Several North African markets are exploring the establishment of flights to Belgrade in the near future. While some have been in discussions with relevant aviation stakeholders for years, Belgrade Airport’s newly introduced incentive policy, specifically targeting operations to the North African region, is anticipated to provide the necessary momentum to bring these services to fruition. Morocco, Algeria, and Libya have all expressed their interest in launching flights to the Serbian capital.
The head of the Moroccan Tourism Office, Adel El Fakir, recently said, “The Moroccan National Tourism Office is collaborating with Serbian tour operators to develop packages that promote Moroccan destinations and boost sales. Efforts are also underway to enhance air connectivity between the two countries, including the introduction of charter flights to Morocco. Our primary focus is on establishing nonstop flights between Serbia and Morocco to attract more tourists. Negotiations with several airlines are currently in progress”. The two countries have never been linked with a scheduled air service.
The Algerian Ambassador to Serbia, Fatah Mahraz, has initiated efforts to establish nonstop flights between the two countries, engaging with various key stakeholders. In earlier discussions with the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate, the regulator stated, “During talks requested by Ambassador Mahraz, we addressed the Algerian proposal and the requirements necessary for resuming scheduled flights between Serbia and Algeria, in the shared interest of both nations”. Flights between the two countries were last operated up until the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. Both Air Algerie and JAT Yugoslav Airlines maintained operations between Belgrade and Algiers
The Libyan Ambassador to Serbia, Mohamed Ghalboun, has voiced optimism about the potential establishment of flights between Tripoli and Belgrade in the near future. “Launching flights between our two countries would strengthen tourism cooperation between Libya and Serbia. Libya offers a favourable climate and a diverse range of tourist attractions, which could enhance mutual growth in the tourism sector. Additionally, Serbian companies could play a role in investing in these projects”, Mr Ghalboun said. Scheduled flights between Belgrade and Tripoli were last operated by Jat Airways in 2009 via Malta.
Cairo and Tunis account for the highest volume of indirect passenger traffic from Belgrade to the African continent. Scheduled year round flights between Tunis and the Serbian capital were operated by Tunisair until the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, after which the service was discontinued, while Serbia has since introduced entry visas for Tunisian nationals. On the other hand, Air Serbia briefly restored flights to Cairo in 2023, however, they only ran for a single season. Officials have said services between the two cities would be reintroduced soon but this is yet to materialise. Serbia and Egypt recently signed a Free Trade Agreement which is expected to significantly boost business between the two countries and could result in the resumption of flights between the two capitals. Belgrade remains linked to the Egyptian resort city of Hurghada on a scheduled year-round basis. Following Cairo and Tunis, other North African cities generating notable indirect traffic from Belgrade include Monastir (served through charters), Algiers and Casablanca.
