Air Serbia plans to launch seasonal flights to Ibiza next summer after being unable to secure its preferred slot timings at the Spanish airport for 2025. However, the carrier says it has still not received formal confirmation for next year. It noted that if slots are ultimately not granted, it will instead introduce a new scheduled service to a Greek island, which would become its eighth destination in the country. EX-YU Aviation News understands that Ibiza’s slot challenges stem primarily from staffing shortages during peak periods rather than air traffic congestion. If the airline is able to commence operations, it would become its sixth destination in Spain, complementing Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca.
Air Serbia’s CEO, Jiri Marek, said, “It is very difficult to obtain slots, that is, landing and take-off permissions, at certain airports a year or even a year and a half in advance. Last year we wanted to launch flights to Ibiza but didn’t receive the necessary slots. We hope to get them this year, although it’s still unclear whether that will happen. If we do, we will definitely fly there. If not, we will add another Greek island to our network, though I can’t reveal which one”. During the January – October period, Air Serbia handled 229.193 passengers on its Spain flights, representing a year-on-year increase of 10.1%.
Staying within the Iberian Peninsula, Air Serbia has secured slots to increase frequencies between Belgrade and Lisbon next summer. Lisbon Airport remains one of the most slot-constrained in Europe, making the approval particularly notable considering the likes of Austrian Airlines have failed to secure any slots for next year. The Serbian carrier requested, and was granted, an additional 48 aircraft movements for the season, equivalent to 24 extra flights. “We were recently given the opportunity to increase frequencies to Lisbon after almost two years of waiting. We will place the additional flights on sale for next summer starting this coming Monday”, Mr Marek said. Air Serbia currently operates three weekly year-round flights between the two capitals. Wizz Air exited the route in October.