Serbia and Russia are working on expanding their air connections, as confirmed by Serbian Ambassador to Moscow, Momčilo Babić. Despite the ongoing European Union sanctions against Russia, the two countries are preparing new routes to further intensify air traffic between them. Since 2022, Serbia has become an important transit point for Russian travelers, thanks in part to visa-free entry for Russians, Serbia's neutral stance toward the sanctions, and continued air connections.
However, currently only the Serbian airline Air Serbia can operate direct flights between Serbia and Russia, as Russian airlines are prohibited from flying over the neighboring countries' airspace due to sanctions. This limits the choice of flight connections, but makes Air Serbia a major player on this route. The planned expansion of flight connections now indicates that both countries want to maintain and possibly even strengthen the connection despite the geopolitical situation.
Serbia's decision to expand air links with Russia contrasts with the policies of many other European countries, which have closed their airspace to Russian aircraft and imposed sanctions on Russian airlines. Serbia, which is not itself a member of the European Union, is pursuing an independent approach here. It remains to be seen which new routes are planned and when they will begin. Intensifying air links could benefit both travel and economic relations between Serbia and Russia.