EX-YU Aviation News

Air Serbia takes delivery of sixth A320

2026-07-14T13:30:00.000+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Air Serbia took delivery of its sixth Airbus A320 aircraft today (pictured). The dry-leased plane was previously operated by Aegean Airlines. It is nineteen years old, which makes it the second-oldest A320 in Air Serbia’s fleet. The aircraft has been stored since last November. It carries the Serbian registration YU-APU. Air Serbia now has 32 aircraft in its fleet, in addition to multi-year wet-lease arrangements with both airBaltic and Bulgaria Air for four A220-300s and four Embraer E190 aircraft respectively.

Commenting on the new arrival, Air Serbia's CEO, Jiri Marek, said, “Introducing another Airbus A320 into service is part of Air Serbia’s continuous fleet renewal process. We are gradually replacing older A319 models with these aircraft, increasing the number of available seats and improving operational efficiency. Our goal is to develop the fleet in a long-term and planned manner, adapting its structure to market needs and the company’s future growth".

Air Montenegro wet-leases Boeing classic

2026-07-14T10:30:00.000+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Air Montenegro has wet-leased a Boeing 737-400 aircraft from Turkish charter carrier Tailwind Airlines. The 31-year-old-jet has been operating on behalf of the Montenegrin flag carrier since last week due to delays with the arrival of the airline’s fourth Embraer E195 aircraft. A wet-lease is a leasing arrangement where the lessor provides an aircraft to the lessee complete with flight crew, maintenance and insurance.

Wizz Air to decide fate of Belgrade base by late September

2026-07-14T09:00:00.000+02:00

Wizz Air is continuing its efforts to preserve its base in Belgrade following changes to Serbia's regulations governing foreign airlines. Speaking to EX-YU Aviation News, the carrier said it would have to make a decision on the future of its Belgrade base by late September, as it is required to finalise and submit its operating schedule for the 2026/27 winter season, which begins on October 25.

Wizz Air confirmed that it would continue serving Belgrade even if it is forced to close its base, although the number of flights would be reduced. The airline said it would nevertheless seek to retain as many services as possible. One option under consideration is the use of so-called "W" patterns, under which an aircraft based elsewhere, for example in Skopje, would operate to another destination such as Basel, before flying the Basel - Belgrade - Basel sector and returning to its home base. However, the airline cautioned that this model could only be applied on a limited number of routes. Crew duty time restrictions, together with the relatively long flight sectors from Belgrade to destinations such as those in Scandinavia, would make it impractical to use this operating pattern on a wider scale to offset the potential closure of the Belgrade base.

The airline noted that if its Belgrade base is closed, it would primarily affect its early morning departures from the Serbian capital. Since the regulatory dispute came to a head, Wizz Air has held one meeting with the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate, organised online through the Hungarian aviation authority. However, the talks ended without an agreement. The airline is expected to hold further high-level discussions with Serbian authorities in the coming weeks.

Yesterday, Wizz Air submitted a petition signed by 21.000 people calling for its Belgrade base to remain open to the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure. "We are calling on the authorities to engage in dialogue, make transparent decisions regarding this issue and help save our jobs. Wizz Air's Belgrade base has been operating for fifteen years, and our jobs are now at risk because of these new regulations. Once again, we urge the Serbian authorities to respond to our request for dialogue so that we can find a compromise", Nevena Todorović, Wizz Air's Belgrade Base Manager, said.

EX-YU Aviation News contacted Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, VINCI Airports, the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate and the Serbian Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure for comment on the matter but did not receive a response.

Wizz Air revises EX-YU network as winter season nears

2026-07-13T14:00:00.000+02:00

Low cost carrier Wizz Air has begun updating its network for the 2026/27 winter season, with a number of early changes affecting services from cities across the former Yugoslavia in the lead-up to the winter timetable, which begins on October 25.

Wizz Air will discontinue flights between Tuzla and Beauvais on August 29. The three weekly service was launched only on March 31. Similarly, services to Gothenburg will end on October 21. As reported last week, the airline has also reduced capacity at its Tuzla base by replacing its 239-seat Airbus A321neos with 180-seat A320neos. The move will lower capacity by around 22% compared to the airline's original summer schedule. Local authorities have said they remain in discussions with Wizz Air over the possibility of a third based aircraft by the end of the year, although the carrier has not commented on the matter.

The low cost airline will suspend flights between Belgrade and Friedrichshafen at the end of the summer season, with the last service scheduled for October 24. The twice weekly route has been operated intermittently over the past seven years. Wizz Air first served the city pair from May 2017 until January 2018, resumed operations from July 2020 until January 2021, and relaunched it in June 2025. The airline has yet to make any significant adjustments to its wider Belgrade network for the winter season, which could be heavily affected by the potential closure of its base in the Serbian capital due to changes to Serbia's aviation regulations for foreign carriers. Today at 11.00 CEST, Wizz Air is due to submit a petition signed by more than 20.000 people to the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure. The petition calls on authorities to keep Wizz Air’s base open.

Elsewhere in the region, Wizz Air is extending operations on its new Bucharest - Dubrovnik service, which was launched just two weeks ago. The seasonal route, originally scheduled to end on September 18, will now operate until October 23. Flights will run twice per week during the extended period, instead of the current three weekly services maintained through September 18. At the same time, the airline is reducing frequencies on its new Budapest - Zadar route. Services, initially planned at four weekly flights until September 19, will be cut to three per week from August 4 and will conclude as originally planned.

During the upcoming winter season, Wizz Air will serve fifteen destinations from Podgorica, compared to 24 this summer, with fourteen routes becoming seasonal. The airline's winter network from the Montenegrin capital will include Barcelona, Basel, Budapest, Beauvais, Baden Baden, Catania, Cologne, Dortmund, Hamburg, Ljubljana, Maastricht, Malmo, Memmingen, Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino.

Meanwhile, Wizz Air has based its seventh aircraft in Skopje, enabling the launch of two new routes this week, to Palermo and Alghero, as well as frequency increases on several existing services, as previously announced. On the other hand, it will end flights between Bratislava and Ohrid on October 22. The route was initially to operate throughout the winter.

EX-YU air navigation providers break traffic records

2026-07-13T13:30:00.000+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Air navigation service providers across the former Yugoslavia have recently reported new all-time records for the number of flights handled within a 24-hour period, amid continued growth in air traffic across the region.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's BHANSA handled a record 2.148 flights on July 3, surpassing its previous high of 2.030 movements recorded on June 26 this year.

Croatia's Crocontrol managed a record 4.324 controlled flights on July 4, overtaking its previous peak of 4.089 set on July 12, 2025.

Macedonia's M-NAV handled a record 1.463 flights on July 4, exceeding the previous high of 1.393 movements recorded on June 27 this year.

SMATSA, which provides air navigation services in the airspace of both Serbia and Montenegro, managed a record 4.261 flights on July 4, surpassing its previous best of 4.155 flights achieved on August 9, 2025.

Slovenia Control handled a record 2.063 flights on July 5, marking its busiest 24-hour period on record and exceeding the previous high of 1.997 flights set on June 6 this year.

Continued new records are expected in the coming weeks.

Ljubljana Airport’s strong growth continues

2026-07-13T12:00:00.000+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Ljubljana Airport has continued to maintain growth throughout June. It welcomed 184.211 passengers during the month, representing an increase of 12.7% on last year. The figure was achieved despite a dip in the number of aircraft movements by 6.2% to 2.509. During the first half of the year, the airport welcomed 790.238 travellers, up 14.7%, or an additional 100.980 customers. However, the figure is still down 8.1% on the pre-pandemic 2019.

Ljubljana's largest airlines by scheduled seat capacity, June 2026

Air Serbia developing centenary livery concept

2026-07-13T10:30:00.000+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Air Serbia has begun developing a concept for a special livery to mark the centenary of aviation in Serbia next year. Speaking to Euronews Serbia, Air Serbia’s CEO, Jiri Marek, said, "We are working on several concepts, but it is still too early to discuss them in detail. Next year presents a unique opportunity, as Serbia will host Expo while Air Serbia celebrates its 100th anniversary. Expo will provide an excellent marketing platform to connect these two milestones. The Expo slogan, 'Play for Humanity', aligns perfectly with aviation because our industry is all about connecting people and cultures. We are preparing a number of joint initiatives with Expo to promote Serbia, Belgrade, Expo 2027 and the centenary of our airline. While it's too early to reveal the details, we have many exciting plans in the works”.

Macedonia to lead probe into Ryanair decompression incident

2026-07-12T09:00:00.000+02:00

Macedonia's aviation authorities have assumed responsibility for investigating Friday's serious Ryanair incident in which a Serbian passenger was partially sucked through a shattered cabin window after an apparent engine failure aboard a Boeing 737-800. Although the aircraft departed from Greece and returned safely to Thessaloniki, the emergency unfolded while the aircraft was flying through Macedonian airspace, making the country's Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee responsible for leading the inquiry under international aviation rules. Boeing, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are assisting the investigation.

The eighteen-year-old aircraft, flying as Ryanair flight FR1879 from Thessaloniki to Memmingen, suffered a rapid decompression shortly after take-off. Greek media and airport sources indicated that part of the aircraft's right engine failed, with debris reportedly striking and shattering a passenger window. The 61-year-old Serbian national seated beside the damaged window was partially pulled outside the aircraft before fellow passengers managed to drag him back into the cabin. He sustained neck and shoulder injuries, as well as friction burns, and was taken to hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening, according to the Serbian Consulate in Thessaloniki.

Passengers described scenes of panic inside the cabin. One traveller told local media that a loud bang, "like a tyre bursting", was heard after departure before oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling. Another passenger initially believed an emergency exit had opened before realising the aircraft had suffered a rapid decompression. Witnesses said the injured Serbian passenger repeatedly lost consciousness while his wife and those seated nearby held onto him until the aircraft landed safely back in Thessaloniki. Aviation experts have noted that the fact the passenger was wearing his seatbelt likely prevented an even more serious outcome.

On Thursday evening, the day before the incident, the same aircraft, bound for Sarajevo, was forced to return the Thessaloniki shortly after take-off. The flight was subsequently cancelled, with the aircraft’s next service being to Memmingen on Friday morning. Ryanair has not disclosed the reason for that diversion, and there is currently no indication that it is connected to Friday's decompression incident.

The aircraft remains grounded in Thessaloniki while investigators examine the damaged engine and fuselage. The findings of the Macedonian-led investigation are expected to determine whether an uncontained engine failure caused debris to penetrate the cabin window, triggering the decompression. The incident is drawing comparisons with the 2018 Southwest Airlines accident involving another Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft, in which an engine failure also resulted in a shattered window and cabin decompression.

TRIP REPORT: Zagreb - Sao Paulo and back

2026-07-12T08:59:00.000+02:00

Trip Report

Written by Max Hamid

Today, I would like to tell you about my business class flight with Turkish Airlines from Zagreb to São Paulo and back, with a connection in Istanbul. However, on the return journey, the route changed slightly and I ended up returning via a different city - but I will describe that in more detail as the story goes on.

I booked the ticket four months before the planned departure date for EUR 3,071.68, which I found quite reasonable, especially considering that I was traveling during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

ZAG - IST

Flight TK1054 was operated by a Boeing 737-900ER with the registration TC-JYM. The business class seats were much more comfortable than standard European business class, which is rarely seen on Turkish Airlines. Even on most of their short-haul flights, they still offer fairly comfortable seats.

As for the food, I chose the appetizers and coffee, as I was not hungry, although the menu also included additional hot meal options.

After arriving in Istanbul, I headed to the hotel, as I had chosen the Istanbul Stopover option. I stayed in the city for 22 hours, since the shortest available connection was around seven hours. Turkish Airlines provided a complimentary night at the Fairmont Quasar İstanbul, including breakfast.

IST-SAO

The next morning, I headed to Istanbul Airport for my next flight. Business class passengers have access to a separate entrance with a more comfortable baggage drop-off and check-in area, as well as a dedicated security and passport control zone for faster completion of all formalities.

Flight TK15 was operated by an Airbus A350-900 with the registration TC-LHB.

That day, I had a traditional Istanbul travel companion 🐈 - a passenger flying from Moscow to Buenos Aires. This flight’s final destination is Buenos Aires, with a stop in São Paulo for refueling.

This time, I was assigned seat 3A by the window. On the A350, Turkish Airlines has a very comfortable 1-2-1 business class configuration. Some of their A350 aircraft feature doors, similar to Qatar Airways’ Qsuite. These aircraft came to Turkish Airlines from Aeroflot after aircraft deliveries were suspended following the sanctions introduced in 2022.

So far, I have not yet managed to fly on one of the aircraft in the so-called “Turkoflot” configuration, but I hope that in the future I will get a chance to experience this rather unique aircraft.

Turkish Airlines offers an extensive à la carte menu with a wide selection of dishes, although unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of it. Orders are taken by a flight attendant dressed in a chef’s uniform, which adds a special touch and makes the whole experience feel more distinctive.

On that day, however, I went for a lighter breakfast and chose only the appetizers, yoghurt, and fruit salad.

For dinner, I ordered the soup and a couple of appetizers.

Turkish Airlines also serves what it calls “The Oldest Bread” - a bread inspired by a recipe dating back around 12,000 years. It is connected to the Taş Tepeler region of Anatolia, one of the earliest centers of wheat domestication, and is made using ancient grains such as einkorn and emmer wheat.

For me, this detail added an extra emotional layer to the experience. My father’s ancestors were among the early farming peoples, so the idea of being served bread inspired by the very origins of agriculture felt unexpectedly personal. It was not just another element of the meal, but a small reminder of how deeply food, history, and human memory can be connected.

Overall, flying with Turkish Airlines usually leaves a very positive impression. The crew is generally attentive and welcoming, the seats are comfortable on flights of any length, and the selection of food and drinks is truly extensive.

Each passenger also receives an amenity kit by Lanvin Parfums, which includes various skincare products from the brand, as well as socks, an eye mask, earplugs, and a toothbrush with toothpaste.

Time in Brazil

During my time in Brazil, I managed to visit several places: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis, and Foz do Iguaçu. Each of them left a very different impression, which made the trip feel especially rich and diverse.

São Paulo felt like a huge, energetic metropolis - intense, businesslike, and endlessly moving. Rio de Janeiro, on the other hand, was all about emotion: the jungle-covered hills, the dramatic coastline, the beaches, and the New Year’s fireworks created a truly unforgettable atmosphere. There are places that look beautiful in photos, but Rio is one of those cities that feels even more powerful in person.

Florianópolis added a calmer, seaside part to the journey, with a more relaxed rhythm and beautiful coastal scenery. And Foz do Iguaçu became one of the brightest natural highlights of the entire trip. Iguazu Falls are without a doubt among the most colorful and impressive waterfalls in the world - the scale, the sound of the water, and the surrounding tropical nature make the whole place feel almost cinematic.

One interesting detail from my time in Brazil was that I also flew with GOL Airlines. On many of their aircraft, the Air France-KLM alliance logos are displayed next to the GOL branding, even though Air France-KLM’s actual shareholding in GOL is relatively small.

Helicopter rides in Brazil are relatively affordable, so I decided to take the opportunity to fly over the waterfalls - and I absolutely did not regret it. A 30-minute flight costs around $120, which feels quite reasonable for such an experience.

Seeing Iguazu Falls from above gives a completely different perspective: only from the air do you fully realize the scale of the waterfalls, the endless greenery around them, and the way the water cuts through the landscape. It became one of those moments that instantly justifies the trip.

SAO-CDG

Originally, I was supposed to return to Zagreb with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. However, when I opened the app about three hours before departure to check which terminal I should order my taxi to, I discovered that my tickets had been changed to alternative carriers - LATAM and Air France.

Later, during the flight, I discovered that Turkish Airlines had sent me an email explaining that there had been some issue with the seat, which was why they had rebooked me. They also offered compensation, which I received about two weeks after returning to Zagreb. As a result, the effective price of the ticket dropped to around EUR 2,400, while the overall travel time was also significantly reduced.

Flight LA8068 was operated by a Boeing 787-9 with the registration CC-BGP, a Chilean-registered aircraft.

The cabin layout was also comfortable, with a 1-2-1 configuration. The seat has a cube-like design, which creates a certain sense of privacy from the other passengers.

The menu offered a fairly wide selection of drinks, as well as dinner and breakfast options. For passengers’ convenience, it was printed in three languages: English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

The amenity kit also had an interesting concept behind it. According to the description, each color was inspired by one of South America’s natural landscapes, which added a nice regional touch to the design.

LATAM refers to this collection as the “Altitude Series”. It includes six different colorways, each representing a different landscape, climate, and regional spirit. The green version is inspired by the Amazon, the sand-colored one by the Atacama Desert, the pale icy blue by Salar de Uyuni - the world’s largest salt flat - and the deep blue by Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. There is also a wine-colored version inspired by Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, and a metallic grey version inspired by Aconcagua in the Andes.

I found this concept quite thoughtful. Instead of being just another standard amenity kit, it became a small visual reference to the geography and natural beauty of South America.

The contents of the amenity kit consist of skincare products from Costa Brazil, which fits nicely with the overall South American concept of the collection.

For dinner, I chose the seared salmon with passionfruit chutney as an appetizer, followed by the grilled tenderloin with demi-glace sauce, roasted potatoes, cress, roasted onions and bacon farofa as the main course.

For dessert, I went with the coconut dessert with strawberry mousse, toasted coconut, and cacao nibs.

For breakfast, I chose the free-range egg omelet with cherry tomatoes and grilled zucchini.

After landing and passing through passport control, I waited for my next flight in one of the Air France lounges.

CDG-ZAG

Flight AF1560 was operated by a narrow-body Embraer 190 with the registration F-HBLB, under the HOP! Brand.

I slept through the entire flight, so the only thing I managed to capture was the snow-covered landscape around Zagreb during the approach.

An interesting fact about Air France is that the airline offers champagne in all cabins on its long-haul flights. This is very much part of the brand’s French identity and marketing strategy. I once even saw an Air France stand at an exhibition where anyone could receive a glass of champagne from one of several windows labeled First, Business, and Economy Class - a playful reminder that, at least on long-haul flights, champagne is not reserved only for premium cabins.

Final thoughts: Brazil, safety and the airlines

To sum up this journey, Brazil is an incredibly colorful and multi-layered country. It is a place where dramatic natural beauty exists side by side with huge, energetic cities. Wealth, glamour, and luxury can be found just a short distance from favelas and deep, seemingly endless poverty. This contrast is one of the things that makes Brazil so fascinating, but it also constantly reminds you that reality can change very quickly from one neighborhood to another.

Personally, I did not experience any incidents in Brazil, and there was no moment when I felt directly unsafe. However, I do think travelers coming from very safe countries need to stay alert. After several years of living in Zagreb and Croatia, I realized that I had become dangerously relaxed when it comes to personal safety. In Brazil, it is better to be more aware of your surroundings, avoid unnecessary displays of valuables, think twice before taking out your phone in random places, and generally trust your instincts. It does not mean you should travel in fear. Quite the opposite, Brazil is absolutely worth visiting. But a certain level of attention and common sense is definitely necessary.

As for the airline experience, Turkish Airlines continues to maintain its reputation and onboard quality. It remains one of the best and most convenient airlines, capable of taking you almost anywhere in the world with a consistently strong onboard product.

LATAM, on the other hand, felt like a fairly average airline. I also used them several times on domestic flights within Latin America, and I cannot say that service quality or consistency is their strongest point. That said, the long-haul flight itself was quite comfortable, although the quality of the food and its presentation were noticeably below what Turkish Airlines offers.

Unfortunately, I cannot say much about Air France within the scope of this review, as I slept through most of the flight. The only thing I can mention is that the cabin crew seemed friendly and welcoming.

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

EX-YU airports handle 13.1 million passengers, Skopje fastest growing

2026-07-11T09:00:00.000+02:00

The former Yugoslavia’s 21 commercial airports with scheduled passenger traffic handled a combined total of 13.105.289 travellers during the January - May. The figure represents an increase of 1.074.294 travellers on the same period last year.

Macedonia was the fastest-growing market in the former Yugoslavia, adding 375.766 passengers during the first five months of the year. Its capital, Skopje, was the region’s fastest-growing airport, handling an additional 360.589 travellers compared to the same period last year. In May alone, Skopje recorded a 28.6% increase in passenger numbers, serving 355.929 passengers. The growth is being fuelled by Wizz Air’s wide-scale expansion in the country.

Passenger traffic among former Yugoslav airports, January - May 2026

Belgrade remained the former Yugoslavia’s busiest airport, adding 255.376 travellers during the January - May period despite facing several headwinds, including the reduction of services by a Middle Eastern carriers, among them one of its busiest airlines, Flydubai. In addition, the closure of Lufthansa CityLine significantly reduced operations to Munich for much of April and May.

Elsewhere, after several years of strong passenger growth, Pristina has seen its figures contract. In April alone, passenger numbers declined 4% year-on-year. The airport is expected to face further pressure in the coming months due to significant frequency reductions and network cuts by its largest carrier, GP Aviation. Meanwhile, smaller Croatian coastal airports have been affected by the suspension of domestic Public Service Obligation (PSO) flights operated by Trade Air, after the Croatian government failed to launch the tender process for a new four-year domestic services contract within the required timeframe. A public call has yet to be issued, however, Trade Air has announced the resumption of domestic flights by mid-July.

Belgrade poised to top one million passengers in July for first time

2026-07-10T14:00:00.000+02:00

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is on course to welcome more than one million passengers this July, marking the first time it has reached the milestone during the month and only the second occasion it has handled over a million travellers in a single month. The achievement would come despite reduced capacity and weaker demand on Middle Eastern routes caused by the ongoing conflict in the region. The airport requires passenger growth of 2.7% to surpass the one million mark and is expected to achieve this on the back of a 5.9% increase in scheduled seat capacity, barring any unexpected circumstances. Although charter demand has been weaker, particularly on routes to Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt, it has begun to recover in recent weeks, with additional charter flights to Egypt being added compared to the original schedule.

This July, Air Serbia will account for the largest increase in capacity in absolute terms, adding 43.416 seats on scheduled services, up 7.5% on last year. The growth will be supported by an additional 420 flights, including return services. Wizz Air will add 37.035 seats, representing an increase of 20.5%, alongside fifty additional flights. Other airlines contributing extra capacity include SCAT Airlines and airBaltic, neither of which was present in the market last July, as well as easyJet, which has introduced services from Paris. This will help make up for reduced operations by the likes of sun D’or, Qatar Airways, Nouvelair, Lufthansa and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the latter having ceased operations since.

Belgrade Airport handled more than one million passengers in a single month for the first time last August, when it welcomed 1.003.934 travellers. The milestone is expected to be reached again this year. During the January - May period, the airport handled more than 3.3 million passengers, while its June traffic results are due to be released next Thursday. However, the airport's performance in the fourth quarter remains uncertain. Its second-largest customer, Wizz Air, has warned it may be forced to close its base in the Serbian capital in November. Although the airline has confirmed it will not withdraw from Belgrade Airport entirely, it has said it would significantly reduce its operations, resulting in fewer flights.

Serbian passenger injured in Ryanair incident over Greece

2026-07-10T11:48:09.052+02:00

NEWS FLASH

A Serbian passenger was injured after nearly being sucked out of a cabin window in mid-air on a Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen. Ryanair flight FR1879, operated by a Boeing 737-800, turned back shortly after departure after part of a damaged engine detached and struck a cabin window, causing it to shatter and partially sucking out part of the passenger. The injured 61-year-old was taken to Thessaloniki's AHEPA Hospital after the aircraft landed safely. He is expected to undergo a CT scan to determine whether he sustained any fractures. Witnesses said the man was left hanging head first out of the window as far as his shoulders for several minutes, before other passengers on the flight managed to pull him back inside. They noted that a loud bang was heard followed by the window breaking and oxygen masks falling from the ceiling shortly after the B737 had taken off. They believe the window was smashed by pieces of the jet's engine - although Ryanair has not commented on this.

In a statement, Ryanair said its Friday morning flight from the Greek city of Thessaloniki to Germany's Memmingen returned "shortly after take-off when a passenger window dislodged inflight". It continued, "The aircraft landed normally and passengers returned to the terminal. One passenger requested and received medical assistance on the ground in Thessaloniki".

Zagreb Airport sees flat June

2026-07-10T10:30:24.070+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Zagreb Airport handled 438.575 passengers in June, representing an increase 213 travellers on the same month last year. Aircraft movements declined 2.9% to 4.478. During the first half of the year, Zagreb Airport welcomed 2.219.552 travellers through its doors, up 3.1%, or an additional 66.981 passengers.

Zagreb's largest airlines by scheduled seat capacity, June 2026

Lufthansa to cut European flights and reshape network

2026-07-09T14:00:00.000+02:00

Lufthansa is preparing a significant overhaul of its European network through 2028, with plans to reduce short-haul capacity in a move expected to have further repercussions for markets across the former Yugoslavia. The restructuring will result in fewer aircraft and thousands of fewer flights. The airline's latest strategy was outlined by CEO Carsten Spohr during an internal employee event. As part of the plan, Lufthansa intends to remove up to fifteen aircraft from its short- and medium-haul fleet in 2027, while thousands of European flights are expected to be eliminated by 2028. The carrier has already begun implementing the strategy. It is operating with 25 fewer aircraft this summer than originally planned, which has resulted in the discontinuation of flights between Frankfurt and Skopje, with operations between Munich and Ljubljana to be downgraded to summer seasonal flights.

Despite the closure of its CityLine subsidiary in April, which has had an impact on Lufthansa’s Munich operations, Mr Spohr has said that the airport will play an increasingly important role in its network in the coming years, as operating costs per passenger are significantly lower at the Bavarian hub than at Frankfurt, making it more attractive for future expansion. Passengers will also face fewer scheduling options as Lufthansa plans to eliminate so-called "duplicate connections", reducing multiple flights operating at similar times between the same cities and hubs. Many of the airline’s flights from the former Yugoslavia to Frankfurt and Munich are currently scheduled to depart at similar times, a pattern that could change over the next two years as Lufthansa reshapes its European network.

The airline also intends to transfer a growing number of services to other airlines within the Lufthansa Group. Lufthansa has indicated that its core "Lufthansa Classic" operation could be reduced further across Europe as more routes are transferred to lower-cost subsidiaries within the group. According to Lufthansa's management, the restructuring is necessary because the airline continues to lose money on its European and short-haul network, with those losses reducing the profitability of its long-haul operations. The airline aims to improve efficiency by eliminating unprofitable routes, reducing overlap between hubs, lowering operating costs and increasing employee productivity.

Lufthansa is the seventh-largest airline in the former Yugoslav markets by scheduled seat capacity in 2026, behind Wizz Air, Ryanair, Air Serbia, Croatia Airlines, easyJet and Turkish Airlines. Twenty years ago, in 2006, it ranked fifth, behind Croatia Airlines, Jat Airways, Adria Airways and Austrian Airlines.

Ljubljana handles 6.4 million passengers through new terminal

2026-07-09T13:30:00.000+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Ljubljana Airport's passenger terminal is marking the fifth anniversary since its opening in July 2021. It has welcomed over 6.4 million passengers since, with the airport expecting to handle around 1.7 million travellers through the facility this year alone. The terminal handled its first flight to Antalya in July 2021. The project also included a new baggage sorting facility, upgraded parking infrastructure, a new bus station and renovated public areas surrounding the terminal. Over the past five years, the airport's most popular destinations have been Istanbul, Frankfurt, Zurich, Belgrade and Paris.

Commenting on the anniversary, Jürgen Deischl, Managing Director of airport operator Fraport Slovenija, said, "The passenger terminal is far more than just an infrastructure investment. It is the first point of contact for many visitors and forms an important part of the first impression Slovenia leaves on its guests. Five years after opening, it has fully met our expectations by strengthening the quality, efficiency and appeal of Ljubljana Airport, while providing the capacity and flexibility needed for future growth. We are proud of what has been achieved, but our ambitions extend even further. We want to continue strengthening Ljubljana Airport's position as the airport of choice for passengers, airlines and business partners across the wider region”.

Speaking to EX-YU Aviation News recently, Mr Deischl outlined other ongoing and planned infrastructure developments at the airport.

TAROM resumes Belgrade service

2026-07-09T10:30:00.000+02:00

NEWS FLASH

Romanian flag carrier TAROM has this week restored operations between Bucharest and Belgrade after a three-month hiatus. It will initially maintain just one weekly rotation during July, increasing to two weekly from August. TAROM codeshares with Air Serbia on flights between the two capitals. Air Serbia maintains twelve weekly services on the route and is deploying the larger Embraer E190 aircraft on an average of seven weekly rotations, while the remaining flights will be operated by the ATR72-600. TAROM also uses an ATR72-600 on the service.

Wizz Air warns Serbia of jobs, passenger and economic losses

2026-07-08T14:00:00.000+02:00

The dispute over Wizz Air’s operations at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has continued to escalate, with the carrier warning that the potential closure of its base in the Serbian capital in November would lead to a significant drop in passenger numbers at the airport and deal a financial blow to its concessionaire, VINCI. The warning follows the introduction of new regulations by Serbia's Civil Aviation Directorate governing the operations of foreign carriers, which Wizz Air argues threaten the future of its Belgrade base. EX-YU Aviation News has contacted Belgrade Airport, the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate and the Serbian Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure for comment on the broader issue, but none have responded. The latest development comes in the form of an open letter from more than 200 Belgrade-based Wizz Air employees to the Serbian government, warning that the recent amendments to the rulebook governing approvals for foreign airlines could jeopardise their jobs and lead to the closure of the carrier's Belgrade base.

In the letter, the employees say they have "built our careers, our families and our future around a company that believed in Belgrade when others did not", adding that the regulatory changes "threaten to end that in a matter of months". They claim Wizz Air has repeatedly sought clarification over the new rules but has received no response, prompting them to appeal directly to the authorities. The workers argue that the potential closure of the base would leave more than 200 employees without jobs in Serbia, forcing many to choose between continuing their careers abroad or remaining in the country. "We are currently in a situation where our company guarantees us employment, and the country of which we are citizens and where we pay taxes and contributions does not allow us to survive", the letter states.

The employees also question the wider economic impact of the decision, asking how the government intends to replace their jobs, offset lost tax revenues and social contributions, compensate for the potential loss of around two million annual Wizz Air passengers and address the impact on Belgrade Airport and its concessionaire, VINCI. They further ask how Serbia plans to accommodate increased passenger demand during Expo 2027 while reducing low cost airline capacity. In addition, the signatories reject what they describe as a recent media campaign against the airline, saying it has contained "a large number of falsehoods" about both Wizz Air and its employees. They stress that the carrier has operated from Belgrade "for 15 years without incident" and insist, "We will not accept our safety record being used as a political argument".

At the same time, a detailed article widely circulated in sections of the Serbian media argues that the dispute regarding the carrier’s safety practices in the country has been misrepresented by focusing on EASA Part-145 approvals and flight safety rather than the core regulatory issue. It maintains that Serbian authorities never questioned the airworthiness of Wizz Air's aircraft or the validity of the maintenance providers' EASA approvals but instead focused solely on compliance with Serbia's national rules governing ground handling services, including line maintenance. The article further claims that the maintenance providers initially engaged by Wizz Air did not hold the licences required under Serbian legislation at the time they were contracted, while arguing that European legislation obliges operators to comply with applicable national regulations in the countries where they operate.

Jazeera Airways delays Tivat return

2026-07-08T13:30:00.000+02:00

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Kuwaiti carrier Jazeera Airways has postponed the resumption of its seasonal summer service between Kuwait City and Tivat. Flights were originally scheduled to resume today, but the airline updated its timetable last week, delaying the restart until August 2. It now plans to operate the route three times per week through September 16, although further schedule changes remain possible.

Sarajevo Airport passenger numbers dip in June

2026-07-08T10:30:00.000+02:00

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Sarajevo Airport handled 213.178 passengers in June, representing a decrease of 7.6% on the same month in 2025. The figure is in line with an expected decline in overall scheduled seat capacity, which will continue into July.

Numerous airlines reduced flights and capacity in June compared to the same month last year. These included SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Qatar Airways and Flyadeal, which did not operate any services during the month, as well as Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, which has ceased operations. Other carriers that recorded fewer flights and seats included Jazeera Airways, Flydubai, Kuwait Airways, Flynas, Eurowings, Croatia Airlines, AJet, Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines. Softer demand and flight restrictions in the Middle East continue to have a significant impact on the airport's performance.

During the first half of the year, Sarajevo Airport welcomed 960.622 travellers through its doors, representing an increase of 1.4% or an additional 12.878 passengers.

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

Fraport Slovenija on Ljubljana Airport’s routes, competition and future plans

2026-07-07T14:00:00.000+02:00

As passenger numbers continue to grow and Ljubljana Airport expands its route network, infrastructure and airline portfolio, its operator, Fraport Slovenija, is positioning the airport for long-term, sustainable development. In an interview with EX-YU Aviation News, Fraport Slovenija's Managing Director, Jürgen Deischl, discusses the airport's performance, future route development priorities, the impact of changes within the Lufthansa Group, competition from neighbouring airports, ongoing infrastructure investments and his vision for strengthening Ljubljana Airport's role as Slovenia's primary international gateway.

EX-YU Aviation News: Ljubljana Airport has seen strong passenger growth so far this year. What are your expectations for the remainder of 2026?

We remain optimistic for the remainder of 2026. Demand for air travel to and from Slovenia remains strong, our network continues to expand, and passenger traffic has largely returned to pre-pandemic levels. Excluding the transfer traffic historically generated by the former hub operations in Ljubljana, traffic is already above pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the strength of Slovenia’s underlying origin-and-destination market.

What is particularly encouraging is that this is no longer a recovery story. Ljubljana Airport has entered a new phase of sustainable growth. Since 2023, we have significantly expanded our route network, strengthened and diversified our airline portfolio, and improved Slovenia’s connectivity for both inbound and outbound travellers.

At the same time, we remain realistic. The aviation industry continues to face geopolitical uncertainty, fleet constraints, industry consolidation and rising cost pressures. In this environment, competitiveness is becoming an increasingly important success factor. Continued growth will depend on improvements in efficiency, productivity and innovation, supported by constructive cooperation between industry stakeholders and policymakers.

Ljubljana Airport is well positioned for this challenge. With modern infrastructure, available capacity and a diversified airline base, we are confident in our ability to sustain growth and further strengthen Slovenia’s connectivity in the years ahead.

Which markets remain at the top of your target list for future route development?

Our route development priorities are guided by one principle: we want to build a balanced, resilient and commercially sustainable network for Slovenia. This means strengthening connectivity through key European hubs, while also developing attractive direct point-to-point services where there is proven demand. Germany, Italy, selected markets in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, and additional leisure and city-break destinations remain important areas of focus. At the same time, long-haul connectivity - either direct in the future or through strong one-stop partnerships - is a strategic priority, especially where we see significant untapped demand.

From an inbound perspective, the United States remains particularly relevant as one of Slovenia’s most important overseas source markets. More broadly, we see significant potential in improving access from North America, the Middle East and Asia, where Slovenia is increasingly recognised as a high-value, sustainable and authentic destination. The key point is that we are not chasing routes for the sake of announcements. We are pursuing routes that can be commercially viable from an airline perspective, add real connectivity value, and strengthen Ljubljana Airport’s role as the natural gateway to Slovenia and the wider region.

Ljubljana has successfully diversified its airline portfolio since the collapse of Adria Airways. Going forward, is the airport looking to attract more low cost carriers (and routes) or is your focus primarily on large hub carriers that can provide transfer options to passengers?

For us, route development is not about choosing one airline model over another. A successful airport requires a balanced airline portfolio. Network carriers provide access to global markets through their hub systems, while value carriers stimulate demand and expand direct European access. Charter and leisure airlines complement the offering by serving important holiday markets.

The strength of Ljubljana Airport today lies in this balance. Rather than relying on a single airline, segment or business model, we have built a diversified and resilient network that supports growth and strengthens Slovenia’s international accessibility.

Our objective is to develop traffic that creates lasting value for passengers, airlines and the wider Slovenian economy. This is fully aligned with Slovenia’s positioning as a high-value, sustainable destination rather than a mass-tourism market.

We therefore welcome any airline - network, value, leisure or hybrid - that can contribute to this objective and is prepared to build a commercially viable partnership.

The market has fundamentally changed over the past decade. While connectivity is delivered through a different model today, Ljubljana has successfully rebuilt its network and reduced dependency on any single airline. Resilience now comes from diversification, sound partnerships and a route portfolio that serves both Slovenian travellers and international visitors.

Slovenia is becoming increasingly attractive to airlines. A strong economy, high-yield passenger base, growing tourism sector and strategic location at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Alps-Adriatic region and South-Eastern Europe create a compelling market opportunity.

Ljubljana Airport further supports this with available capacity, no structural slot constraints, efficient infrastructure and reliable operations. Whether an airline chooses to establish a base is ultimately its decision. Our role is to provide the right commercial and operational environment.

Strategically, the label "base" is less important than the outcome. What matters is sustainable capacity growth, strong year-round market access and continued development of inbound tourism. If an airline sees Ljubljana as a long-term platform for serving Slovenia and the wider region, we would certainly welcome that.

Lufthansa's ongoing restructuring and network optimisation are expected to have implications for Ljubljana as well. How confident are you that the Munich route will be maintained in some form over the longer term?

It is important to distinguish between Lufthansa Group as a strategic partner and the future of Lufthansa’s own operations on the Munich route.

We remain highly confident in Lufthansa Group’s long-term commitment to the Slovenian market. Through Lufthansa, SWISS and Brussels Airlines, the group continues to play a vital role in connecting Slovenia with major European and global markets.

The current developments on the Munich route should primarily be viewed in the context of Lufthansa’s fleet and network restructuring rather than a weakening of demand. Following the discontinuation of Lufthansa CityLine operations, Lufthansa has fewer regional aircraft ideally suited to markets such as Ljubljana. Aircraft such as the CRJ900 offered an excellent fit in terms of capacity, frequency and economics, while larger Airbus narrowbody aircraft are more challenging to deploy efficiently in a market of Slovenia’s size.

For this reason, I would not interpret the recent changes as a strategic reassessment of Ljubljana. They are primarily the result of fleet allocation decisions within a much larger network. Lufthansa currently plans to maintain seasonal summer operations on the Munich route, while no winter operation is currently foreseen. Naturally, we would welcome a return to year-round Lufthansa service given Munich's importance for both business travel and global connectivity.

Our view is that the issue is not demand from Slovenia, but the availability of aircraft that are economically suited to markets of this size. The underlying market fundamentals remain strong. At the same time, Ljubljana Airport is today much more diversified than in the past. Airlines such as SWISS, Brussels Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Air France-KLM, Turkish Airlines and Air Serbia provide alternative hub options and help ensure network resilience.

Germany remains one of Slovenia’s most important economic partners, and strengthening air connectivity between our two countries remains a priority. Whether this is delivered through Munich, other Lufthansa Group hubs, a broader mix of network carriers or further direct connections in the future is ultimately less important than ensuring reliable and competitive access to global markets for Slovenian travellers and businesses.

Many Slovenians continue to use airports in neighbouring countries, including Zagreb, Venice and Trieste. How significant is this leakage today?

Some level of cross-border airport use is natural in a country of Slovenia’s size and location. At the same time, leakage remains significant in certain market segments, particularly where specific destinations, frequencies or airline products are not yet available from Ljubljana.

We are surrounded by several international airports within driving distance, and passengers today compare schedules, prices, airline products and convenience very actively.

But I would not frame this only as a leakage challenge. It is also a regional opportunity. Ljubljana Airport itself attracts passengers from neighbouring regions, particularly from parts of Austria, Italy and Croatia. The real question is therefore: how do we make Ljubljana the most attractive airport choice wherever we can compete?

Our answer is clear: by expanding the route network, offering reliable and efficient operations, maintaining a high-quality passenger experience, and working with airlines and tourism stakeholders to build direct demand for Slovenia. Different airports in the region play different roles. Some are more focused on volume-driven low-cost traffic.

Ljubljana’s position is different: Slovenia is a high-value, sustainable destination, and our airport strategy reflects that. Sustainable growth does not mean low growth. It means growth that can be maintained over the long term while preserving service quality, airline profitability, operational resilience and destination attractiveness. We want growth, but not just any growth. We want connectivity that supports tourism, business, the economy and the long-term positioning of Slovenia.

So yes, leakage exists. But the trend is that Ljubljana Airport is becoming stronger, more visible and more competitive. Our task is to convert more of the region’s demand into sustainable traffic through Ljubljana.

Jürgen Deischl, Managing Director Fraport Slovenija

Which routes could help recapture outbound Slovenian travellers currently using foreign airports?

For a country of around two million inhabitants, Slovenia can be proud of the level of connectivity it has achieved. Today, Ljubljana Airport is served by 24 airlines offering 30 direct destinations, providing a broad and diversified network for a market of our size. The progress made in recent years is also reflected in international benchmarks, with Slovenia recording one of the strongest improvements in air connectivity within the EU+ region according to ACI Europe’s Connectivity Report 2025.

Of course, there are markets where additional frequencies or new routes would help retain more Slovenian outbound demand. Selected German and Italian markets remain relevant. We also see opportunities in parts of Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, as well as in stronger long-haul connectivity through major hub partnerships.

But I would frame the opportunity more broadly. The objective is not simply to “recapture” every Slovenian passenger who uses a foreign airport. The bigger strategic opportunity is to further strengthen Ljubljana as the airport of choice for Slovenia and the wider region, serving outbound travellers, inbound visitors and international business flows alike.

This is why inbound traffic is so important. When airlines see strong inbound demand, route economics improve, frequencies become more sustainable, and Slovenian passengers benefit as well. In the long run, the most effective way to reduce leakage is not by focusing on leakage alone, but by continuously strengthening the overall attractiveness, connectivity and competitiveness of Ljubljana Airport.

Fraport Slovenia has invested heavily in infrastructure, including the new terminal and taxiways. Could you give us an overview of existing infrastructure development and plans for the future?

Over the past decade, Ljubljana Airport has undergone a major transformation. The new passenger terminal was an important milestone, and we have continued to invest in airside infrastructure, operational resilience and service quality.

Our most important current infrastructure project is the comprehensive reconstruction of the main apron. This project is being delivered while the airport remains fully operational, which makes it operationally demanding but also strategically important. It is not simply a pavement renewal project. Covering approximately 37,000 square metres, it modernises one of the airport’s most critical operational assets, improves operational efficiency and flexibility, and prepares the airport for future growth. Once completed, the apron will provide capacity for 22 Code C aircraft stands, 4 Code D stands and 2 Code E stands, giving us a strong platform for further network development and future traffic growth.

Importantly, this investment is being delivered while maintaining normal airport operations, demonstrating both the resilience of the airport and our commitment to supporting airline growth without disruption. We are also investing in more sustainable and efficient airport operations. This includes electrification of ground operations, fixed and mobile electrical ground power infrastructure, vehicle electrification and broader decarbonisation measures.

At the same time, the apron investment also creates the foundation for future digital apron solutions and smarter airport operations. Ljubljana Airport already benefits from an efficient and compact airport layout. Looking ahead, our focus is not only on concrete and asphalt. We are developing a smarter airport ecosystem where digitalisation, automation, customer experience and operational efficiency are just as important as physical infrastructure.

We want passengers and airlines to experience Ljubljana as efficient, reliable, easy to use and distinctly Slovenian. There are also broader aviation opportunities around cargo, logistics and aircraft maintenance. The recent developments around aircraft maintenance in Ljubljana underline that the airport is not only a passenger gateway, but part of a wider aviation ecosystem.

Our vision is clear: Ljubljana Airport should be a modern, efficient and sustainable gateway for Slovenia and the airport of choice for the wider region.

Air Montenegro's incoming E195 held up by lessor

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

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The delivery of Air Montenegro’s fourth Embraer E195 aircraft has been delayed due to administrative and technical issues. The aircraft, which had been scheduled for delivery last Friday, was pulled at the last minute, with the airline stating that lessor TrueNoord has accepted responsibility for the delay. “The delay is solely the result of administrative and technical obstacles that were the responsibility of the lessor, TrueNoord”, Air Montenegro said. The carrier also released an apology letter from the leasing company, which stated, “On behalf of TrueNoord, I sincerely apologise that our team was not in a position to deliver aircraft MSN 19000471 to Air Montenegro today, as well as for the cancellation of today’s flight from Saarbrhucken to Podgorica. Due to certain administrative and technical issues that TrueNoord was unable to resolve in a timely manner, the relevant aviation authorities were unable to issue the necessary flight permit”.

The fifteen-year-old aircraft was previously operated by Brazil’s Azul Airlines. It will be registered as 4O-AOI. The jet had originally been expected to join Air Montenegro’s fleet in mid-May. The airline said it will inform the public of the revised delivery date once it has been confirmed. “We assure the public that TrueNoord is making every effort to overcome its administrative challenges, and we expect the aircraft to be delivered to our fleet as soon as possible”, Air Montenegro concluded.

Air Serbia sets 24-hour record

2026-07-07T10:30:00.000+02:00

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Air Serbia operated the highest volume of flights within a 24-hour period in its history, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, Eurocontrol, said. Last Friday, July 3, the airline carried out 209 flights. It overtakes the previous peak, which was set on August 8, 2025, when the airline operated 205 flights. On July 3, the airline had the most flights from Belgrade to Tivat (a total of six), followed by three flights to Athens, Ljubljana, Podgorica, Vienna, Moscow, Zagreb and Zurich.

Wizz Air cuts Tuzla base capacity by 22% as third jet talks continue

2026-07-06T15:00:00.000+02:00

Wizz Air has replaced its 239-seat Airbus A321neo aircraft stationed at its Tuzla base with 180-seat Airbus A320neo aircraft, reducing capacity by around 22% compared to its initial plan. The low cost carrier, which reopened its Tuzla base in December last year with a single A321neo, had planned to station a second aircraft of the same type in June. However, it opted for the smaller A320neo instead and, at the start of July, also replaced the original A321neo with the smaller variant. As a result, the airline will offer almost sixty fewer seats per rotation on average. In July alone, this equates to 11.024 fewer seats.

The Minister of Trade, Tourism and Transport of the Tuzla Canton, Almir Žilić, recently said he expects the low cost airline to base its third aircraft in Tuzla by the end of the year, noting that discussions are already underway. The Tuzla Canton government allocated approximately 615.000 euros to Wizz Air in 2025 for the launch of new routes. This year, the funding will be increased to 1.1 million euros to support existing services and the introduction of new ones. Wizz Air now generates the bulk of Tuzla’s traffic, accounting for around 95% of all passengers. The airport handled 225.411 passengers during the January - May period, representing a year-on-year increase of 114.7%, or an additional 120.410 travellers.

Speaking to EX-YU Aviation News recently about its operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wizz Air said, "Our focus remains on Tuzla. We serve Tuzla, Sarajevo and Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we remain committed to the market. We enjoy a strong partnership with Tuzla Airport, which we greatly value. Wizz Air is an important and reliable partner for both the region and Bosnia and Herzegovina, helping to enhance connectivity and create opportunities for economic growth. At the same time, we must remain mindful of overall capacity and ensure our network in the country is designed as efficiently as possible".

Air China begins Bucharest - Zagreb sales

2026-07-06T14:39:41.571+02:00

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Air China, which last week commenced sales for its upcoming new Beijing - Bucharest - Zagreb service has now put ticket on sales for the short intra-European sector. The airline has been granted fifth freedom traffic rights between the two cities from September 4. Tickets can be purchased through Online Travel Agents such as Trip.com and Expedia, with one-way economy class fares currently starting at 228 euros. Fifth freedom rights are those enabling an airline to carry passengers between two foreign countries as part of a route connected to its home country.

Fifth freedom flights are not uncommon. Examples of other intra-European services include Emirates between Larnaca and Malta, Ethiopian Airlines between Vienna and Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo, as well as Geneva and Manchester, Sichuan Airlines between Istanbul and Athens, as well as Singapore Airlines between Milan and Barcelona.

Croatia Airlines to take delivery of tenth A220

2026-07-06T13:30:00.000+02:00

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Croatia Airlines will take delivery of its tenth Airbus A220 shortly, registered 9A-CAS and named Velika Gorica, marking the addition of the airline’s eighth A220-300, complemented by a further two A220-100s. As previously reported, the jet will be the first A220 in the world to feature the official Star Alliance livery. The aircraft underwent its first test flight on June 29 and has also undertaken taxi and engine tests since. Following its delivery, Croatia Airlines is scheduled to receive a further four A220s by the end of this year, with the final aircraft expected to join the fleet in 2027.