Serbia has a diverse network of airports that includes international, civil, military, and sports airports, each serving a specific purpose. While some are key for commercial and passenger traffic, connecting Serbia to European and global destinations, others serve military needs, pilot training, or sports aviation.
Below, we will take a closer look at the types of airports in Serbia and their functions.
International Airports in Serbia
Serbia currently has three international airports that facilitate commercial flights to European and worldwide destinations, providing travelers with various options for business, tourist, or private flights.
- Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) – The main and largest airport in Serbia, located in Surčin, Belgrade. It is the central hub of air traffic in the country, with numerous international flights connecting Serbia to key global destinations. With continuous investments in modernization and capacity expansion, this airport represents a crucial air hub in the region.
- Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI) – The second largest international airport, located in Niš. This airport is increasingly used for low-cost flights, attracting passengers seeking more affordable travel options. Due to its strategic position in southern Serbia, it serves as an important connection point for travelers from this part of the country and neighboring regions.
- Morava Airport (KVO) – Located in Lađevci, near Kraljevo and Čačak. Although still developing, this airport is open to international flights and has the potential to become a significant air traffic center in central Serbia. Its further development could improve connectivity of this region with the world and provide additional opportunities for passengers and the economy.
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Location: Surčin, Belgrade
IATA Code: BEG
ICAO Code: LYBE
Distance from Belgrade city center: 18 km
Number of passengers (2023): Over 7 million
Main airline: Air Serbia
Nikola Tesla Airport was established in 1962 and has since been the most important air hub in Serbia, connecting the country with major global destinations. Over the decades, the airport has undergone several modernization phases to improve its capacity and passenger services. Today, it is operated by the concessionaire Vinci Airports, which took over management in 2018 with the goal of further infrastructure development and service quality improvement.
Capacity and infrastructure:
- Runways: The airport has two runways – the main one is 3,400 meters long, and the secondary one is 3,500 meters, allowing for takeoff and landing of various aircraft types, including wide-body planes.
- Terminals: There are two terminals – T1, primarily for international flights, and T2, serving both domestic and international routes. Further expansions and modernization are planned to increase capacity and improve passenger flow.
- Facilities: The airport offers numerous duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing passengers a comfortable stay before boarding. VIP lounges are available for travelers seeking a more exclusive and comfortable experience.
- Additional services: Car rental, currency exchange, ATMs, and various business and lounge spaces for business travelers are available.
Vinci Airports continuously works on terminal modernization and airport capacity expansion, focusing on service improvement and sustainability initiatives such as energy consumption optimization and carbon emission reduction.
Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI)
Location: Niš
IATA Code: INI
ICAO Code: LYNI
Distance from Niš city center: 4 km
Number of passengers (2023): Over 500,000
Main airlines: Wizz Air, Ryanair
The Constantine the Great Airport is Serbia’s second-largest airport and plays a key role in developing air traffic in the southern part of the country. In recent years, it has become very popular among low-cost carriers, offering affordable flights to many destinations.
The airport currently operates flights to several European countries, including Germany, Sweden, Italy, and other popular destinations in Western and Northern Europe. Due to its favorable geographical location and growing passenger interest, it is expected that the number of routes and traffic capacity will continue to grow.
Morava Airport Kraljevo (KVO)
Location: Lađevci, between Kraljevo and Čačak
IATA Code: KVO
ICAO Code: LYKV
Distance from Kraljevo: 15 km
Number of passengers (2023): Around 20,000
Main airline: Air Serbia
The youngest international airport in Serbia, Morava Airport, opened for commercial flights in 2019 and has gradually been developing its capacities. It currently serves flights to Vienna and Istanbul, and given its strategic position between Kraljevo and Čačak, it has significant potential for expanding its destination network. Future growth in flights and infrastructure improvements are expected, potentially increasing its importance in Serbia’s air traffic.
Civil Airports in Serbia
Civil airports are open for public air traffic and are used for commercial, tourist, and private flights. Besides the three international airports, Serbia has several smaller civil airports that have significant development potential or specialized functions:
- Ponikve Airport – A former military airport near Užice with potential for civil use. Although currently not developed for commercial flights, there are initiatives to upgrade and fully utilize the airport.
- Vršac Airport – Known as a pilot training center, it is also used for sports aviation and civil aviation operations.
How Many Airports Are There in Serbia?
Including all types—international, civil, military, and sports—Serbia has over 30 airports and airfields. However, only a small number are fully functional for commercial flights. Most are used for military aviation, sports aviation, pilot training, or specialized flights.
Underground Airports in Serbia
The existence of underground airports in Serbia is often the subject of speculation and conspiracy theories. The most well-known example is the underground military airport Željava, located at the tripoint of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia. This former Yugoslav military airport ceased operations after the breakup of Yugoslavia.
There are also stories about underground facilities within active military airports used for storing aircraft, weapons, and other military equipment as part of military infrastructure.
Sports Airports in Serbia
Sports airports serve for pilot training, parachuting, gliding, and other types of aviation. These airports are important for the development of sports and recreational aviation in Serbia. The most well-known include:
- Vršac Airport – One of the most famous pilot training centers in the region and a base for sports aviation.
- Lisičji Jarak Airport – Located near Belgrade, used for ultralight aviation, training, and recreational flights.
- Ečka Airport – Near Zrenjanin, known for sports aviation and parachute jumps.
Military Airports in Serbia
Military airports are part of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Serbian Army and are crucial for national security and military aviation. Some of the most important military airports are:
- Batajnica Airport – The largest military airport in Serbia and headquarters of the Serbian Air Force. Equipped for housing, maintaining, and training military aircraft and pilots.
- Lađevci Airport (Morava) – Combines military and civilian functions, used for military operations as well as commercial flights.
- Niš Airport – Besides being an international civil airport, it is also used for military purposes.
These airports are key to defending Serbian airspace and regularly host military exercises, training, and operations.
Conclusion
Serbia has an extensive network of airports that cover various needs – from international and civil air traffic to military and sports flights, as well as smaller airports used for pilot training. The most important airport in the country remains Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, while Niš and Kraljevo are increasingly strengthening their positions in air traffic.
Future investments in airport infrastructure could lead to a higher number of flights, better connectivity between Serbia and the world, and growth in tourism and the economy.
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