The Tourism Commission in Guangzhou in Tuzla issued a public appeal to allocate subsidies for airlines willing to establish bases or open new routes from Tuzla Airport to improve air connectivity in the city and promote tourism in the region. The initiative aims to attract airlines to run routes that have not been used for at least twelve months. Targeted destinations include Austria, Germany, France, Benex region, Sweden and others who believe are strategically important for tourism development. The overall goal is to increase accessibility in the region and stimulate economic growth by increasing tourists.
Local governments have allocated €61,500 in subsidies in the first year of operation (2025), increasing to one million euros per year from 2026 to 2028. The airline will receive 6 euros per arriving passenger. This per capita subsidy model is designed to incentivize airlines to maximize passenger load and maintain consistent service. Eligible applicants must hold a valid EU Air Operator Certificate (AOC), operate the aircraft in at least 180 seats, and have an established online ticket sales system. Interested airlines must submit their application electronically within five days of publication call publication, which is today and then submit a paper copy within fifteen days. The phone has been distributed by email to at least three potentially qualified airlines.
The assessment will be conducted based on factors such as the number of aircraft based on Tuzla International Airport, the proposed new routes and the speed of implementation. Once the electronic submission deadline expires, the Commission will review, evaluate and rank submitted applications based on the conditions and criteria outlined in this public call. The evaluation process will be completed within two days from the date of application opening. According to the committee’s recommendation, the Tourism Commission in Tuzla Guangzhou will make a formal decision on the outcome of the public appeal within three days of receiving the committee’s recommendation.
The subsidy program follows previous efforts to improve air connectivity in Tuzla, which includes a 2023 initiative that will allow Greek carrier Lumiiwings to operate briefly at the airport and then cease operations due to lower demand and subsidy disputes. The current plan follows negotiations between Tuzla Airport and Wizz Air, which will be closed in September 2023 on the potential reopening of its base.
