The first phase of Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport’s expansion is underway, which includes the increase and optimisation of handling capacities, segregation of arriving and departing passengers, a new commercial plaza and centralised security, as well as the construction of more than 30.000 square metres of additional terminal space. This will result in the addition of sixteen new gates. Furthermore, the first phase of work includes the construction of an inserted runway, the development of new taxiways and the expansion of the de-icing platform. All of the aforementioned work is planned for completion by 2023. The expansion of the C pier of the Terminal 2 building (pictured), which is currently underway, is estimated for completion in September of next year.

Commenting on the C pier expansion, Belgrade Airport’s General Manager, Francois Berisot, said, “This is a very critical step for us because it will help us increase capacity. It will significantly improve the comfort and experience of our passengers, but it will also improve airline operations, specifically of our close partner Air Serbia. We started this work at the beginning of this year, and everything is going smoothly. We have adjusted to the new situation and have implemented all the recommendations and pre-emptive measures under the guidelines of the authorities. This was a big challenge for us, but we are so happy to have found a way to move on and continue with construction”.

As EX-YU Aviation News learns, the airport has currently paused some work inside the terminal buildings, such as the expansion of the baggage hall, due to the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic. However, work on the new bus gate in the A pier of the Terminal 1 building is ongoing. Work has begun on setting vertical pillars that will support future elevator and stairs, as well as the installation of the power supply, heating and ventilation. Land side construction currently taking place involves work on the remote car park which will be used as the future long-term car park and taxi parking, while a new roundabout is also under construction in the area. Elsewhere, preparation for the overhaul of the apron located next to general aviation has been completed. The preliminary design of the inserted runway has also been concluded and a building permit is expected to be issued soon. Preparatory work for the undertaking has been split into six phases, in an attempt to minimise any disruption to air traffic. The first phase, which involves the closure of certain taxiways, has already been implemented.

Mr Berisot noted, “Our goal is to modernise the airport and improve services in all segments. We want to increase capacity, improve the quality of the service and improve the passenger experience. We will gradually improve and implement all the best practices in the airport business. A big part of this journey is the renovation and expansion of the airport facilities. This will include expansion and renovation almost everywhere at the airport. It will involve the expansion of the terminal building, renovation of the existing building, new aprons, new carparks, new parking positions for aircraft and a new runway that we will build just beside the existing one. We expect for all the major works to be completed in the coming three years”.

Photos courtesy of Željko Veljković