Okay, here’s a summary of the information provided about Niš Airport, focusing on key events and trends:
**Overall Summary:**
Niš Constantine the Great Airport has faced significant challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has shown resilience and a commitment to growth. It has expanded its network, invested in infrastructure, and adapted to changing market conditions. While facing setbacks like Ryanair’s withdrawal, the airport continues to seek new opportunities for expansion and connectivity.
**Key Events and Trends:**
* **Pandemic Impact (2020-2021):**
* Severe drop in passenger numbers (over 60% in 2020).
* Temporary halt to air traffic.
* Reopening with Wizz Air (Dortmund route).
* Slow recovery in 2021, with Ryanair expanding routes (Corfu).
* **Post-Pandemic Recovery and Expansion (2022-2023):**
* Air Serbia introduced new routes to Belgrade, Istanbul, Cologne, Frankfurt Hahn, and Ljubljana under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract.
* Re-establishment of the Niš-Belgrade route (first domestic route in over a decade).
* Strong passenger traffic growth (166% in 2021, 15.25% increase in 2023).
* New terminal construction and expansion project (€11 million investment).
* Loss of routes to Milan Bergamo and Malmö.
* Cargo traffic declined significantly.
* **New Terminal and Future Development (2024):**
* Opening of a new terminal with a capacity of 1.5 million passengers annually.
* Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Shandong International Economic & Technical Cooperation Group for a major expansion project (runway, apron, taxiways, control tower).
* **2024 Passenger Decline:**
* Passenger numbers fell by approximately 20% in 2024 from the record 2023 total of 448.312 travellers.
* The decrease, to 357.313 passengers, was mainly due to fewer flights from Wizz Air – affected by engine inspection issues – and Ryanair.
* **2025 Developments:**
* SWISS reintroduced the Niš–Zurich route.
* Resumption of seasonal flights to Stockholm.
* Launch of a new cargo route with My Freighter (Boeing 767-300F).
* Passenger numbers increased by 10% compared to 2024.
* **2026 and Beyond:**
* Strong start to 2026 with a 57% increase in passenger numbers.
* Ryanair announced the suspension of all flights to and from Niš from winter 2026/27.
* Air Serbia plans to launch new flights to Vienna and Malta in winter 2026/27.
* Continued focus on expanding routes and operations.
**Key Airlines:**
* **Wizz Air:** A major player, but faced issues in 2024 leading to reduced flights.
* **Ryanair:** Significant presence, but withdrawing flights from winter 2026/27.
* **Air Serbia:** Plays a crucial role, especially with PSO routes and the Niš-Belgrade connection.
* **SWISS:** Reintroduced the Niš-Zurich route.
* **JAT Yugoslav Airlines (historical):** Important part of the airport’s history.
**Infrastructure:**
* New terminal opened in 2024.
* Planned expansion project including runway upgrades.
**Challenges:**
* COVID-19 pandemic impact.
* Regulatory issues affecting airlines (Ryanair withdrawal).
* Cargo traffic decline.
* Maintaining passenger numbers despite challenges.
**Opportunities:**
* New PSO routes.
* Expansion of the terminal and infrastructure.
* Attracting new airlines and routes.
* Developing cargo operations.
* Capitalizing on the Niš-Belgrade route.
Burimi: EX-YU Aviation News
