Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is set to undergo a notable expansion as multiple airlines prepare to introduce 15 new direct routes in 2026. This initiative aims to bolster the Serbian capital’s position as a key aviation hub connecting Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
The new routes will be launched by several airlines, including Air Serbia, Wizz Air, airBaltic, Eurowings, and Royal Jordanian. This expansion will increase the number of direct destinations available from Belgrade to over 100, up from approximately 90 currently offered, which includes seasonal services.
A significant highlight of the expansion is the reintroduction of a direct intercontinental flight between Belgrade and Toronto, set to commence on May 23, 2026. Air Serbia will operate this service with Airbus A330 aircraft, scheduling two flights per week. This route restores a long-standing connection between Serbia and Canada that has been absent for decades and is expected to cater to the travel demands of the Serbian diaspora in Canada as well as enhance tourism and business interactions between the two nations.
In addition to long-haul flights, Air Serbia plans to launch several new routes to popular tourism and business locations across Europe. New services will include flights to Santorini (Greece) starting April 30, Alicante (Spain) beginning June 1, Seville (Spain) launching September 30, Tenerife (Spain) on October 27, Tromsø (Norway) from December 14, and Brač (Croatia) during the summer season. These routes are designed not only to diversify travel options but also to improve connectivity with key tourism markets in Southern and Northern Europe.
Low-cost carrier Wizz Air is also expanding its offerings from Belgrade with new routes targeting leisure travelers. Notable additions include flights to Chania (Crete, Greece) starting June 8 with three weekly services, along with new connections to Pisa, Palermo, and Alghero in Italy. Wizz Air will also provide seasonal winter flights to Grenoble in France, catering to skiers heading to the Alps.
Belgrade’s links to Northern and Western Europe will see further growth through initiatives by several airlines. airBaltic intends to resume direct flights between Belgrade and Riga starting March 30 with two weekly flights using Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Additionally, Eurowings will introduce a new route between Belgrade and Cologne/Bonn from June 17, operating twice weekly during the summer season.
A significant development for Belgrade is the establishment of a direct connection to the Middle East with Royal Jordanian’s planned flights between Belgrade and Amman. This service is expected to begin in April 2026 with two weekly flights using Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. This marks the first direct link between Serbia and Jordan in over three decades.
The expansion of routes at Belgrade Airport reflects rising passenger demand and aligns with broader objectives to position the airport as a regional aviation hub. Its strategic location allows it to serve as a transfer point connecting various markets across Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Airlines are increasingly focused on diversifying their routes to mitigate seasonal fluctuations in passenger traffic while enhancing aircraft utilization.
This growth comes alongside ongoing investments in airport infrastructure since Belgrade Airport was concessioned to VINCI Airports. The operator has been enhancing terminal facilities and improving passenger services and operational capacity.
The expansion of air connectivity is poised to have significant implications for Serbia’s economy by facilitating increased tourism inflows, supporting business travel, and strengthening trade relationships with international markets. For the Serbian diaspora—particularly those in North America and Western Europe—the introduction of these long-haul routes could significantly decrease travel times while improving access to their home country. If successfully implemented, these developments may position Belgrade as one of Southeast Europe’s fastest-growing aviation hubs.
