Serbia has postponed a disputed aviation rule, allowing Wizz Air to retain its four-aircraft base in Belgrade and avoiding an immediate reduction in capacity. The airline had warned that enforcement of the rule could lead to the closure of its Belgrade base, with potential effects on employment, airport traffic and connectivity. Wizz Air operates almost 30 direct routes from Belgrade and other Serbian airports. Between June and August, it carried around 700,000 passengers on more than 3,000 flights involving Serbia. Since entering the Serbian market, it has transported more than 14 million passengers.
Regulatory dispute remains unresolved
The dispute concerns rules governing airline operations and their compatibility with Serbia’s obligations under the European Common Aviation Area. Wizz Air has argued that the requirements could undermine the economics of permanently basing aircraft and crews in Belgrade. The European Commission has also examined the issue in relation to European market-access and competition requirements. The case is significant for Belgrade’s aviation market, where Air Serbia and foreign low-cost carriers operate alongside each other.
Belgrade retains Wizz Air capacity
Keeping Wizz Air’s four aircraft protects part of Belgrade Airport’s short-haul network. Low-cost carriers support route development, passenger traffic and competition on routes served by multiple airlines. A reduction in Wizz Air capacity could have affected fares and passenger growth while increasing competitive pressure from airports including Budapest, Zagreb, Sofia and Bucharest.
Air Serbia adds sensitivity
The dispute also affects the competitive environment surrounding Air Serbia, in which the Serbian state holds a majority stake. Air Serbia has expanded its network and fleet, strengthening Belgrade’s regional aviation role. Foreign carriers, meanwhile, require predictable market-access conditions when deciding where to base aircraft. European airlines can shift aircraft between bases depending on labour costs, airport charges, regulatory requirements and route economics. The postponement gives Serbian authorities additional time to address the disputed rules while maintaining Wizz Air’s Belgrade capacity. The issue also remains relevant to Serbia’s preparations for Expo 2027.
