Serbia News

Niš Constantine the Great Airport plans for sustained passenger growth this year as its focus shifts towards infrastructure development so as to create necessary conditions for budget airlines to station an aircraft in the city. General Manager, Vladica Djurdjanović, previously said the airport lacks the capacity to act as a base, however, this is set to change with the completion of several ongoing projects. “There is interest from airlines to set up a base but we have to finish a few things first. I am hopeful that the planned investments will be completed and that an airline will then station an aircraft in Niš", Mr Djurdjanović said.

The airport, which saw triple digit passenger growth for a second year in a row in 2017, will begin trialling a new instrument landing system (ILS) later this month, which provides guidance to aircraft approaching and landing on a runway during low ceilings or reduced visibility due to fog, rain or snow. The possession of such equipment is one of the main preconditions for any airline to open a base. Its usage will result in Niš being classified as a Category I airport by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. This will be followed up with the construction of a new 27-metre control tower, with work on the ten million euro project to commence once matters relating to property rights are resolved. The final two projects the airport has set out to complete is the installation of approach lights, as well as a 3.5 million euro expansion of the terminal building, which will begin later this year and is scheduled for completion in 2019. Last week, the Serbian government said it had allocated 7.5 million euros for the development of Constantine the Great Airport this year.

Niš Airport started the year off strongly by handling 28.459 passengers in January, representing an increase of 37.5% on 2017. It anticipates welcoming 450.000 travellers this year and has projected strong growth over the coming period, with up to 650.000 travellers expected in 2021. The airport is now served by Wizz Air, Ryanair and Swiss International Air Lines on a year-round basis after lowering its fees to three euros for handling, landing and passenger services. It intends on becoming self-sustainable by year's end. Wizz Air has so far announced plans to launch new flights between Vienna and Niš this November, while Swiss will add an extra weekly service from Zurich for a total of three per week. The airport is seeking flights to several European cities including Paris, Oslo, Geneva, Frankfurt, Istanbul and Moscow.