Air Serbia plans to continue expanding its network next year after scheduling nine new routes in 2026, which sees it further strengthen its presence across Europe and North America. The airline’s CEO, Jiri Marek, said the carrier anticipates launching up to six additional destinations in 2027, alongside an estimated half a million extra passengers generated by EXPO 2027 Belgrade, which will take place from mid-May to mid-August next year. “We are very flexible and will introduce new routes wherever we identify a viable market opportunity. For next year, I am confident that our network planning team will propose an additional five to six new destinations. There may also be a number of specialised routes related to EXPO. We are already in contact with the EXPO team to assess any such requirements, including the potential for dedicated charters”.
Mr Marek believes the specialised exhibition will generate approximately 500.000 additional passengers arriving by air. “Out of the estimated three to four million visitors expected to attend EXPO, not all will arrive by air. A significant share will consist of local visitors, repeat attendees and travellers from the region who are likely to come by car. As a result, we estimate that up to half a million passengers will travel specifically by air for the event”. He added, “However, the impact should not be viewed solely within the three-month duration of EXPO. The event is already being actively promoted, with around 500 delegates recently visiting Belgrade in preparation, and similar visits expected every three to four months. Moreover, based on the experience of previous exhibitions in Astana and Lisbon, EXPO will generate lasting demand well beyond its official run. We are well positioned to capture this additional traffic and grow in line with that demand”.
