EX-YU Aviation News has learned at the IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in New Delhi that two North African airlines—Nouvelair and Air Algérie—are actively exploring the launch of scheduled flights to Belgrade. The move is part of broader efforts to enhance air connectivity between North Africa and the Balkans.
Nouvelair, which already operates a robust charter program from Monastir and Djerba to the Serbian capital, is now considering the introduction of regular scheduled services. During the ongoing 2025 summer season, Nouvelair is expected to operate over 200 flights to Belgrade, offering a total of 72,342 seats—a 20.1% increase compared to last year. Building on the sustained success of its summer charter operations, the airline is evaluating the potential for year-round scheduled flights to Belgrade, a route previously served by Tunisair until the COVID-19 pandemic.
Air Algérie is similarly interested in expanding its presence in the Balkans, with active discussions underway regarding possible services from its hub in Algiers. Since 2022, the Algerian Embassy in Serbia has taken diplomatic steps to advance the initiative, facilitating dialogue between the airline, Serbia’s Civil Aviation Directorate, and Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. Air Algérie’s CEO, Hamza Benhamouda, recently unveiled a comprehensive expansion strategy focused on enhancing the airline’s global network and positioning Algeria as a more accessible international destination.
Scheduled flights between Belgrade and Algiers were last operated before the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, when both JAT Yugoslav Airlines and Air Algérie maintained services between the two capitals.
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport’s newly introduced incentive policy—effective this year—has designated North Africa as a high-priority market. The policy identifies countries such as Algeria, Libya, and Morocco, as well as all destinations located between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometers from Belgrade, as eligible for financial incentives and promotional support. These measures aim to stimulate connectivity with underserved regions and support the airport’s strategic goal of establishing itself as a regional hub.
Source: exyuaviation.com
