between 2018 and 2019. Although there is no official confirmation yet, it is speculated that Eurowings will be the main airline for these routes, as the airline shows a strong interest in the region.
Eurowings may even set up a new base in Niš, another Balkan city. Reports suggest that Eurowings is currently in negotiations with airport authorities to establish possible flights to and from Niš. This would not only expand the airline's route network, but also increase its presence in an increasingly popular destination for European travelers.
Eurowings' planned flights for the 2025 summer season
Eurowings has planned a total of 2025 departures from Croatia for the summer months of 1.896. This represents a slight decrease compared to the previous year, but this is not due to a loss of interest, but rather to seasonal fluctuations and the fact that the flight schedule still needs to be fine-tuned.
Pristina is also scheduled to have 578 departures, which is the same as this year's figure, while Belgrade is scheduled to have 136 departures. Tivat is also scheduled to have 98 departures, with these figures reflecting stable operations to and from the main cities in the Balkans.
Subsidized routes as a driving force
Eurowings' strategy to expand into the markets of the former Yugoslavia is closely linked to subsidised routes. The subsidies from the Slovenian and Bosnian governments allow the airline to open new routes with a financial safety net, which is particularly important in times of uncertainty and high operating costs. This practice is becoming increasingly common in the aviation industry as many European countries seek to strengthen their airports and aviation industry through government support and encourage growth.
Eurowings' expansion strategy in Southeast Europe shows the importance of this market for the European low-cost airline. The Balkans, which have shown growing economic potential in recent years, are increasingly becoming an important destination for European airlines seeking to expand their network beyond the traditional Western and Central European markets.
Outlook
Eurowings' expansion into the markets of the former Yugoslavia for the 2025 season is a strategic step that underlines the growing importance of this region for European air traffic. The airline is focusing on subsidized routes and new markets supported by targeted cooperation with local governments. Even though competition in this region is increasing, Eurowings is clearly demonstrating with this expansion that it is focusing on the Balkans as an attractive growth market.
It will be exciting to see how these new connections develop and how the airline can further expand its presence in this dynamic region. This could lay the foundation for a long-term market strategy in Southeast Europe in the coming years.
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