Air Serbia Launches New Direct Flights to Shanghai

Air Serbia is set to defy the trend of European airlines scaling back their China operations by launching a new direct route between Belgrade and Shanghai. Starting January 11, 2024, the airline will offer twice-weekly flights between Belgrade and Shanghai-Pudong Airport, using its Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The flights will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays from Belgrade, with return flights on Wednesdays and Sundays.

This announcement follows Air Serbia’s recent addition of a direct route to Guangzhou, which began on September 30, 2024. The new Shanghai route marks the airline’s third Chinese destination, following Tianjin and Guangzhou. The airline has also confirmed that the Belgrade-Shanghai service will continue throughout the northern summer of 2025, with tickets already available for purchase.

Air Serbia’s hub in Belgrade will offer onward connections from Shanghai to key European destinations, including Vienna, Paris, Milan, Berlin, and more, strengthening the airline’s European network. The introduction of this route comes amid a backdrop of other European airlines reducing or ceasing their services to China due to longer flight times caused by Russian airspace restrictions.

In contrast, Chinese airlines have been increasing their services to Europe, benefiting from faster flight paths and growing demand. Air Serbia’s move to expand its China operations aims to capitalize on the growing economic, business, and tourism ties between Serbia and China, enhanced by recent visa-free travel agreements and a free trade agreement between the two countries.

As European carriers like SAS, LOT, and Lufthansa pull back from Chinese routes, Air Serbia is seizing the opportunity to strengthen its position in the China-Europe travel market. CEO Jiri Marek expressed confidence that the new route will boost business and tourism while supporting the exchange of goods and services between Serbia and China.

Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Air+Serbia