TRIP REPORT
I recently travelled with Air Serbia on flight JU163 from Tirana Mother Teresa International Airport to Belgrade.
Getting to Tirana Airport from the city centre is relatively simple. A dedicated 24-hour airport bus operates from Tirana Central Station, departing every hour on the hour. The journey takes approximately forty minutes, depending on traffic, and costs 400 leks (a bit over 4 euros), making it both affordable and convenient.
The airport was busy and crowded. Passengers with Priority Pass have access to the lounge, which offers a comfortable place to wait before departure. It was empty in contrast to the rest of the airport so it was a good decision to spend some time there.
Boarding was orderly and the aircraft assigned to the flight was an ATR72-600, registration YU-ALZ, a 12.8-year-old turboprop that appeared to be in good condition. Despite being a relatively short sector, the flight was surprisingly full. It was noticeable that many travellers were connecting onwards via Belgrade.
The flight departed three minutes behind schedule but made up time en route. The total flight time came to 1 hour and 6 minutes, with the aircraft touching down in Belgrade six minutes ahead of schedule. Shortly after takeoff, the two-member cabin crew distributed complimentary bottles of water and cookies. Later in the flight, buy-on-board products were offered, although there appeared to be little interest among passengers on this sector.
A bit after departure the pilot gave a comprehensive welcome with information about the flight and the places we would fly over.
Upon arrival in Belgrade, the aircraft parked at a remote stand across from the terminal and passengers were transferred to the terminal by bus. Despite this, the arrival experience was efficient. Passport control was processed quickly and baggage delivery was quick too.
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