Serbian Aviation Rule Change Sparks Controversy with Wizz Air Over Market Access
The Serbian civil aviation directorate has implemented a regulatory amendment affecting foreign carriers, which Wizz Air, a Central European budget airline, claims will force it to close its base in Belgrade. The new rules modify Article 3, allowing European Union carriers to operate flights that begin and end within the EU. Serbian authorities assert that the changes do not restrict traffic rights and apply equally to all airlines operating in Serbia. However, Wizz Air argues that the amendment is designed to protect the national carrier, Air Serbia, from competition, potentially leading to the closure of its Belgrade base by November. Wizz Air, which has operated from Belgrade since 2010, serves 26 destinations and warns that its withdrawal could result in the loss of 150 jobs and reduced low-cost connections to EU cities. 
