The French low-cost airline Transavia France has unexpectedly canceled its flight connection between Paris-Orly and Belgrade-Nikola-Tesla, scheduled for July 2025. The main reason is cited as fuel supply difficulties at Belgrade Airport, which are due to international sanctions against the monopoly airline Nis. This move highlights the far-reaching impact of geopolitical tensions on European air traffic.
Transavia France had announced that it would launch a new flight between Paris-Orly and Belgrade starting in July 2025. This was intended to complement the existing services offered by Wizz Air and Air Serbia, which already offer connections between Paris and Belgrade. However, shortly after the announcement, ticket sales were suspended, and the airline cited "internal reasons" for the cancellation of the route.
Fuel supply problems in Belgrade
The main reason for Transavia France's decision lies in the fuel supply at Belgrade Airport. Naftna Industrija Srbije (Nis) is the sole supplier of aviation fuel there. Nis is majority-owned by the Russian company Gazprom Neft, which in turn is subject to US and European sanctions. These sanctions were imposed in January 2025 and are aimed at reducing Russia's revenues from the energy sector.
The sanctions against Nis have a direct impact on airlines using Belgrade Airport. For example, Wizz Air, a Hungarian low-cost airline, announced in January 2025 that it would no longer refuel its aircraft in Belgrade. Instead, the aircraft will now refuel in Timișoara (Romania) or Budapest (Hungary), resulting in additional costs and logistical challenges.
Reactions of the Serbian government
The Serbian government faces the challenge of minimizing the impact of sanctions on the country's energy supply and air traffic. President Aleksandar Vučić has emphasized that the sanctions are "the toughest against a Serbian company" and that the government is committed to finding a solution that meets both international obligations and national interests. Among the options under discussion are the sale of the Russian shares in Nis or a possible renationalization of the company.
Transavia France's decision to cancel its new flight to Belgrade is an example of the far-reaching impact of geopolitical tensions on European air traffic. Airlines must increasingly incorporate political and economic risks into their planning. Dependence on specific fuel suppliers and the complexity of international sanctions pose significant challenges.
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