Wizz Air has accused Serbian authorities of introducing aviation rules that could force the airline to close its base at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. The Hungarian low-cost carrier says the proposed regulations would significantly limit its ability to operate flights from Serbia and could require the relocation of aircraft currently based in Belgrade.
Dispute Over New Aviation Rules
The dispute centers on planned changes to Serbia’s rules for foreign airlines. According to Wizz Air, the new framework would require flights operated by foreign carriers to begin and end in the country that issued the airline’s operating license, unless the carrier obtains a Serbian air operator certificate.
Under such rules, Wizz Air says it would no longer be able to operate certain routes using aircraft based in Serbia, potentially forcing the airline to move those aircraft to other countries.
Wizz Air Calls Measures Discriminatory
In a statement, Wizz Air Chief Corporate Officer Owain Jones criticized the proposed changes and urged Serbian authorities to abandon what the airline describes as discriminatory measures.
«The measures they plan to apply against Wizz Air are unlawful. We call on the Serbian authorities to immediately cease discriminatory practices, comply with their international obligations, and ensure fair and transparent market conditions for all airlines operating in Serbia,» Jones said.
The airline argues that the changes could reduce competition, limit affordable travel options, and negatively affect Serbia’s tourism industry.
No Immediate Impact on Flights
Wizz Air emphasized that the proposed rules would not prevent it from serving Serbia altogether. The carrier would still be able to operate flights between European Union countries and Serbia. However, the airline says its current Belgrade-based operating model could become unsustainable.
Serbian authorities have not ordered Wizz Air to close its base and have not imposed any immediate restrictions on the airline’s operations. The government has described the move as part of an effort to update the country’s aviation regulatory framework.
More Than 14 Million Passengers Since 2010
Wizz Air has been operating in Serbia since 2010 and says it has invested hundreds of millions of euros in the country. According to the airline, it has carried more than 14 million passengers on Serbian routes and currently operates 29 routes connecting Serbia with 26 cities in 10 countries.
The carrier warned that if it is ultimately forced to close its Belgrade base, hundreds of aviation-related jobs and thousands of positions linked to tourism and hospitality could be affected, while travelers may face fewer low-cost flight options across Europe.