Wizz Air strongly condemns the Serbian authorities’ plan to breach its obligations to Europe as they implement measures aiming to force the airline to cease its base operations in Belgrade from November 2026. Their actions are a calculated attack on fair competition, consumer choice, connectivity, and thousands of Serbian jobs, as well as being an unarguable breach of the country’s obligations under the European Common Aviation Area Agreement.
Since 2010, Wizz Air has invested heavily in Serbia, contributing several hundreds of millions of euros to the country’s economy, transporting more than 14 million passengers, supporting tourism, trade, and employment across the country. The airline has built an extensive network of affordable direct connections between Serbia and major European cities (29 routes to 26 cities across 10 countries), making travel accessible for Serbian citizens, businesses, students, and tourists alike.
Despite these contributions, Serbian authorities are now pursuing measures clearly designed to push Wizz Air out of Belgrade in an effort to shield the state-backed national carrier from legitimate competition – the same state-backed airline which has swallowed the equivalent of hundreds of millions of Euros of Serbian tax-payers’ cash by way of government support at the same time as WIZZ has been investing.
If Wizz’s Belgrade base is forced to close, the consequences for Serbia will be severe:
- More than 150 highly skilled, well paid airline jobs would be lost;
- Thousands of additional jobs in tourism, hospitality, airport services, and related industries would be placed at risk;
- Serbia would lose critical low-cost and direct air connections to major European destinations;
- Serbian consumers would face reduced competition, fewer travel options, and higher airfares;
- The country’s tourism sector and broader economy would suffer significant damage.
Beyond the immediate economic impact, these actions raise serious concerns about Serbia’s commitments to the European Union and its standing as an EU candidate country. Wizz Air strongly believes in fair competition, open markets, and strong connectivity, principles that underpin Europe’s aviation system.
“The Serbian authorities must decide whether they support open markets, connectivity, investment, and consumer choice — or whether they intend to restrict the market in order to protect artificially one carrier at the expense of the Serbian economy and against the interests of the Serbian people.,” said Owain Jones, Chief Corporate Officer of Wizz Air. “The measures they plan to use against Wizz Air are illegal. We call on the Serbian authorities to stop discriminatory practices immediately, respect international obligations, and allow fair and transparent market conditions for all airlines operating in Serbia.”
Wizz Air remains committed to Serbia, its loyal passengers, and its professional and dedicated team of colleagues who make up the Belgrade base. The airline urges Serbian authorities, regulators and all relevant stakeholders to reverse course before lasting damage is done to Serbia’s international connectivity, economic credibility, tourism sector, and investment environment – and calls upon the European Union to ensure that Serbia abides by its international agreements.
