Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air has accused Serbian authorities of introducing regulatory changes that could effectively force the company to shut down its base in Belgrade from November 2026. The dispute centres on amendments adopted by Serbia’s civil aviation regulator that alter the conditions under which foreign airlines can base aircraft in the country and operate certain international routes. Wizz Air argues that the new framework threatens its ability to continue operating from Belgrade under its current business model.
The airline has warned that any closure of its Belgrade base would have significant consequences for connectivity, competition and employment. As one of the largest low-cost carriers operating in Serbia, Wizz Air maintains aircraft and crews in Belgrade and serves numerous destinations across Europe. The company has also suggested that the regulatory changes could disproportionately benefit Serbia’s national carrier, Air Serbia, by reducing competition in the market.
Serbia’s civil aviation authorities have rejected those claims, insisting that the new rules apply equally to all airlines and do not prevent Wizz Air from operating flights to and from the country. Officials argue that the amendments are part of a broader effort to regulate the aviation sector and deny accusations that the measures are designed to favour any specific carrier.
The dispute has attracted wider attention because of Serbia’s commitments under the European Common Aviation Area framework, which promotes open and competitive air transport markets. Wizz Air maintains that the new regulations are inconsistent with those principles, while Serbian authorities insist they are acting within their regulatory rights. The outcome of the dispute could have important implications for the future of low-cost air travel in Serbia and for the competitive balance of the country’s aviation market.
