Air Serbia and the Air Traffic Control of Serbia and Montenegro (SMATSA) celebrated a significant achievement on December 12, 2025, as they recorded their millionth passenger of the year. This milestone flight, designated JU 331, traveled from Zurich to Belgrade, underscoring the crucial role of the national airline in both domestic and regional air traffic growth.
Upon entering Serbian airspace, the flight controller informed the crew that they were operating the millionth flight managed by SMATSA for the year. The captain of the Airbus A-319, Vesna Aleksić, shared this historic news with passengers, highlighting the importance of the occasion.
“It is a great honor to lead the crew on this momentous flight,” Aleksić stated. “This operation is not just a number; it symbolizes our dedication and continuous progress. This success reflects passenger trust, the efforts of our teams, and Serbia’s growing influence in European air traffic.” Aleksić, as a female captain, also expressed her hope that this achievement would inspire future generations to pursue their dreams in aviation.
Slobodan Kurćubić, the Director of Terminal and Aerodrome Flight Control, emphasized the significance of this accomplishment for both SMATSA and Air Serbia. “It is a pleasure to be part of a team that records such a historical result. This day is important for our organization, Air Serbia, and the wider aviation community, confirming our capacity to meet the complex demands of our service users,” he remarked.
In 2025, Air Serbia has seen an increase in nearly all key operational categories. By December 8, the airline had transported over 4.3 million passengers, representing a rise of 3.2% compared to the same period in 2024. The total number of flights has increased by 4%, with over 2.1 million passengers traveling to and from Belgrade. Notably, August 2025 became the busiest month ever recorded for the airline, with August 1 marking a record day with 206 round trips and over 21,800 passengers.
As Air Serbia experiences growth, SMATSA also reports remarkable achievements, establishing itself as a leader among service providers in the region. This year, they are ranked among the top ten providers in Europe, thanks to a steady increase in demand for air traffic control services. In 2025, traffic in their jurisdiction grew by 6% compared to the previous year, with over 110,000 takeoffs and landings recorded at airports in Serbia and Montenegro.
The operations at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport reached a peak of over 400 takeoffs and landings in a single day, with an average of more than 4,100 flights daily during peak season.
The joint efforts of Air Serbia and SMATSA highlight Serbia’s growing role as an aviation hub, contributing significantly to the development of regional and European aviation. As both organizations continue to evolve and respond to modern operational and technological demands, this milestone is a testament to their commitment to excellence in air travel.
