An aviation dispute has broken out between Wizz Air and Serbian authorities, with the Hungarian low-cost carrier warning that it may be forced to close its Belgrade base from November 2026 if proposed regulatory changes are implemented.
The airline claims that Serbia’s revised route approval procedures could make it impossible to continue operating its local base, potentially resulting in the loss of around 150 jobs and the cancellation of multiple routes.
Wizz Air accuses Serbia of protecting Air Serbia
At the centre of the dispute are proposed changes to Serbia’s aviation regulations governing foreign airlines operating from bases within the country.
According to Wizz Air, the new rules would effectively prevent non-Serbian carriers from maintaining long-term operational bases in Serbia. The airline argues that the measures are designed to strengthen the position of state-backed Air Serbia by limiting competition from foreign operators.
Under the revised framework, airlines from European Union member states would only be permitted to operate routes involving Serbia if those services begin or end within the EU. Wizz Air believes the changes would significantly restrict its operational flexibility and undermine its business model in the country.
Owain Jones, Wizz Air’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, described the planned measures as “unlawful” and said Serbia must decide whether it supports open markets and competition or chooses to protect a single airline at the expense of consumers and the wider aviation sector, AIRportal.hu writes.
Airline warns of job losses and fewer flights
Wizz Air has operated in Belgrade since 2010 and currently serves around 26 destinations from its Serbian base.
The airline says it has invested hundreds of millions of euros in Serbia over the past 16 years and has carried more than 14 million passengers to and from the country during that period.
If the Belgrade base were to close, Wizz Air warns that the consequences would extend beyond the company itself. The airline argues that reduced competition could lead to higher ticket prices, fewer travel options and a negative impact on tourism, employment and foreign investment.
The carrier has also stated that the planned changes could force it to withdraw from Belgrade entirely from November 2026 if no solution is found.
Serbian authorities reject the allegations
According to VG, Serbia’s Civil Aviation Directorate has strongly rejected Wizz Air’s claims.
In a response to the airline’s criticism, the authority stated that no airline has been denied the right to operate flights between Serbia and European Union member states. It also stressed that new routes can still be launched provided they comply with existing international agreements.
According to the regulator, the amendments do not restrict traffic rights and are applied equally to all airlines operating in the market.
The authority insists that the changes merely clarify existing regulations rather than favouring any particular carrier.
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Possible impact on Hungarian travellers
While the dispute is centred on Serbia, the outcome could affect passengers across Central and Southeast Europe, including Hungary.
Belgrade has become an important regional aviation hub, and Wizz Air’s presence has contributed to growing competition and lower fares on several routes. Industry observers note that any reduction in the airline’s operations could lead to fewer flight choices and potentially higher prices for travellers using connections through the Serbian capital.
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