The Serbian government plans to invest several million euros into Užice’s Ponikve Airport, in the country’s west, in order to enable it for commercial use by the end of 2020. The airport, which boasts a new terminal building, was recently taken over by the state. Last month, a 3.735 metre perimeter fence was erected, however, a further 5.195 metres are required. In addition, the final 800 metres of the 3.200-metre long runway must be resurfaced, and a lighting system installed. “In the upcoming development phase, we need to overhaul the water supply system for the terminal building and fit in fire safety equipment. Some five million euros are necessary in order for the airport to be put into commercial use”, the Mayor of Užice, Tihomir Petković, said.
Užice Airport is used for private flights and has handled 200 domestic and eighty international services so far in 2019. The Užice region is home to some of Serbia's most exported goods. On the other hand, it is also close to several major cities in the former Yugoslavia, with Sarajevo and Belgrade just 120 kilometres away. During the 1996 summer season, JAT Yugoslav Airlines operated a two weekly Belgrade - Užice - Tivat service. The airport was destroyed in 1999, however, the Serbian government and the European Union have jointly invested over one million euros into the creation of a project masterplan, while significant funds were put into the removal of undetonated bombs around the airport's runway. Its control tower was reopened in 2013 following a major overhaul by the Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services Agency, while Belgrade Airport also donated funds.
Serbia opened its third commercial airport, in Kraljevo, earlier this summer which is yet to see any services. According to the airport’s operator, talks are underway with interested carriers and revenue flights are expected during the 2020 summer season. On the other hand, the country’s second busiest airport, Niš, has continued to record strong growth, benefiting from twelve new routes launched by Air Serbia this summer. In September, the airport welcomed 44.376 passengers through its doors, an improvement of 47.7% on last year. The number of aircraft movements stood at 476, up 82.4%. During the first three quarters, Niš Constantine the Great Airport handled 295.578 travellers, an increase of 10.7% on the same period in 2018. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has also seen record figures this year, handling over 4.750.000 passengers up until October.


Comments
The state will be paying airlines to fly there and take passengers away from BEG.
Seriously, no logic.
Serbia is okay with 1 sole airport...
Enough to have 1 airport. Big cities full, villages empty and population emigrating to Germany.
Also, you already have TSR giving excellent opportunity to West Europe.
It could get some low-cost companies eyeing it if the fees are reasonable, just like Nis did.
But Nis and Sarajevo are going to create competition.
Are any official figures about INI routes?
Maybe some kind of that routes would also work for Uzice
Timisoara is considered as a cheaper way to reach Belgrade especially from Belgium, Spain, UK, Denmark and Israel.
2 million traffic is already something...
One thing is reality and another wishful thinking. ;)
Hahn-Nis
Budapest-Belgrade
Stuttgart-Belgrade
All new routes in 2020.
Does anyone know, is that raw concrete beam from the original shelter construction still like that inside the terminal or covered?
Just curious as I havent seen it yet for all the years...