NEW RULES AT BANJA LUKA AIRPORT

Banja Luka Airport has removed the previously free 10-minute grace period for vehicle drop-off and pick-up. Now, every vehicle entry to the airport is charged 5 KM, regardless of the duration of the stay.

While citizens argue that charging just to enter the airport premises to drop off or pick up passengers is unacceptable, the airport management told Provjereno.info that the change is part of a broader initiative to improve and modernize the parking payment system.

One Provjereno.info reader shared his surprise upon learning that he had to pay simply to pick someone up.

“I frequently come to the airport to pick up passengers. When I was told that I now have to pay the full daily parking fee regardless of how long I stay, I was shocked. At most airports, it’s possible to enter for free for up to 10 minutes to drop off or pick up someone. Now passengers who’ve already paid for their tickets have to walk roughly 700 meters from the ramp to the terminal with their luggage. It’s unbelievable that the airport management would choose to profit this way,” he said.

Marko Grabovac, manager of Hotel Galeria in Banja Luka, said some of the hotel’s guests have complained about the airport’s new policy.

“From a tourism perspective, this definitely sends the wrong message. Our guests have pointed this out to us, and it certainly doesn’t benefit taxi drivers or transport providers either,” said Grabovac.

Marko Radić, Head of Promotion at the Tourist Organization of Republika Srpska, also criticized the move.

“It won’t deter passengers, but it’s a poor decision—it’s not hospitable. If we’re talking about infrastructure, it should have been developed earlier,” he told Provjereno.

New Price List and Lower Parking Fees Coming Soon

Banja Luka Airport stated to Provjereno.info that they are in the process of modernizing their parking payment system by introducing an automated system.

“The system will eliminate manual payments and allow users to pay via SMS or at a payment terminal located within the terminal building. The new system will enable faster vehicle flow, as license plates will be automatically recognized at the ramp,” the airport representatives said.

When asked whether the free grace period would be reinstated, the airport explained that there is no existing infrastructure to support it. They emphasized that charges are being applied according to the current pricing list and that a new pricing system and automated infrastructure are being developed and implemented.

“We ask our passengers for understanding. We are pleased to announce that the new price list will include lower daily and multi-day parking rates for our passengers and visitors. We expect the new automated payment system and updated price list to be in effect by May 6th of this year,” the airport added.