Wizz Air handled 700.000 passengers during the peak of the 2026 summer season in June, July and August, operating over 3.000 flights. Since launching operations in Serbia in 2010, Wizz Air has carried more than fourteen million passengers to and from the country. The development comes amid uncertainty over the future of the airline’s base in Belgrade due to regulatory changes affecting the ability of foreign carriers to have aircraft stationed in the country. The airline is due to make a final decision on its Belgrade services for the 2026/27 winter season by the end of September. Wizz has said it will attempt to retain as many flights as possible, even if the base is closed and has ruled out withdrawing from the market.
Wizz Air’s Chief Corporate Officer, Owain Jones, noted, “This summer has demonstrated exactly what strong air connectivity delivers for Serbia. Hundreds of thousands of people have been able to travel affordably for holidays, to visit family and friends, to study, work and do business. It is important to remember that connectivity works both ways: Serbian passengers can travel abroad, while visitors coming to Serbia generate tourism revenue, supporting local hotels, restaurants, shops and businesses and helping to create jobs”. He added, “Connectivity is an economic asset and Serbia should protect it. A competitive aviation market gives consumers choice, keeps travel affordable, brings international visitors to Serbia and makes the country more attractive for business and investment.”
Addressing the regulatory changes, Mr Jones said, “Wizz Air believes the regulatory changes planned by the Serbian authorities could threaten the viability of its Belgrade base and ultimately lead to a reduction in the connectivity currently available to Serbian passengers. The potential consequences extend beyond Wizz Air itself. A reduction in the airline’s operations could mean fewer direct routes and flight frequencies, less consumer choice, potentially higher fares, fewer visitors to Serbia and jobs being put at risk, both within the airline itself and across the wider tourism and aviation sectors”.
Highlighting that over 25.000 people have signed a petition calling on the government to safeguard the carrier’s Belgrade base, the airline also noted, “Wizz Air remains committed to Serbia and will continue its dialogue with the Serbian authorities in an effort to find a solution that protects connectivity, consumer choice, jobs and the wider Serbian economy”.
