The year 2024 has been a record year for tourism in Serbia, marking a significant milestone in the country’s growing appeal as a tourist destination. With its rich natural beauty, cultural heritage, top-notch gastronomy, and renowned hospitality, Serbia has made great strides in attracting visitors. One of the key factors driving this success has been the continuous expansion of direct flight connections, particularly through the national airline, Air Serbia.
According to Marija Labović, Director of the Tourist Organization of Serbia, Air Serbia’s efforts to connect Serbia with over 80 destinations worldwide have played a pivotal role in the increased number of tourists. The airline’s direct flight routes have made destinations more accessible, directly contributing to the surge in tourism. For instance, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Serbia has seen a remarkable 72 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year, making China one of the top sources of international visitors.
Air Serbia recently launched a third direct flight between Serbia and Shanghai, further boosting arrivals from China. Similarly, the airline’s direct flights to New York and Chicago have led to an uptick in American visitors, with an 8 percent rise in tourist numbers in the first 11 months of 2024 compared to the previous year.
Growth of Air Serbia’s fleet
In addition to the increase in tourism, Air Serbia has seen substantial growth in its fleet, which now consists of 27 aircraft. One of the highlights of this expansion was the introduction of a third Airbus A330-200, branded in EXPO 2027 colors, which made its debut with a charter flight between Belgrade and Tokyo. This marked the longest non-stop flight in the history of the Serbian national airline.
Air Serbia reported a 6 percent increase in passenger traffic in 2024, transporting a total of 4.44 million passengers, surpassing the previous year’s record. The airline also handled 47,022 flights, a 4 percent increase, and moved over 7,144 tons of cargo, up by 25.14 percent compared to 2023. The year also saw Belgrade host over 250 top aviation industry leaders and experts during the CAPA 2024 World Aviation Summit, strengthening the city’s position in the global aviation sector.
Expansion of “Nikola Tesla” Airport
The growth of Serbia’s tourism has also been bolstered by significant improvements at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport. With the recent expansion efforts, the airport is now on track to accommodate up to 15 million passengers, a major leap forward in handling the increasing volume of international traffic. In 2024, the airport served nearly 8.4 million passengers, a 5.3 percent increase over the previous year and a 36 percent jump from 2019.
Nikola Tesla Airport is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most dynamic airports, with an impressive 22 percent increase in flight traffic compared to 2019. However, the airport’s rapid expansion has not come without challenges. Large-scale infrastructure works have led to some delays, baggage issues, and long lines, especially during the summer months. Additionally, the airport experienced software failures and even a security breach involving a driver on the runway.
Challenges in the air traffic sector
The airport also faced disruptions caused by sanctions against NIS, which affected some airlines’ ability to refuel at Belgrade. This prompted Wizz Air, which operates three planes from Nikola Tesla, to stop refueling at the airport. The airport authorities have since been in regular communication with relevant institutions to ensure the uninterrupted fuel supply for all airlines.
To address ongoing operational challenges, the ground handling services at Nikola Tesla were taken over by Menzies Aviation, which now manages technical acceptance, baggage handling, and other services. Despite these setbacks, passenger satisfaction has improved, as evidenced by more positive feedback and improved rankings for the airport.
Future plans: Green airport initiatives
Looking ahead, the parent company of Nikola Tesla Airport, VINCI Airports, has ambitious plans for further expansion. They aim to transform the airport into one of the greenest in the region, with a goal of achieving zero emissions within its airport network. This sustainability initiative aligns with Serbia’s broader goals of eco-friendly development, positioning Belgrade as a model for sustainable airport management.
In conclusion, Serbia’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable boost in 2024, driven by Air Serbia’s expanded flight network and the growing capacity of Nikola Tesla Airport. With continued investment in infrastructure and sustainability, Serbia’s tourism sector is poised for even greater success in the years ahead.
