Air Serbia upgrades Bari service to year-round

NEWS FLASH

Air Serbia is extending its seasonal summer service between Belgrade and Bari into a year-round operation. The route will run throughout the winter season, which begins on October 26 and tuns until March 28, 2026, operating twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, with the ATR72-600 aircraft. Tickets are now available for purchase through the airline’s website. Speaking to EX-YU Aviation News recently, Air Serbia’s CEO, Jiri Marek, noted, “This winter, for example, we see some promising opportunities. Last year, we had already evaluated certain destinations for winter extension, but unexpected maintenance issues limited our capacity. Now, we’re seriously considering extending some routes, possibly even year-round, where market conditions allow”. As a result, this winter, Air Serbia will maintain flights to seven destinations in Italy, including Rome, Milan, Bologna, Florence, Naples and Venice, alongside Bari.

Commenting on the service upgrade, Antonio Maria Vasile, President of Bari Airport operator Aeroporti di Puglia, said, “We are particularly pleased with the agreement reached with Air Serbia to extend the service into the winter months. This strategic decision reflects our desire to boost tourist flows to our region even outside of the peak season, with a view to deseasonalising and promoting the Puglia region”. Mr Vasile also emphasised the symbolic and cultural importance of Bari for the Balkan countries and the Orthodox Church, particularly for pilgrims devoted to Saint Nicholas. "This flight represents a concrete response to a consolidated and growing demand, especially among the faithful from Serbia and Russia. Belgrade, along with Istanbul, is one of the few airports still connected to the Russian Federation. This makes the flight also strategic for religious tourism linked to the cult of the Saint of Myra”, Mr Vasile said.