Air Serbia will begin international operations from the southern Serbian city of Nis with 12 international flights to European destinations.
Nis is about 220 kilometers south of Belgrade and the Serbian government is attempting to build air service, which it views as “in the public interest.” Consequently, it offered 600 million Serbian dinars ($5.7 million) in subsidies in order to attract airlines to this secondary airport. But only Air Serbia submitted a valid bid.
Service will begin later this year (specific dates not yet announced) and keeps Air Serbia under contract till 2023. Air Serbia plans twice weekly service between Nis (INI) and the following cities:
- Austria
- Salzburg
- Germany
- Frankfurt
- Friedrichshafen
- Hannover
- Karlsruhe
- Nuremberg
- Hungary
- Budapest
- Italy
- Bologna
- Rome
- Montenegro
- Tivat (three times weekly, but only during the summer season)
- Slovenia
- Ljubljana
- Sweden
- Gothenburg
Nis serves only about 350,000 passengers per year. Three carriers, Ryanair, Swiss International Air Lines, and Wizz Air, currently serve the airport.
Air Serbia is 49% owned by Etihad Airways and 51% owned by the Serbian government. The airline has not yet reported 2018 financials, but was profitable in 2017…almost a lone bright spot in Etihad’s portfolio of airline investments.
CONCLUSION
Nis looks like an interesting place to visit in a country with much natural beauty outside the major cities.
Are you interested in any of these new routes?
> Read More: Air Serbia A320 Business Class from London to Belgrade
> Read More: Air Serbia A330 Business Class Belgrade to New York Review
image: Air Serbia
“The airline has not yet reported 2018 financials, but was profitable in 2017…almost a lone bight spot in Etihad’s portfolio of airline investments.”
Considering how much they have cut back on service (back to using normal inter-European seats for business class, cutbacks in catering, etc), that might not be saying much.
You’re right.
Matthew just referencing your review of Air Serbia European business class, I haven’t tried it recently but have been told that in addition to an economy class seat you now get your choice from the BOB menu rather than a hot meal.
Definitely now something not worth paying for!
Agreed!
Business class meals are upgraded to hot. I just had all new silverware and food on my beg to lhr flight
Great to see that Nis is expanding. It was once a sleepy town, 150 miles south of BEG, the capital, but is close to Bulgaria, Macedonia and Kosova.