EX-YU Aviation News

easyJet to suspend one Belgrade route during high season

2026-05-10T09:00:00.001+02:00

easyJet will temporarily suspend operations between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Belgrade, which will include the peak of the ongoing summer season. The low cost carrier plans to operate its final flight on the route on July 26, with services set to resume at the start of the 2026/27 winter season on October 26. Flights will then be suspended again throughout January 2027 before resuming in February. The move follows a previous pause in operations on the route earlier this year, from January 9 until February 6. easyJet currently maintains two weekly flights between the two capitals, competing directly against Air Serbia, which runs two daily services.

easyJet introduced flights between the two cities on October 27 2025, complementing its existing Geneva service. Air Serbia quickly responded by lowering fares to match those offered by easyJet and announcing plans to increase frequencies on the route to sixteen weekly flights during the winter season. However, the Serbian carrier eventually shelved most of the planned increase, except during the New Year and Christmas holiday period. It will now operate without direct competition on the route for much of the summer season, with Wizz Air maintaining service to Beauvais, which is over a hundred kilometres from central Paris.

Paris is one of Belgrade Airport’s busiest routes, although foreign carriers have struggled to gain a foothold in the market over the past decade. In 2019, Air France resumed flights between the two cities after a ten-year hiatus. However, its return proved short-lived, with the airline maintaining only seasonal operations before discontinuing the service altogether following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. That same year, ASL Airlines France also launched flights between Paris and Belgrade but similarly withdrew after the summer season. In 2025, Transavia France planned to introduce operations to the Serbian capital from Orly Airport but shelved the route after issues emerged involving Belgrade Airport’s then fuel supplier, which had been sanctioned by US authorities.

Air France and Air Serbia currently maintain an extensive codeshare partnership. This summer, Air France has placed its flight number and designator code on Air Serbia-operated services from Belgrade to Paris, as well as to Larnaca, Nice, Ohrid, Sarajevo, Thessaloniki, Skopje, Sofia, Podgorica, Tirana and Tivat. In return, Air Serbia codeshares on Air France-operated flights from Paris to Dublin, Lyon, Marseille and Nantes.

TRIP REPORT: Finnair, Ljubljana - Nagoya via Helsinki

2026-05-10T08:59:00.000+02:00

TRIP REPORT

From mid-April to early May, I travelled to Japan.

My initial plan was to fly from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Tokyo with China Eastern Airlines. I found a fare of around 630 EUR on Google Flights, but when I attempted to book directly through the airline’s website, the ticket repeatedly appeared as unavailable, with instructions to select different dates. Interestingly, the same fare continued to appear on search engines over several days, despite being marked as sold out on the airline’s side. Tickets for other departure times were approximately 100 EUR more expensive. In addition, the final payment stage revealed extra taxes, bringing the total closer to 830 EUR. While it was technically possible to book the lower fare through a third-party agency for about 600 EUR, I preferred to avoid potential complications on such a long-haul itinerary.

I then expanded my search to nearby airports, including Ljubljana and Zagreb, where I found a competitive Finnair option departing from Ljubljana to Nagoya. Since I planned to travel around Japan and visit Ghibli Park and Nagashima Spa Land in Nagoya, this routing was not an issue for me. I booked the ticket in mid-November 2025 for 780 EUR, which included two checked bags. A lighter fare without checked luggage was available for 720 EUR. The itinerary included a 12-hour layover in Helsinki on the outbound journey, which I used as an opportunity to explore the city for the first time. The return connection featured a short layover of 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Flight Ljubljana (LJU) - Helsinki (HEL):

Flight number: AY 1202 (operated by Jettime)

Flight date: 16 April 2026

Aircraft type: Boeing 737

Aircraft registration: OY-JZO

Departure time (scheduled/actual): 09:30 / 9:49

Arrival time (scheduled/actual): 13:05 / 13:30

Flight duration (scheduled/actual): 2h 35m / 2h 21m

Load factor: 90 - 95 %

To reach Ljubljana Airport, I took a public bus from the city centre. The ticket cost 4 EUR and can now be purchased as a PDF with a QR code via the Arriva website, which makes the process more convenient than before, when tickets had to be bought in cash at the bus station or loaded onto an IJPP card.

I arrived at the airport 1 hour and 45 minutes before departure. Check-in and baggage drop for the Finnair flight were very quick, as there was no queue at the desk, and security screening took around five minutes.

Although the flight was marketed as a Finnair service, it was operated by Jettime, as initially scheduled when I purchased the ticket. The operating carrier changed several times, with passengers receiving email updates along the way. Interestingly, the final notification indicated that Finnair would operate the flight itself, but in the end Jettime still performed the service.

The flight departed with a 20-minute delay. The Jettime crew was very professional, polite, and attentive, and overall service quality felt higher than on a Finnair-operated flight I took later on the trip. The aircraft was also in good condition. Onboard, complimentary water or blueberry juice was offered, while around 10–20% of passengers purchased additional items such as tea, coffee, or snacks. This was noticeably higher than on most flights I have taken previously. Payments were card-only, and Avios were not accepted. Most passengers on the flight appeared to be Finns.

The flight arrived in Helsinki on time. I had nearly 12 hours for a layover, which I used to explore the city, as it was my first visit. The most convenient way to travel from Helsinki Airport to the city is by train, which costs 4.80 EUR. Tickets can be purchased via an app or website (slightly cheaper), from ticket machines, or simply by tapping a payment card on the onboard validator.

Departure hall at Ljubljana Airport, where I arrived 1 hour and 45 minutes before the flight. There were no queues at check-in, allowing for immediate baggage drop-off. The airport now has 3-4 self-check-in kiosks and four self-service baggage drop-off belts, located toward the far end of the terminal

Jettime Boeing 737 operating the Ljubljana–Helsinki service, parked at Ljubljana Airport

View from a Jettime Boeing 737 at Ljubljana Airport. In the background, a Turkish Airlines aircraft bound for Istanbul, an Air Serbia flight to Belgrade, and a parked Trade Air aircraft are seen

Flight path from Ljubljana to Helsinki. Source: Flightradar24

Flight path immediately after departure from Ljubljana Airport. Source: Flightradar24

View of Ljubljana shortly after take-off, with Hipodrom Stožice, Stožice Sports Park (stadium and arena), and Bežigrad visible. The city centre and Ljubljana Castle hill appear in the middle of the frame, with the Ljubljana Marshes in the background

Flight path during approach and landing at Helsinki Airport. Source: Flightradar24

Flight Helsinki (HEL) - Nagoya (NGO):

Flight number: AY 0079

Flight date: 17 April 2026

Aircraft type: Airbus A350-941

Aircraft registration: OH-LWD

Departure time (scheduled/actual): 00:45 / 2:16

Arrival time (scheduled/actual): 19:35 / 20:46

Flight duration (scheduled/actual): 12h 50m / 12h 30m

Load factor: ≈100%

After exploring the city, I returned to the airport by train. At the airport, I noticed that the flight had been delayed by one hour and 15 minutes; however, no information about the delay had been sent via email or through the app notifications. Later, I learned that the aircraft originally scheduled to operate the flight had experienced mechanical issues and needed to be replaced. The replacement aircraft had a different cabin configuration, with more seats in business class, but fewer seats in economy. Consequently, passengers were offered the possibility to upgrade their cabin class, although I do not know the cost of the upgrade.

There were no queues at either the security check or passport control at Helsinki Airport.

Due to the technical issues, the flight departed approximately one and a half hours late. On board, blankets and headphones were provided. The flight itself was uneventful. Shortly after take-off, the first meal (pasta) was served, followed by breakfast approximately 2–3 hours before landing. In general, the portions were very small, and the food lacked flavor, with the exception of the sweet tomato sauce. Additionally, although I am not a vegetarian, I missed having more vegetables included in the meals. Furthermore, no salt, pepper, or sugar for tea was provided.

Both meal services included tea or coffee, as well as a choice of either a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage. Apart from that, water and blueberry juice were available throughout the flight. These were distributed around the cabin twice; otherwise, passengers could obtain them from the rear galley.

During most of the flight, except for the last three hours when it was already dark outside, the cabin crew requested that passengers keep their window blinds closed.

As mentioned earlier, the flight arrived one hour and 15 minutes late due to the technical issues, causing approximately 20 passengers to miss their connecting flights.

Before landing, immigration and customs forms were redistributed to passengers who had not completed them online. At the airport, the immigration and customs process were quick for passengers who had completed the forms electronically, with virtually no waiting time, while there were short queues for those using paper forms. On the other hand, baggage delivery was relatively slow due to the large amount of luggage and the short baggage carousel being used.

After collecting my baggage and clearing customs, I took the train from the airport to Nagoya. Online, there are very detailed instructions on how to find the station, purchase train tickets, and identify the correct gates for different ticket classes. However, in Nagoya, the system was very intuitive, and such detailed instructions were not really necessary.

Flight path from Helsinki to Nagoya, using a southern routing to avoid Russian airspace. Source: Flightradar24

Finnair Airbus A350-900 operating the Helsinki - Nagoya service

Meal served shortly after take-off: whole grain penne pasta with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese

The main meal consisted of a mango and passion fruit mousse, a herb omelette with potato and vegetable mix and tomato concassée, and a milk chocolate bar

Nagoya at night

At the airport, staff carefully handle each piece of luggage, ensuring it does not hit the edge of the baggage belt at full speed. They also orient every bag so that the wheels face downward toward the edge of the belt

The most convenient way to travel from the airport to Nagoya city (and generally around Japan) is by train. The airport railway station is easy to find, and tickets can be purchased from machines or at a counter, with payment available by cash, card, or QR code methods. In Japan, many places still accept cash only. Although airport exchange rates are usually less favourable, there was a currency exchange machine in the shop opposite the train station offering rates comparable to those in the city

Flight Nagoya (NGO) - Helsinki (HEL)

Flight number: AY 0080

Flight date: 3 May 2026

Aircraft type: Airbus A350-941

Aircraft registration: OH-LWL

Departure time (scheduled/actual): 22:50 / 23:01

Arrival time (scheduled/actual): 5:55 / 5:15

Flight duration (scheduled/actual): 13h 05m / 12h 14m

Load factor: ≈100%

On my return journey, I again took the train from Nagoya to Chubu Centrair International Airport. Check-in, security screening, and immigration took only 10–15 minutes in total.

The flight departed on time. On this route, the aircraft followed a northern trajectory over the North Pole in order to avoid Russian airspace. Shortly after take-off, the main meal was served, followed by breakfast before landing.

During the flight, I purchased one additional Fazer raspberry milk chocolate bar, which cost 600 Avios (approximately 3 EUR). Otherwise, the flight was uneventful.

The aircraft landed in Helsinki 40 minutes ahead of schedule, giving passengers additional transfer time, as most had connecting flights with layovers of only 1 to 2 hours.

Northern route taken from Nagoya to Helsinki, passing close to the North Pole. Source: FlightRadar24

Flight path immediately after departure from Nagoya. Source: FlightRadar24

Chubu Centrair International Airport is a medium-sized airport, handling approximately 11 million passengers per year

The most frequent international destinations include Taipei, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Bangkok, and Singapore

Check-in and baggage drop are handled via self-service kiosks, where all Economy Class passengers are required to check in, print their baggage tags, and attach them to their luggage. However, several staff members are available to assist and, in practice, they often complete most of the process on behalf of passengers. Given the number of staff involved, the traditional check-in method may actually be more efficient

The flight was operated by a Finnair Airbus A350-900 in the special Marimekko “Kivet” livery

The main meal was served shortly after take-off. It consisted of buckwheat soba noodles with soba sauce, green onion, and wasabi; simmered beef with radish, ponzu sauce, steamed rice, carrots, and leek; and a chocolate bar

Ice formations in the Arctic, with sea ice stretching across the frozen landscape

Breakfast served on the flight: a vegetable quiche with a fried egg, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, accompanied by a cup of green tea

At one point, the display stopped functioning properly, with the live camera feed from the tail section remaining visible in the background across different menu pages. Until then, the system had been very responsive, and the selection and quality of available movies were satisfactory

Display showing information about the flight’s connection and the location of connecting gates

Aircraft parked at the apron at Helsinki Airport

Electronic display at Helsinki Airport showing the current local time, helping passengers keep track of departure times and avoid missing their flights

Flight Helsinki (HEL) - Ljubljana (LJU):

Flight number: AY 1201

Flight date: 4 May 2026

Aircraft type: Airbus A321-231

Aircraft registration: OH-LZO

Departure time (scheduled/actual): 07:05 / 7:17

Arrival time (scheduled/actual): 8:45 / 8:43

Flight duration (scheduled/actual): 2h 40m / 2h 26m

Load factor: ≈100%

The transfer at Helsinki Airport was very efficient, as the time required from disembarking the aircraft to reaching the gate for the flight to Ljubljana was only about 10 minutes. There were no queues at the security checkpoint; furthermore, the airport provides a fast-track lane for passengers with short connections. The same applied to passport control.

Passport control for passengers from Schengen Area countries is performed through automated passport control gates. There are plenty of gates available, and there was no waiting time. The entire passport control process took only 10–20 seconds.

There has been considerable discussion regarding the new Entry/Exit System (EES), including concerns about long queues and missed flights. Although I did not use passport control for non-Schengen passengers, I did not observe any significant queues. However, it should be noted that our flight was among the first arrivals that morning.

The flight to Ljubljana was operated by an Airbus A321 of Finnair, although it had initially been scheduled to be operated by a Boeing 737-800 from Jettime. The flight was completely full.

The aircraft departed with a delay of a few minutes but landed on time in Ljubljana. The flight itself was uneventful. Passengers were informed that onboard Wi-Fi messaging would be available on this flight; however, although I was able to connect to the network, I was unable to use it. Disembarkation in Ljubljana was carried out via both the front and rear stairs.

Baggage delivery in Ljubljana was relatively slow, as I received my luggage only about half an hour after landing. Based on my travel experience, baggage handling in Ljubljana tends to be slow when flights carry a large amount of checked luggage.

I traveled from the airport to Ljubljana city center using the regular bus service. The bus fare was 4 EUR. There is now a ticket machine at the airport for purchasing tickets. However, passengers must first purchase an IJPP card plastic card, onto which tickets are then loaded. On the day I traveled, the machine had run out of plastic cards, which caused noticeable dissatisfaction among several passengers arriving from Finland. Approximately 40 passengers traveled from the airport to the city by bus. Tickets can now also be purchased directly on the bus using a credit card. However, because many passengers purchased tickets after boarding, the bus departed with a delay of approximately 15 minutes.

Flight path from Helsinki to Ljubljana. Source: Flightradar24

Finnair awards Avios points after each flight segment, which can be used to purchase onboard services. On the Helsinki - Ljubljana leg, I redeemed Avios for a meal from the buy-on-board menu. I chose the Nordic option, which included a rye sandwich with cold-smoked salmon, a berry smoothie, a chocolate bar, and a cup of coffee or tea. The image also shows a complimentary cup of blueberry juice served with the meal. The menu price is 12.90 EUR or 1.500 Avios. On this flight, approximately 20-30 passengers had preordered meals

Finnair Airbus A321 operating the Helsinki - Ljubljana route, parked at Ljubljana Airport after arrival

Main apron undergoing extensive renovation works at Ljubljana Airport, with construction activities in progress

New bicycle repair stand installed in the baggage claim hall at Ljubljana Airport, likely introduced as part of a promotional or marketing initiative.

Advertisement for EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, highlighting why the event is important, emphasizing the region’s growing global role, and noting that it will bring together more than 120 countries in one place

Advertisement for GREEN x EXPO 2027 in Yokohama, Japan, promoting the upcoming international exposition focused on sustainability and environmental innovation

Share your travel experience by submitting a trip report to exyu@exyuaviation.com

Ryanair to end one Zagreb route over airport fees

2026-05-09T09:00:00.001+02:00

Ryanair will discontinue flights between Zagreb and Thessaloniki at the end of the summer season due to high fees at the Greek airport. The carrier confirmed the route from the Croatian capital will be among nine casualties this winter following the closure of its three-aircraft base in Thessaloniki. The budget airline has maintained year-round operations between the two cities, offering up to six weekly flights this summer. “This devastating loss in off-peak winter connectivity is the direct result of the hopelessly uncompetitive costs charged at the German-run Fraport Greece monopoly and Athens Airport”, Ryanair said in a statement. Other routes that will be discontinued include Berlin, Chania, Hahn, Gothenburg, Heraklion, Weeze, Poznan, Stockholm and Treviso. The airline is also ending flights from Athens to Milan Malpensa and from Chania to Paphos.

Commenting on its decision further, Ryanair noted, “The Greek government made the wise decision to reduce the Airport Development Fee (ADF) by 75% (from twelve to three euros per passenger) from November 2024, which should have directly stimulated year-round connectivity and tourism across Greece. However, most Greek airports, particularly those run by Fraport Greece, refused to pass the tax cut onto passengers and instead have pocketed the tax cut for themselves. Since then, Fraport Greece have continued to increase charges, which are now +66% above their pre-Covid levels. Likewise, Athens Airport will hike charges this winter”.

For its part, Fraport Greece responded, “Any claims linking this decision to airport charges or the Airport Development Fee (ADF) imposed by the Greek state are entirely unfounded. The decision to reduce winter operations at Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” is exclusively related to Ryanair’s commercial strategy, business model and profitability considerations”. It added, “Fraport Greece respects Ryanair’s business decisions. Ryanair remains an important partner, alongside more than forty other airlines currently operating at Thessaloniki Airport, which connects the city and the wider region of Macedonia with over 33 countries and 93 destinations”. There is no other operator between Zagreb and Thessaloniki. Prior to its launch, the service was one of Zagreb’s busiest unserved routes in Europe.

TRIP REPORT: Wizz Air, Warsaw - Bratislava - Warsaw

2026-05-09T08:59:00.001+02:00

TRIP REPORT

Written by JSG

W6 1423 Warsaw - Bratislava. Occasionally, I like to break my routine and go on an adventure trip to Bratislava with the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air. Although I have visited the Slovak capital twice so far, I have never set foot on board the różowa landryna (“pink candy”), as some Polish aviation enthusiasts call the airline. It is fun to try something new, expand my horizons, and find out whether Wizz Air bites or not. At least for me, the airline feels somewhat exotic, as I have never flown with them before. In fact, this will be my maiden flight with the Pink Candy.

I only have a backpack with me, so I walk to the airport, which takes approximately 35 minutes. While on my way, I receive a text message from the airline informing me that my flight is delayed and that the new departure time is 13:10, so there is no rush to get to the airport, and I can simply enjoy the sunny spring day.

Finally, I reach the airport and proceed straight to security control, equipped with my printed boarding pass. There is a long queue at the security check area, and the airport staff have closed the entrance to this zone, directing passengers to use another screening area located in a different part of the airport. The zig-zag queue is long, but surprisingly it moves quickly. After 10 minutes, I complete the security screening and check the display monitors for the assigned gate. Gate 45. OK, it is at the far corner of the pier.

There is still some time before boarding, which is scheduled to commence at 13:10, so I take a seat near the assigned gate. The delay in departure was caused by the late arrival of the incoming flight from Nice, which landed at 12:22 vs scheduled 12:00. In the meantime, however, the departure time has been updated to 13:00.

At 12:28, boarding is announced and passengers with priority are invited to come forward first. Then the remaining passengers are called for boarding. After scanning my boarding pass, I proceed downstairs but stop halfway. I guess we are waiting for the arrival of a bus that will take us to the aircraft.

After five minutes, we finally start moving, and a bus takes us to the aircraft, which is parked on a remote stand not far from the terminal building. Today’s flight is operated by a 2.2-year-old Airbus A321-271NX (registration number 9H-WNC), configured in an all-economy layout with a capacity of 239 seats.

My assigned seat is 24E and, according to the instructions on my boarding pass, I should board the aircraft through the rear door, which I do. Inside, I am greeted by a member of the cabin crew and proceed to my assigned seat.

The plane is filling up with passengers. Meanwhile, the captain greets the passengers and informs us that today’s flight will take under one hour. While seated in my seat, I observe my fellow passengers. There is a father with two daughters, several couples, and a few groups of travellers, including a group of Spanish friends. Boarding is soon completed, and the cabin crew - four female flight attendants, including one senior crew member who provides on-the-job training to the junior associate - carry out the final departure procedures before taking their positions for the safety demonstration, conducted in Polish and English simultaneously, sentence by sentence.

The flight is almost full, with only a few seats unoccupied. The cabin interior is pleasant and clean. The dark blue leather seats with pink trim along the edges contrast nicely with the neutral colours of the cabin.

At 13:06, everything is ready and the pushback procedure begins. After a short taxi to the runway, we finally take off at 13:10, heading west. Once airborne, the cabin crew offers items from the buy-on-board menu, which attracts some passengers. Later, the crew push a trolley through the aisle with non-food merchandise, including heavily advertised perfumes, but there are no takers.

After departing westbound, we make a slight left turn around the town of Grodzisk Mazowiecki, then continue southwest, passing west of Kraków and later over the Slovak city of Nitra. At 13:38, the captain announces our descent to the destination airport and provides some information about the weather in Bratislava. Afterwards, the cabin crew carry out the final pre-landing checks and later take their seats for landing, as instructed by the captain. Meanwhile, we make a 90-degree right turn before landing at Bratislava Airport at 14:02.

After a short taxi, the aircraft is parked in front of the terminal, and we disembark via stairs. After a short walk, I enter the arrivals area and proceed to the bus stop located outside the terminal building. Bus 61 arrives soon afterwards.

Inside, I buy an e-ticket for €1.09, and after about 25 minutes the bus reaches its final stop in front of the main railway station. From there, I only have a few minutes’ walk to my booked accommodation.

Flight statistics

LF: 90 %

Distance: 519 kms (280 nm)

Departure time (scheduled/actual): 12:35/13:10 (local time at the departure airport)

Arrival time (scheduled/actual): 13:50/14:02 (local time at the arrival airport)

Flight duration (scheduled/actual): 1h 15 min/0 h 52 min

Bratislava. Bratislava is a city of contrasts, where the historic old town meets the architecture of the communist era. Alongside baroque palaces and medieval streets, visitors can also see more modern architecture “wonders: large panel-block housing estates, wide boulevards, and monumental public buildings reflect the urban planning ideals of that time.

The most recognizable example is the futuristic SNP Bridge, crowned with its distinctive UFO-shaped restaurant, which has become one of the symbols of the city. Built in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the bridge was considered a remarkable engineering achievement of its time. Its elegant single-pylon structure and suspended roadway still give it a modern appearance today. The observation deck inside the UFO offers one of the best panoramic views over Bratislava, the Danube, and the surrounding countryside.

High above Bratislava rises its impressive castle, standing proudly on a hill overlooking the Danube. Its massive white structure with four corner towers dominates the skyline and can be seen from many parts of the city. The castle is one of the most important landmarks of the Slovak capital. From its terraces, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the old town, the river, and even the borders of Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary.

W6 1423 Bratislava - Warsaw. The next day, after breakfast and checking out of the hotel, I head to the nearby bus stop. Bus 61 departs in a few minutes and is relatively busy. I had purchased an e-ticket for €1.09, which covers the journey to the airport. Some passengers get off at Avion Shopping Park, which serves a large shopping centre, while the remainder continue their journey to M. R. Štefánik Airport Bratislava.

The airport is named after M. R. Štefánik, who was also a pioneer aviator and served as a pilot during the First World War. Inside the terminal building, I head straight to level +1, where the departure area is located. I scan my boarding pass (kindly printed by the hotel staff) and move to the security area.

The queue moves quickly and soon I am airside. To my surprise, boarding is already open and the staff are checking passengers’ boarding cards. I did not expect this, as boarding usually starts 30 minutes prior to departure. A quick look at the boarding card makes everything clear. It says boarding starts at 12:45 and, more precisely, that there will be a check of bag sizes. This is not a concern for me, as I only have a backpack which fits under the seat. After scanning my boarding card at gate 4, I enter an isolated area separate from the main departure hall and wait a few minutes.

The area is filled with passengers, and, after a short wait, we are finally ready to proceed to the aircraft. Firstly, passengers with priority are invited to come forward, followed by the remaining passengers. I follow my fellow passengers. First, we move downstairs, then a short walk across the tarmac leads me to the parked aircraft, which has just completed its segment from Warsaw as flight W6 1422, which arrived 16 minutes ahead of schedule. Today’s flight is operated by 1.8-year-old Airbus A321-271NX registered as 9H-WNO.

As instructed on my boarding card, I board the aircraft through the rear door. I say dzień dobry (“Good morning”) to the cabin crew member standing there and proceed to my assigned seat, 39E, located in the next-to-last row.

While boarding, I observe the passing passengers and recognise some familiar faces. The father with his two daughters is returning to Warsaw, but I cannot see the Spanish group of friends. Yesterday, when they were leaving the flight, they were chatting with the cabin crew. I overheard part of the conversation and gathered that they were planning to stay a few more days in Bratislava, although they were unsure whether they would return today or later. So, they must have decided to extend their stay, or perhaps they enjoyed themselves a little too much and missed their flight.

The plane continues to fill up and most of the seats are taken. The seats in front of the emergency exits remain unoccupied, and the cabin crew offers them to passengers for an additional fee of €20, although I doubt anyone is interested. The crew then also informs passengers that the aircraft is equipped with Bluetooth® connectivity, allowing them to place orders from the buy-on-board menu through their devices.

At 13:10, the mixed cabin crew of four (50/50) announces the completion of boarding and finalizes the pre-departure procedures, including preparations for the safety demonstration. As on the previous flight, the safety demo is conducted simultaneously, sentence by sentence, in Polish and English. As the window seat remains unoccupied, I take the opportunity to move to seat 39A. Meanwhile, the captain greets the passengers and provides basic information about the flight duration and the current weather in Warsaw.

At 13:16, we are ready to depart, and the pushback procedure begins. After a short taxi, we take off at 13:24. After passing Bratislava, we turn left and then head northwest.

In the meantime, the fasten seatbelt signs are switched off, and the cabin crew offers products from the buy-on-board menu while also serving pre-ordered items, delivered via Bluetooth to a passenger seated a few rows in front of me. A quick look at the menu reveals the usual range of snacks, drinks, and light meals, with prices noticeably higher than on the ground. For example, a bottle of water costs €3.00, a Coca-Cola €4.00, coffee between €4.00 and €4.50, while a beer is about €6.50. Hot meals such as pasta or soup are priced at around €8.50–€15.50, and sandwiches or wraps range from approximately €9.50 to €12.50. Chocolate bars and smaller snacks generally cost between €2.50 and €4.50.

Seated in my new spot, I quickly flip through the inflight magazine and check the contents of an article featuring Málaga, Spain. To my surprise, the legroom is perfectly acceptable by my standards. Later, the crew offers non-food merchandise, but there are no takers.

The flight is a bit bumpy as we fly through a turbulent area. After passing the Slovak cities of Trnava and Žilina, we continue over southern Poland, passing near Bielsko-Biała and west of Kielce.

At 13:50, the captain announces the start of descent, and a few minutes later the cabin crew asks passengers to prepare for landing. Meanwhile, we approach the town of Piaseczno, and after a slight left turn we head toward Frederic Chopin Airport in Warsaw, where we land at 14:14.

After a short taxi, we park at the remote stands and are taken to the Schengen arrivals area by three buses. I then leave the terminal and head home on foot.

Flight statistics

LF: 95 %

Distance: 519 kms (280 nm)

Departure time (scheduled/actual): 13:25/13:24 (local time at the departure airport)

Arrival time (scheduled/actual): 14:35/14:14 (local time at the arrival airport)

Flight duration (scheduled/actual): 1h 10 min/0 h 50 min

Share your travel experience by submitting a trip report to exyu@exyuaviation.com

Air Serbia posts full 2025 financial results amid rising costs

2026-05-08T14:00:00.000+02:00

Air Serbia recorded a net profit of 35.5 million euros in 2025, down 14.3% on the 41.4 million euros achieved the year before, according to the carrier’s newly published full annual financial statements. The Serbian airline generated total operating revenue of 710 million during the year, up 2.7% compared to 2024, while maintaining positive cash flow and continuing investments in fleet and operations. The company ended the year with 18.6 million euros in cash reserves, slightly higher than the 17.7 million reported at the end of 2024. Net cash inflow from operating activities stood at a strong 81.1 million euros, indicating healthy day-to-day operations despite increasing expenditure pressures across the industry.

Fuel remained Air Serbia’s single largest expense category. The airline spent 158.4 million on fuel and energy in 2025, broadly unchanged from the previous year despite fluctuations in oil prices and broader geopolitical instability. At the same time, several other operational costs increased. Employee expenses rose to 57.6 million, while amortisation and depreciation climbed sharply to 54.7 million from 44.9 million in 2024, reflecting the impact of its fleet growth during the year and ongoing investments. The report indicates the carrier continued investing heavily into its business during 2025. Capital expenditure and investment-related outflows reached 35.8 million euros, while lease-related payments totalled 38.3 million. Overall financing outflows stood at 48.1 million euros.

Among the more interesting details in the report is the airline’s strong improvement in financial performance outside its core operations. Air Serbia generated a net financial gain of 2.8 million euros in 2025, compared to a loss of more than ten million the year before, largely due to favourable foreign exchange movements. Positive exchange rate differences alone amounted to 28 million euros. The financial statements further show Air Serbia employed an average of 1.542 workers in 2025, up from 1.523 the previous year. The largest employee age group remained those between 30 and 39 years old, accounting for 469 staff members.

In the report, Air Serbia states, “Due to ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and continued macroeconomic instability, further intensified by tariffs imposed by the United States on numerous countries and the recent conflict in Iran, an increased negative impact on the global economy can be expected, particularly in relation to energy prices, foreign exchange fluctuations, interest rates, stock market activity, supply chain disruptions and mounting inflationary pressures, all of which could indirectly affect the company’s operations”. It added, “In Air Serbia’s case, the indirect consequences of global macroeconomic instability have primarily been reflected in significant volatility in jet fuel prices caused by unstable market movements, a trend that has continued into the first quarter of 2026 amid the current geopolitical situation. The company’s management is closely monitoring and assessing the potential impact of these developments and is undertaking all necessary measures to ensure operational stability. Given the nature of the company’s core activity and markets, management expects these circumstances to have a certain impact on operations in the coming period, primarily due to rising fuel prices. However, future effects cannot be predicted with reasonable certainty”.

Serbian President praises "smart" Croatia Airlines

2026-05-08T13:30:00.006+02:00

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Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has praised Croatia Airlines for cancelling a number of flights amid the ongoing fuel crisis and rising operational costs, while questioning why Air Serbia has not taken similar measures. Asked by journalists to comment on the development, the President said, "Regarding Croatia Airlines, the management’s decision is a normal one and entirely reasonable, rational and market-oriented. Smart people. Fuel prices are high and they are cutting routes that are losing money. As for us here, I don’t know why we haven’t done the same, probably because Air Serbia has larger financial buffers and operates somewhat better than Croatia Airlines". He added that the likes of Lufthansa, KLM and Croatia Airlines are behaving according to market principles and will cancel as many flights as necessary to protect their businesses. “They won’t cancel 900 flights, but 9.000 if needed. Why should they let the company collapse while oil prices, or rather jet fuel prices, remain so high? Their job is to protect the company", Mr Vučić said.

PHOTOS: Solinair opens Slovenia’s largest hangar

2026-05-08T10:30:00.002+02:00

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Slovenian-registered cargo airline and maintenance provider Solinair, a subsidiary of MNG Airlines, recently opened its new hangar at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, considered the largest in the country. Covering 3.250 square metres, the facility is capable of servicing CRJ, ATR, Embraer, Airbus A220, and A320-family narrow-body aircraft. It is able to accommodate up to six aircraft simultaneously. The hangar also features workshops for engines, electrical systems, metalworking and painting, along with a dedicated paint shop, warehouses, server rooms, archives and administrative offices located on the upper floor. Solinair performs maintenance work for Lufthansa, Helvetic Airways, Finnair and select Nigerian carriers. CEO Matej Tomšič said the hangar marked a milestone for the company, which has seen rising demand for base aircraft maintenance. He described the new addition as a tool that facilitates the next step in Solinair's development.

Croatia Airlines cancelling 900 flights in coming quarter

2026-05-07T14:00:00.001+02:00

Croatia Airlines will cancel around 900 flights over the next three months, representing roughly 5% of its planned 27.000 operations due to the sharp surge in jet fuel prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. This is despite the carrier continuing to see strong demand, reflected in its growing passenger numbers. Speaking to the “RTL Croatia” network, Croatia Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer. Slaven Žabo, said, “The unfavourable geopolitical situation has had a negative impact on fuel prices. Jet fuel prices have doubled since the outbreak of the crisis and have risen more sharply than crude oil prices. Current jet fuel costs will result in multi-million-euro losses for all airlines, including Croatia Airlines, during this period”.

Mr Žabo noted the carrier is attempting to reduce the financial burden by revising its timetable. “We are trying to offset costs through network and capacity optimisation, as well as by improving efficiency. That means aligning capacity with current demand, operating costs and revenue levels on individual routes, which naturally also includes flight cancellations”, the Chief Commercial Officer said. The carrier has discontinued six routes this summer and has trimmed frequencies on several services. “Besides fuel, which remains the key cost factor, ticket prices in the coming period will also be affected by rising charges from other stakeholders. For example, Zagreb Airport announced a 20% increase in fees from 1 June, which will directly impact fares through higher passenger charges”, Mr Žabo noted.

Despite the difficulties, Mr Žabo remains optimistic about the airline’s operational performance. “In these negative geopolitical circumstances, the strong operational growth Croatia Airlines achieved during the first part of the year is encouraging. In the first four months, we recorded passenger growth of 23%, carrying almost 100.000 additional travellers. That growth made a significant contribution to the positive tourism results in the first part of the year. Looking at those figures, as well as current booking trends, we have reason to be optimistic and can expect a good season”, Mr Žabo concluded.

PHOTOS: Croatia Airlines touches down in Nantes

2026-05-07T13:30:00.000+02:00

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Croatia Airlines inaugurated seasonal flights between Split and Nantes this week, its first of two new routes this summer. The service will be maintained twice per week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, until October 9. “We’re proud to celebrate the first flight from Nantes to Split! A big thank you to Nantes-Atlantique Airport for the warm welcome. This new connection brings our regions closer together and opens up exciting opportunities for travel, tourism and business. We look forward to seeing this route grow over the coming months and to welcoming many passengers on board”, Croatia Airlines said in a statement. The carrier will compete directly against Volotea on the route.

Saudi Arabia’s Flynas to launch Podgorica service

2026-05-07T10:30:00.008+02:00

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Saudi Arabian low cost carrier Flynas will enter the Montenegrin market this summer by launching seasonal flights between Riyadh and Podgorica, linking the two countries with a scheduled service for the first time. The new route will launch on June 25 and operate three times per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, until September 29. Tickets are expected to go on sale shortly.

EX-YU flag carriers handle 1.3 million passengers in Q1

2026-05-06T14:00:00.000+02:00

The three flag carriers of the former Yugoslavia - Air Serbia, Croatia Airlines and Air Montenegro - handled a combined total of 1.298.606 passengers during the first quarter of 2025, up from 1.19 million the year before, adding a combined total of 104.718 travellers.

Air Serbia remains the largest of the three, welcoming 813.188 passengers between January and March, representing a 3.1% increase on 2025 figures, or an additional 24.087 travellers. Although the airline did not disclose its average cabin load factor for the period, it is estimated to have hovered around 74% based on available capacity. During the first quarter, Air Serbia expanded its capacity levels by 2.5%, while the number of operated flights grew by 2% to 10.032. According to the airline’s figures, the busiest destinations within its network were Podgorica, Tivat and Ljubljana within the region. It further noted that Paris, Zurich, Milan, London, Barcelona, Vienna, Frankfurt, Rome and Amsterdam ranked among its busiest routes in Western Europe, while Athens, Istanbul and Larnaca topped the list in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Croatia Airlines handled 405.160 passengers during the first quarter of the year, up 23%, or an extra 75.679 customers. Of those, 301.598 travellers were transported on international services, an improvement of 25.5%, 100.661 on domestic flights, up 14.1%, while 2.901 flew on charter operations, representing an increase of 151%. The average cabin load factor over the three-month period stood at 63.9%, up three points. The international load factor was 64%, while it stood at 63.1% on domestic services. The airline increased its capacity by 17.7% during the January – March period and operated 5.323 flights, up 1.7%. During the first quarter, the airline had the most capacity on its Zagreb - Frankfurt service, offering 78.598 seats, followed by Zagreb - Dubrovnik with 77.373, and Zagreb - Split with 68.928 available seats.

Air Montenegro handled 80.258 passengers during the first quarter of the year, representing an increase of 6.6% compared to the same period in 2025. The carrier operated a total of 900 flights, down 3%. The average cabin load factor stood at 77%, a notable improvement from 70.7% in Q1 2025. During the first quarter, the carrier had the most capacity on its Podgorica - Belgrade service, offering 41.760 seats, followed by Belgrade - Tivat with 20.880, and Tivat - Istanbul with 11.832 available seats.

Air Serbia registers strong Tirana growth

2026-05-06T13:30:00.002+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Air Serbia handled 12.362 passengers between Belgrade and Tirana during the first quarter of the year. The figure represents an increase of 27.4% on 2025, or an additional 2.655 travellers. During the January - March period, the carrier increased its number of flights on the route by 5.9%, while the amount of available seat capacity grew by 5.5%. The airline operated almost all its flights between the two capitals with the ATR72-600 aircraft, with exception of three rotations, on which the Embraer E190 jet was deployed.

Belgrade - Tirana - Belgrade passenger performance, Q1

Croatia Airlines delays route launch

2026-05-06T10:35:00.002+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Croatia Airlines has pushed back the introduction of its new seasonal service between Dubrovnik and Stuttgart. Initially scheduled to commence on May 5, the route will now launch on May 22. Frequencies and the operational schedule remain unchanged and can be viewed here. The service will conclude on October 23 as planned. The airline has also adjusted its network over the past week, reducing frequencies on its Zagreb - Dubrovnik service from the planned 31 weekly to 29 flights per week throughout the summer.

Croatia Airlines A220 delivery delays exceed seventy months

2026-05-05T14:00:00.000+02:00

Croatia Airlines said it continues to face elevated costs and operational disruption due to delays in the delivery of its Airbus A220 aircraft, as it moves towards a single-type fleet. The airline noted that cumulative delays in A220 deliveries have now exceeded seventy months. “Deliveries of new Airbus A220 aircraft to Croatia Airlines have been repeatedly postponed by the manufacturer. At present, cumulative delays for the Airbus A220 fleet exceed seventy months. Such uncertainty significantly complicates operational planning and exposes the airline to considerable cost pressures”, Croatia Airlines has said.

Croatia Airlines currently has eight A220s in its fleet. It took delivery of its latest aircraft of the type in March with a further six due for delivery this year and the remaining frame in 2027. All fifteen are on a financial lease. The airline has warned that continued delivery delays have, in part, attributed to its record first quarter loss. Croatia Airlines notes that any deviation from planned delivery schedules can lead to reduced capacity, flight cancellations and wider network instability. These disruptions cascade across the operation, affecting fleet allocation, maintenance planning and scheduling, while limiting the airline’s ability to fully capitalise on strong passenger demand.

Furthermore, Croatia Airlines is still paying leases on two Dash 8 Q400s (registered 9A-CQA and 9A-CQD) one of which was withdrawn from service in July 2025 and the other in January 2026. “The final return of both aircraft to their owner has been significantly delayed due to disruptions in the supply of parts and the heavy workload at aircraft and engine maintenance facilities. Until the handover is completed, Croatia Airlines continues to pay lease costs for these aircraft, representing a substantial unplanned expense caused by the ongoing supply chain crisis in the aviation industry”, Croatia Airlines noted.

Sarajevo Airport ends 28-month growth streak

2026-05-05T13:30:00.003+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Sarajevo Airport handled 177.186 passengers in April, representing a decrease of 4.7% on the same month in 2025, ending over two consecutive years of passenger growth. The figure is in line with an expected decline in overall scheduled seat capacity reported recently, which will continue into May. Numerous carriers reduced capacity in April when compared to last year, with Eurowings having the biggest decline, followed by Pegasus Airlines, Jazeera Airways, Flydubai, Croatia Airlines, SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Flynas. During the January - April period, Sarajevo Airport welcomed 545.370 travellers through its doors, representing an increase of 4.9% or an additional 25.657 passengers.

Sarajevo's largest airlines by scheduled seat capacity, April 2026

Wizz Air introduces disruption rebooking tool

2026-05-05T10:30:00.000+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Wizz Air has partnered with Hopper Technology Solutions (HTS) to offer an opt-in "Disruption Assistance" service, allowing passengers to immediately rebook on any airline or receive a 100% refund if their flight is cancelled or delayed by two hours or over. This premium service is available during booking via the Wizz Air website or app for between 9.90 and 14.90 euros. On the day of the trip, HTS monitors and proactively notifies customers who have purchased Disruption Assistance of any qualifying disruptions - typically delays of two hours and above or a cancellation on the day of travel. If customers face one of these disruptions, they can rebook to their final destination on any airline for free, up to a cap. If they are not satisfied with their rebooking options, customers can get a 100% refund of their booking and still take their original flight. Silvia Mosquera, Commercial Officer at Wizz Air, said, “By introducing this tool, we are offering a uniquely proactive customer-centric solution that complements our existing services – giving passengers reassurance from as early as a two-hour delay, well before EU-mandated coverage applies. It works alongside our existing support options and Regulation EC261, enhancing the care we provide while maintaining our commitment to fair and transparent service”.

Air Serbia ready to launch more routes if competition pulls back

2026-05-04T14:00:00.000+02:00

Air Serbia is prepared to introduce additional routes and move in to fill gaps should competitors withdraw from specific services in Belgrade, following the example of its planned new route to Munich, announced after Lufthansa reduced operations between the two cities. Speaking to “Euronews Serbia”, Air Serbia’s CEO, Jiri Marek said, “I believe we have a very strong team we can rely on. They’ve learned to be resilient in every crisis, treating each one as an opportunity and responding with a high degree of flexibility and agility to every opening in the market. We have announced ten new destinations, but if any competitors suspend a route, we can make a decision within three days, seize the opportunity, and move quickly to introduce a new direct service”.

Commenting on the situation in the industry caused by the conflict in the Middle East and the rise in fuel prices, the CEO noted, “We implemented all the measures we had planned. We also had certain buffer mechanisms in place, and we’ve been in contact with our partners to explore whether they could offer temporary relief, particularly in terms of lease payments or discounts on aircraft leases. Some have been very accommodating, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them, while others have maintained their prices, and some have even increased them, so they have been less flexible”. He added, “On the revenue side, we are working to optimise our income streams and capitalise on new market opportunities. Ultimately, however, significant cost increases will, sooner or later, unfortunately be reflected in ticket prices for passengers”.

The carrier’s CEO noted the airline is in a good position to absorb the ongoing shocks on the market. “The situation is highly dynamic and unstable. We are monitoring it closely and taking the necessary measures to maintain stability and ensure the continuity of our operations. It is not easy, but over the past few years we have delivered strong financial results, which has allowed us to introduce internal safeguards to better cope with such volatility. We will have to see how things develop, as the situation remains very turbulent”. Mr Marek added, “In the short term, I believe demand will remain strong or even grow. However, over the longer term, once a chain reaction sets in - rising fuel prices feeding through into inflation and higher living costs - it will inevitably impact demand, which will then begin to decline”.

PHOTOS: Air Serbia touches down in Azerbaijan

2026-05-04T13:30:00.002+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Air Serbia inaugurated flights between Belgrade and Baku on Sunday, marking the first time the two capitals have been linked with a scheduled air service. It is the second of ten new routes to be introduced by the airline this year. The inaugural flight from Belgrade had roughly 125 passengers on board, or a load factor of 87%, while the return service from Baku was full.

Commenting on the new route, Air Serbia’s CEO, Jiri Marek, said, “By introducing a direct service between Belgrade and Baku, Air Serbia is not only expanding its network of destinations, but also establishing another key bridge in the strategic partnership between Serbia and Azerbaijan. This route is a direct response to the growing need for stronger connectivity between the Balkans and the Caucasus region, which will strengthen Belgrade’s position as a regional transport hub of Southeast Europe. Baku is not only the capital of Azerbaijan - it is a dynamic energy, business, and cultural epicentre whose global importance is constantly growing. For Serbian businesses, this means opening new doors to a market that offers enormous potential for investment and trade exchange. In a broader sense, this service symbolises the continuity of excellent bilateral relations between our two countries, which are based on mutual respect and shared interests. Direct connectivity will undoubtedly accelerate the flow of people, capital, and ideas, providing strong momentum for the development of tourism. Air Serbia remains committed to its mission of connecting regions and peoples, and the Baku route is a logical step in our strategy of expanding the destination network”.

Air Serbia and Azerbaijan Airlines have concluded a codeshare partnership on the route. Samir Rzayev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Azerbaijan Airlines, said. "We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Air Serbia, and these results are a clear reflection of that successful collaboration. This not only marks the opening of a new route but also further strengthens Heydar Aliyev International Airport's role as an international transportation hub. This route, launched in partnership with Air Serbia, creates more convenient and flexible travel options for passengers. Operating flights twice a week will have a positive impact on the development of both business travel and tourism. This is the beginning of a new stage in the development of relations between the two countries".

Austrian Airlines delays Ohrid launch

2026-05-04T10:30:00.001+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Austrian Airlines has delayed the launch of its planned new service between Vienna and Ohrid. The carrier was initially scheduled to commence operations on May 17, however, the start date has now been pushed back to June 21. Frequencies and operating times remain unchanged and can be viewed here. Services are still set to conclude on October 18, as originally planned.

Lufthansa to suspend Skopje service

2026-05-03T09:00:00.001+02:00

German flag carrier Lufthansa continues to adjust its network, with the airline set to suspend flights between Frankfurt and Skopje for at least a month. The carrier will operate its final service between the two cities on May 31, after which no flights are scheduled throughout June. Operations are currently expected to resume from July 1, although the airline has yet to finalise its updated timetable. Up until May 16, Lufthansa will maintain a daily service on the route, after which frequencies will increase to between nine and ten weekly flights until May 31. Prior to revising its schedule this week, the airline had planned to operate ten weekly rotations between Frankfurt and Skopje throughout June.

The development follows a turbulent April for Lufthansa, during which the carrier was hit by industrial action, the closure of its CityLine subsidiary, and the subsequent suspension of numerous routes. The airline has also been revising its Frankfurt operations, removing a number of destinations from its network. This week alone, Lufthansa cut 944 weekly flights in June, 258 in July, 250 in August, 260 in September, and a further 258 weekly services in October.

Lufthansa launched services between Frankfurt and the Macedonian capital in late April 2023. During the previous winter, it made significant cuts to its Skopje operations, reducing frequencies from a planned ten weekly to just three weekly rotations throughout February and March. The wider Lufthansa Group is accelerating the consolidation of its European networks within its hub carriers - Lufthansa Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways. This follows the adoption of its “Matrix Next Level” programme last year, a restructuring initiative aimed at centralising operations across the group’s network.

TRIP REPORT: Swiss, Belgrade - Hanover - Belgrade

2026-05-03T08:59:00.001+02:00

TRIP REPORT

The journey began on April 21 with an early drive from central Belgrade to the airport. I parked at Tesla Parking; despite claims of 90+ available spaces, the lot initially looked full. That impression didn’t last long - a spot opened up just in time to catch the shuttle to the terminal.

The shuttle itself was packed, mostly with airport staff. Along the route, construction stretched almost the entire way. It looked substantial enough to suggest something more permanent - possibly a future rail link, though that remains speculation.

I reached the terminal around 6:30 a.m. to find it unexpectedly empty.

Airside in the early morning felt almost dormant. Swiss had two check-in counters open, one for business and one for economy, although the screens above the latter were oddly showing only commercials. With no queue, the process took less than a minute.

Upstairs, both border control and security were equally quiet. Two passport booths and four security lines were open, yet there was no waiting anywhere. From entrance to airside took under 15 minutes.

Periodic announcements about unattended baggage echoed through the terminal, fitting with the airport’s “low-noise” concept. The atmosphere could just as well be described as “low-smile” - staff were serious, but consistently professional. At that hour, efficiency matters more than charm.

The Dufry lounge, accessible via cardholder benefits, provided a quieter place to wait. It feels frozen in time - largely unchanged for years - but still preferable to the main terminal. Food was acceptable, drinks slightly undercooled, and the chairs worn but comfortable. The main drawback was the lack of working power outlets near the seating area.

Boarding took place at gate A9, conveniently close to the lounge. The first aircraft of the day, an Airbus A321neo, was nearly full. The window seat offered little in return, as most of the flight remained above dense cloud cover.

Before departure, the cockpit warned of possible delays due to unfavourable winds in Zurich - up to 10 minutes expected.

The flight itself was uneventful, which is ideal. The only anomaly came from the overhead displays, which showed clearly incorrect information - at one point suggesting four and a half hours remaining near Zagreb, and later two hours to cover barely 100 kilometres.

Landing in Zurich was smooth, with only a minor delay. The aircraft offered USB-A charging, though it turned out to be incompatible with the cable I had on hand. Disembarkation was via jet bridge at a D gate, followed by a walk toward the A gates for the connection.

At passport control, there was a small surprise: the officer turned out to be of Serbian origin, and the interaction continued in Serbian. Still, not quite as unexpected as a previous experience in Düsseldorf, where a border officer of African-European background opened in Bosnian - later explained by family roots.

As Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, entry required a four-finger scan of the right hand. Some passengers were also asked to take a photo, likely first-time registrations. The line moved quickly, mostly consisting of American travelers.

The next gate was easy to locate, leaving enough time to recharge my phone at a functioning outlet.

The second leg, operated by Helvetic Airways with an Embraer E195 (E-Jet E1), required a bus transfer. The flight was again almost completely full, and once more the window seat offered little, with cloud cover dominating the view.

Due to unusual easterly winds in Zurich, airport capacity had been reduced, causing a short delay. Takeoff was somewhat turbulent, with noticeable lateral movement and wing flex until climbing above the clouds. After that, conditions stabilized and the remainder of the flight passed smoothly.

This aircraft provided both USB-A and USB-C ports, solving the earlier charging issue.

Neither flight offered Wi-Fi or in-flight entertainment, but both included a small bottle of water and Swiss-branded chocolate in economy.

Arrival in Hanover was straightforward. As this was a Schengen flight, no additional checks were required. Baggage delivery took some time, marking the final step of the outbound journey.

Hanover Airport corridor to train station

The return began on April 23 from Hanover city centre. The S5 train from the main station reached the airport in about 20 minutes, at a cost of €4.70 - reasonable for the distance and convenience.

From the airport train station, it was a short walk to Terminal A. After a brief wait at security, I was quickly through and at gate A04 for the Swiss-operated Airbus A220-300 to Zurich. As expected within Schengen, there was no border control.

Looking for breakfast, I went in search of food airside - something I usually try to do while travelling. Options near the gate were extremely limited. One small café-bar served the entire area, with a queue already forming. With no alternatives, I joined and eventually ordered a mortadella focaccia and a Coke Zero for €10.20.

The nearby restroom, while conveniently located, suffered from a persistent and unpleasant smell that affected the entire area.

Our aircraft arrived around 09:00, followed immediately by an announcement that the flight was fully booked and that volunteers were sought to check in cabin baggage.

In reality, the plane was not completely full - a few seats remained empty. This was my first time flying on an A220, and the overall impression was very positive. The cabin felt spacious and airy, and noise levels were noticeably lower than on other aircraft I’ve flown. That said, there were no power outlets, no Wi-Fi, and no in-flight entertainment. Service was minimal, consisting of a bottle of water and chocolate.

During the flight, an issue developed with the PA system. It began with loud white noise and later degraded into barely audible announcements.

Before landing, connecting-flight information appeared on the overhead displays. We were expected to arrive at Terminal 1 with a bus transfer, and my onward connection to Belgrade was initially listed at gate D39, later updated to D35.

Border control was quick. Interestingly, this time there was no fingerprint scan or photo required.

The final leg, Zurich to Belgrade, was operated by Air Baltic using an Airbus A220 and departed with a delay of roughly 15-20 minutes.

There were no power outlets on board, but this was offset by a pleasant surprise - free Starlink internet. Performance was genuinely impressive; streaming and handling messages simultaneously worked without issue.

The effect was almost hypnotic, and much of the flight passed in a blur. Service remained consistent with previous legs - a bottle of water and Swiss-branded chocolate - though the seats were noticeably more comfortable.

The flight was full.

Arrival in Belgrade was approximately 30 minutes behind schedule. The aircraft parked at a more distant gate, with assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility. A brisk walk led to border control, where a short queue cleared in under 10 minutes.

Baggage delivery was quick, bringing the trip to a smooth and efficient conclusion.

Share your travel experience by submitting a trip report to exyu@exyuaviation.com

Croatia Airlines posts biggest Q1 loss on record

2026-05-02T09:00:00.004+02:00

Croatia Airlines has registered a net loss of 29.9 million euros during the first quarter of 2026, almost double the 15.9 million deficit recorded a year earlier. Its financial performance deteriorated despite a solid increase in passenger traffic, as a surge in costs significantly outpaced revenue growth. Although total revenue rose to 50.6 million euros, up 6% year-on-year, the improvement was insufficient to offset a steep rise in expenditure. Operating costs climbed 26% to 80.5 million euros, pushing the airline to an operating loss of 22.1 million, compared to 15.4 million in the same period last year. The gap between income and spending has widened notably.

Much of the cost increase came from external factors. Fuel expenses rose as a result of geopolitical tensions and the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, which drove up the price of jet fuel at a pace exceeding that of crude oil. At the same time, the carrier faced higher charges for airport and air traffic services, while maintenance costs increased alongside the growing complexity of its fleet. Depreciation expenses also rose with the introduction of new Airbus A220 aircraft. “Business in the first quarter of 2026 took place in a complex environment where both the effects of the fleet transition cycle and unfavourable external developments were present. These factors had a cumulative effect on operations”, Croatia Airlines said. The situation was further worsened by currency movements, with exchange rate losses linked to the stronger US dollar adding over six million euros to the overall loss.

Croatia Airlines remains in the middle of an extensive fleet renewal programme, which is placing additional strain on its short-term financial performance. The transition to A220 aircraft is intended to improve efficiency over the long run, but in the near term it is generating overlapping costs, including crew training, maintenance reserves and the simultaneous operation of different aircraft types. Delays in aircraft deliveries have further complicated the process, forcing the airline to retain older jets longer than planned and absorb additional leasing and maintenance expenses.

Equity, which turned negative during the second quarter of 2025, has returned to positivise territory following recapitalisation and direct state aid. Capital and reserves stood at 54.4 million as of March 31, 2026. As previously reported, operationally, the airline performed strongly, with this data available here.

United touches down in Split as Croatia targets more US routes

2026-05-01T14:00:00.000+02:00

United Airlines has inaugurated flights between Newark and Split, marking the latter’s first scheduled transatlantic and long-haul service. Operations between the two will be maintained seasonally, three times per week, until September 6 with the Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. It will complement the existing daily seasonal flights between Newark and Dubrovnik, also operated by United. "We're constantly monitoring the data. The flight to Dubrovnik was very successful, and I personally visited Croatia, drove to Split and was amazed by the beauty of the coast. By adding Split to Dubrovnik, we're giving passengers the opportunity to fly into one city and fly out of another, and see more of Croatia”, Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United said.

Split - New York is the third busiest unserved route between Croatia and the United States based on indirect traffic flows, behind only Zagreb - New York and Zagreb - Chicago. However, it generates more demand than the subsequent Zagreb - Los Angeles, Dubrovnik - Chicago, and Zagreb - San Francisco routes. Together with United’s existing Newark - Dubrovnik service, the carrier will operate ten weekly flights between the US and Croatia, offering 2.118 seats per week in each direction. It will boast 18.704 seats in total (both directions included) between Newark and Split this season. Last year, the US carrier handled 60.900 passengers on its Dubrovnik service, for an average cabin load factor of 80.9%.

The Star Alliance member is utilising its low-density B767-300ER on the Split route with just 167 seats, tailored for high-yield markets. It is the same layout used on premium routes such as from Newark to Zurich, Geneva, Nice and London Heathrow, with 46 seats in business class, 22 in premium economy and 99 in economy. The inaugural flight from Newark to Split was almost full. The route will run with some payload restrictions and will not carry cargo, with exception to passenger bags, due to the runway length in Split, which could prove challenging for takeoff during hot summer days.

The Croatian National Tourist Board believes the demand warrants additional new routes between Croatia and the US. The Director for North America at the Croatian National Tourist Board, Leila Krešić-Jurić, said, “When I took on this role, Dubrovnik was only just getting started, and the idea of adding another destination felt more like wishful thinking. I reached out to Mr Quayle, and I am grateful he was open to the conversation. I firmly believe we will secure one or two additional destinations in the future”. The Croatian National Tourist Board is targeting a new service to Zagreb, while United recently held discussions with Zadar Airport in New York, with both sides exploring potential opportunities for future cooperation. The US is Croatia’s largest long-haul market and generates the highest volume of visitor traffic from distant regions. In 2025, Croatia recorded over 850.000 arrivals from the US and 2.4 million overnight stays, which is an increase of 9% and 10%, respectively, compared to the previous year.

Ryanair extends check-in and bag drop times

2026-05-01T13:30:00.001+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Ryanair is extending its check-in and bag drop deadlines from November 10. At all airports served by the airline, these will now close sixty minutes before scheduled departure, up from the current forty minutes, in order to provide passengers with more time to clear security and passport control queues. This comes as Ryanair installs more self-service bag-drop kiosks across its network, with over 95% of airports having these kiosks by October. These self-service kiosks are fully integrated with the Ryanair app, giving passengers the ability to check in bags and print bag tags, which speeds up bag-drop and cuts waiting times. “This latest improvement will give these 20% of Ryanair guests who wish to check-in a bag, slightly more time to get through airport security and passport queues and arrive at their departure gate before boarding starts. The remaining 80% of passengers who don’t check-in bags are unaffected and will continue to check-in online (before they arrive at the airport) and go straight to their departure gate when they arrive”, Ryanair said in a statement.

Trending in April

2026-05-01T12:00:00.000+02:00

The following are the ten most read articles on EX-YU Aviation News throughout April 2026 according to accumulated statistics:

1. Lufthansa begins cancelling Munich flights after CityLine shutdown, April 20 *

2. Airlines continue to cancel and suspend flights to EX-YU markets, April 6

3. Lufthansa CityLine closure to hit Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia flights, April 17

4. Air Serbia adds fourth A320 and posts €45.3 million pre-tax profit, April 1

5. CEO: Without alliance restructuring Air Serbia unlikely to join, April 3

6. Croatia Airlines details ATR72 rollout, trims summer frequencies, April 11

7. Air Serbia outlines long-haul network plans past Toronto launch, April 14

8. Air Serbia launching Munich service, April 21
9. Croatia Airlines to add wet-leased ETF Airways ATR72, April 7

10. EX-YU capital city airports shed 82.000 seats in April, most still set to grow, April 13

* Most read article so far this year

The three most read trip reports in April:

1. Air Serbia: Belgrade - Rome

2. Air Serbia/Emirates: Banja Luka - Dubai via Belgrade and Vienna

3. GP Aviation: Berlin - Pristina

The most popular vintage photo published in April

The Yugo GVX en route to the US, Belgrade Airport, 1987. In the summer of 1985, Yugo cars, manufactured in Kragujevac, began being exported to the United States in what became known as the "Deal of the Century", the last major commercial agreement between the two countries before Yugoslavia’s collapse. Between 1985 and 1991, nearly 150.000 Yugo vehicles were shipped by air and sea. Priced at just $3.990, it remains the cheapest new car ever sold on the US market. Today, around 200 Yugo cars are still registered in the United States

The most visitors by country:

1. Serbia

2. Slovenia

3. Croatia

4. Germany

5. United States

6. United Kingdom

7. Canada

8. Australia

9. Bosnia and Herzegovina

10. Macedonia
11. Switzerland

12. Italy

13. Austria

14. France

15. Netherlands