Air Serbia is setting its sights on a bold global expansion that positions Belgrade as a major international aviation hub. The national carrier announced significant plans to grow its long-haul network with new nonstop routes to China, North America, and East Asia, strengthening Serbia’s aviation standing and supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
The expansion comes amid a period of robust passenger growth, modernization at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, and increased demand for travel between Serbia and key global destinations.
Increased Connectivity with China
Building on successful operations to Guangzhou and Shanghai, Air Serbia is increasing flight frequencies to China to meet growing demand from business and leisure travelers. Plans are also underway to launch a new Belgrade–Beijing route, which would directly link Serbia with China’s capital for the first time.
According to Serbia’s Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, bilateral ties with China continue to deepen through projects like the China–Serbia Free Trade Agreement, further strengthening tourism and trade corridors between the nations.
New Destinations in North America
Air Serbia aims to broaden its North American footprint by adding Toronto and Miami to its list of long-haul destinations. Toronto was selected due to its large Serbian and Balkan diaspora, while Miami is expected to attract affluent European travelers seeking winter sun and luxury vacations.
The airline currently operates direct flights between Belgrade and New York JFK, a route that has gained steady popularity since its 2016 launch. New connections are expected to fuel two-way tourism, boost family visits, and encourage trade ties with Canada and the United States.
Expanding to the Far East: Japan and South Korea
Air Serbia’s long-term roadmap includes Tokyo and Seoul, two high-potential destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. These new routes are part of a five-year expansion strategy to place Serbia in direct aviation competition with leading European carriers.
The Serbian National Tourism Organisation has been promoting the country’s rich heritage, vibrant city life, and natural beauty to Asian travelers, particularly from Japan and South Korea—two markets known for their high-spending outbound tourists.
Fleet Expansion to Support Growth
To support its growing intercontinental network, Air Serbia will expand its fleet to eight wide-body aircraft, including additional Airbus A330-200 jets. These aircraft offer extended range and improved fuel efficiency, making them ideal for ultra-long-haul routes.
The fleet expansion will also allow the airline to increase frequency and improve service quality on existing long-haul routes. The first additional A330 is expected to arrive by early 2026, aligning with the timeline for new route launches.
Challenges and Airport Modernization
Despite Air Serbia’s growth, infrastructure limitations at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport may challenge future scalability. Although the airport has undergone modernization since 2019 under the management of VINCI Airports, passenger traffic is projected to surpass 10 million annually by 2026.
Further investment in terminal capacity, baggage handling systems, and digital technologies is essential to accommodate the anticipated influx of international travelers. Serbia’s Civil Aviation Directorate is working alongside international partners to future-proof airport operations and meet European aviation standards.
Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
Air Serbia is actively exploring codeshare agreements and interline partnerships with other international carriers to expand its reach. These collaborations are crucial for improving regional connectivity, particularly in underserved markets in Central Asia, the Middle East, and South America.
Industry insiders suggest potential cooperation with Asian giants such as Korean Air, All Nippon Airways, or even Air China, could give Air Serbia access to high-traffic feeder routes and premium traveler segments.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The long-haul network expansion will have a transformative effect on Serbia’s economy. By increasing tourist arrivals, trade activity, and foreign investment, the initiative supports job creation in sectors like aviation, hospitality, and retail.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Serbia’s tourism sector contributed 8.4% of GDP in 2023 and is projected to grow substantially with improved air access. New routes will enhance Serbia’s visibility as a year-round destination for both cultural tourism and business travel.
Passenger Benefits and Global Access
Travelers will benefit from:
- Direct flights that reduce travel time and eliminate stopovers
- Affordable ticket options due to increased competition on long-haul routes
- Higher service standards with modern aircraft and upgraded amenities
- Greater frequency, flexibility, and global travel convenience
- Enhanced Serbia access for international visitors, supporting diaspora travel and cultural exchange
Conclusion
Air Serbia’s aggressive long-haul expansion marks a pivotal moment for both the airline and the country. As Belgrade transforms into a major international gateway, Serbia is poised to reap the rewards of increased tourism, stronger global ties, and elevated regional influence. By strategically connecting East and West, Air Serbia is not just expanding routes—it’s reshaping the aviation map of Southeast Europe.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
