Tuzla International Airport

Tuzla International Airport (TZL) is the second-largest air gateway in Bosnia and Herzegovina, second only to the capital's airport. Located near the city of the same name, it plays a key role in the country's transport system as a major hub for low-cost airlines. The airport, which holds both civil and military significance, has transformed from one of the largest military airbases of the former Yugoslavia into a modern civil facility, opened for international flights in 1998. Today, it attracts travellers from Bosnia itself, neighbouring Serbia and Croatia, as well as the large diaspora, offering affordable flights across Europe.

The main advantage of Tuzla Airport is its specialisation in budget travel. It has become the primary base for the low-cost carrier `Wizz Air` in Bosnia and Herzegovina, offering passengers a wide network of routes at affordable prices to cities in Germany, Sweden, France, Austria, and other European countries. The airport is constantly developing to meet growing passenger traffic and serves as a convenient starting point for exploring not only the Tuzla Canton but the entire north-eastern region of the country. Despite its compact size, the airport is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait and continues to expand its flight geography.

• Official Website: You can always find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations on the airport's official website: www.tuzla-airport.ba.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +387 35 302 400.
• Airport Address: Gornje Dubrave bb, 75270 Živinice, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Email: For general questions and enquiries, please use the email: info@tuzla-airport.ba.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official social media pages, for example, on Facebook.
• Lost & Found: If you encounter issues with your luggage, contact the tracing service by phone at +387 35 302 433 or via email: lost-found@tuzla-airport.ba.
• Passenger Support: For most enquiries related to your journey, you can contact the general airport information desk. Contacts for specific airlines and services are usually available on the official website.

Tuzla International Airport (TZL) is located approximately 15 kilometres south of the city centre of Tuzla, making it easily accessible for travellers. This airport is an important transport hub in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially for budget airlines. Depending on the chosen mode of transport, the journey from the airport to the city centre usually takes between 25 to 45 minutes.

The most economical way to reach the city is by public transport. While there may not be a direct city bus route to the airport, there are shuttles and buses with schedules often coordinated with flight arrivals and departures, particularly for low-cost carriers. These buses typically travel to Tuzla's main bus station, from where you can easily reach other parts of the city or transfer to intercity routes. We recommend checking the current schedule and fares on the carriers' websites in advance.

For greater comfort and speed, you can use a taxi or book a transfer. An official taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal. The trip to Tuzla centre will take about 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. The cost of the trip is generally around 30-40 Bosnian marks (approximately 15-20 Euros), but it is always better to confirm the price with the driver before starting the journey to avoid misunderstandings. A pre-booked transfer can be convenient if you are travelling with large luggage or in a group.

If you value independence and plan to actively explore the region, car rental is an excellent solution. Several international and local car rental agencies operate at Tuzla Airport. Having your own vehicle will give you the freedom to travel not only around Tuzla but throughout picturesque Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is recommended to book a car online in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to guarantee availability and secure the best price.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, convenient parking is provided. It is located directly in front of the terminal building and offers spaces for both short-term stops (for dropping off and picking up passengers) and long-term storage for the duration of your trip. The rates are among the most affordable in the region.

Although Tuzla Airport is convenient for visiting the north-eastern part of the country, depending on your itinerary and flight availability, it is worth considering other airports in the region. The nearest alternatives are Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) approximately 77 km away, Osijek Airport (OSI) in neighbouring Croatia (112 km), Banja Luka Airport (BNX) (125 km), as well as major international hubs such as Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) in Belgrade (132 km) and Mostar Airport (OMO) in the south of the country (149 km).

International Airport Tuzla (TZL) is a compact and modern aviation hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. The airport operates one passenger terminal serving both international and domestic flights. Thanks to this, navigating here is very easy even for first-time visitors.

The terminal consists of a single building where all zones are logically integrated. The airport layout is intuitive: upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the general area with several check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security control point, which leads to the departure zone. There are no transfers between terminals as all operations are concentrated under one roof.

The departure zone ("airside") is small but functional. It features a waiting lounge with ample seating, a small Duty-Free shop, and a café where you can have a snack before your flight. The arrivals zone is located in another part of the building and includes passport control counters and a baggage claim belt. The entire process from disembarking the plane to retrieving suitcases takes minimal time.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Tuzla Airport is usually very quick. Flight check-in and security screening rarely take much time due to the modest passenger volume. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5-2 hours before departure, to complete all procedures without rushing. Navigation within the terminal causes no difficulties: follow the signs, and you will easily find your boarding gate or check-in counter.

The history of International Airport Tuzla (TZL) is unique and reflects important stages in the region's development. Initially, it was not a civil facility but the "Dubrave" military airfield, built between 1958 and 1962. At that time, it was part of one of the largest military airbase systems in the former Yugoslavia, highlighting its strategic importance.

A key turning point in its history occurred in the 1990s. Following the signing of the Dayton Agreement, the airfield came under the management of the Stabilization Force (SFOR) and was actively used for humanitarian missions and logistical operations. This period spurred its transformation: in October 1998, the airport was officially opened for civil aviation, receiving international status.

A real breakthrough for Tuzla Airport happened in 2013 when the Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air opened its base here. This event radically changed its status, turning it from a small regional airport into the main centre for low-cost aviation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Passenger traffic began to grow rapidly, requiring further infrastructure development.

To cope with the increasing number of travellers, the airport underwent several stages of modernisation. A significant event was the opening of a new terminal in 2019, which increased capacity and improved the level of comfort for passengers. The reconstruction affected all key areas: from check-in counters to waiting lounges and baggage handling.

Interesting fact: Tuzla International Airport retains its dual status to this day. A helicopter squadron of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina is still based on its territory, making it one of the few in the region where civil and military aviation operate side by side.

Tuzla International Airport (TZL) is a compact yet functional aviation hub serving the north-eastern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. All essential amenities are available to passengers for a comfortable wait. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal, and charging zones for electronic devices are equipped in the waiting lounges, allowing you to stay connected before your flight.

You can have a snack or drink coffee before departure at the café and small restaurant located in the terminal building. There is also a Duty-Free shop where you can purchase perfumes, tobacco products, and sweets at attractive prices. If you are looking for souvenirs, visit the local shop offering memorable gifts.

For financial matters, the airport has a currency exchange office and ATMs, which is very convenient for arriving tourists. Premium lounges or VIP zones may be limited or provided only by specific airlines. It is recommended to check information regarding access to such zones with your carrier in advance.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance and escort, and the terminal infrastructure is adapted for their comfortable movement. A medical point is also available on the premises, ready to provide first aid.

There are no specialised conference halls or business centres directly within the airport building. For business meetings or events, it is better to use the infrastructure of hotels in the city of Tuzla, which is located a few kilometres from the airport. There you can also find a wide selection of accommodation options, as there are no hotels on the airport grounds.

International Airport Tuzla (TZL) is a compact regional airport, so dining options are concentrated in one main terminal and focus on basic passenger needs. While the selection is not as vast as in major international hubs, you can find everything necessary for a snack before departure or after arrival.

The main dining establishment is a restaurant-café located in the public zone (landside), prior to security control. Here, passengers and those seeing them off can order coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and light snacks. For those wishing to discover the cuisine of Bosnia and Herzegovina, look for local specialties if available on the menu, such as the hearty burek pie or traditional coffee. After passing security control (airside), options are usually more limited and may be reduced to a small kiosk or vending machines with drinks and snacks.

Regarding special dietary needs, the choice for vegetarians, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance may be quite limited. Usually, simple salads or fruits can be found. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them to avoid inconvenience. For a quick bite, a sandwich and coffee are ideal, while for a more substantial meal, you can order one of the hot dishes of the day if offered in the restaurant menu.

Prices at the airport are generally slightly higher than in the city, which is standard practice. The opening hours of dining establishments are closely linked to the flight schedule — they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last plane departs. This ensures that passengers on all flights have the opportunity to have a snack before their journey.

To ensure your journey through Tuzla International Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, make use of our tips. Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before an international flight departure. This will give you enough time to calmly complete check-in, drop off luggage, and pass security control. To save time, we recommend checking in online if your airline offers this service.

When packing hand luggage, remember international rules: all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Sharp objects and other potentially dangerous items are prohibited in the aircraft cabin. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views, especially if you are flying to Tuzla for the first time, whilst an aisle seat provides more freedom of movement.

Passengers with connecting flights should clarify in advance whether their luggage will be automatically transferred to the next flight or if it needs to be collected and re-checked. Upon arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina or when departing to a country outside specific customs unions, you will need to pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to proceed through the "Green Channel".

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you — after screening, it can be refilled at drinking fountains. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so a small snack brought from home (excluding liquids) will be very useful. Also, booking a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance is often cheaper than finding a car on the spot.

In the event of a flight delay, first find a representative of your airline for current information. Stay calm and remember your rights: depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with drinks, meals, the opportunity to make a call, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses to claim compensation later.