Belgrade Airport set to open new facilities in biggest expansion to date


Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport’s biggest expansion project in history is progressing with key facilities set to open in the coming few months. The airport is undertaking Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) exercises to support the successful opening of the first phase of the expanded C concourse building which will be put into operation during the first half of the year. This week saw a number of Air Serbia aircraft, as well as volunteers, take part in mock pre-departure procedures using the concourse’s eight new airbridge gates and five bus gates. The expanded Pier C complex is not completely aligned with the existing C gates, and while it will be unnoticeable to passengers walking the airport’s corridors, the positioning of the new building allows for greater apron space, and in turn, enables the new gates to handle wide-body aircraft, which is in line with VINCI’s hub strategy for Belgrade. Upon the opening of the extended concourse, work is expected to immediately begin on the second phase of the expansion of Pier C, which will include the construction of an additional four airbridge gates.







Simultaneously, work is being carried out on the construction of the central processor to allow for up to 100 check-in counters, more commercial premises, as well as centralised security screening, which will be performed at one location on the first floor (in front of the existing passport control), rather than at the gates, so as to provide added comfort and more efficient passenger flow, in compliance with global standards. Centralised security is expected to be operational from mid-April and has involved the procurement of new security and screening technology. Simultaneously, in order to allow the terminal to be expanded, the full reconfiguration of the access plateau is taking place. This project will allow faster access and more efficient traffic flow, as well as increased short-term parking capacity. A new modern car park for visitors, with the capacity for 715 vehicles, is under construction in front of the terminals and will include premium parking spaces, parking positions for those with reduced mobility, as well as electric car chargers. The first phase of the landside work will be completed by May, after which parts of the area in front of the terminal will be reopened. However, the entire project will be completed next year and encompasses a total of ten phases.










Construction of the airport’s third floor - a wide corridor being built on top of the existing terminal buildings in order to segregate arriving and departing passengers - is advancing. The floor is currently completed above gates A1 - A4, C1 - C2, while gates C3 and C4 have now been closed in order for work to take place. Construction of the floor above gates C5 and C6, used by wide-body aircraft, is expected upon the opening of the extended Pier C. Once competed, the top floor will be used by arriving passengers. “It’s a five-metre-wide corridor positioned on top of Pier A, existing Pier C and the new building. This means that upon landing at the airport, you will enter the bridge and go up to this arrival gallery. You will then reach a central transfer zone which is a chimney-like structure with escalators going down to the first level, which will be for transfer passengers (corresponding to departure level), and then you can go down again to the baggage reclaim area and arrival hall”, the airport previously told EX-YU Aviation News.







Work on the 3.500-metre-long inserted runway is also advancing on schedule and is expected to be completed in October or November. The airport is using a new premium range of ready-mix concrete for the runway, to make it more durable. Once completed, the existing main runway will undergo a thorough reconstruction, during which the parallel inserted runway will be used. Once the reconstruction of the main runway is completed, the inserted one will be utilised as a taxiway. It will be linked to the runway through a new system of taxiways, including four rapid exit taxiways (RETs). The RETs allow aircraft to leave the runway at higher speeds. This in turn enables aircraft to vacate the runway quicker, permitting another to land or take off in a shorter interval of time. The Serbian government requested the construction of the inserted runway as part of the terms of the concession.









A number of other projects are also taking place across the airport complex including the construction of a new helicopter terminal, new taxiways, new de-icing platform and new control tower. Other facilities, such as a new wastewater treatment plant, heating plant, new 25.000-square-metre apron and remote parking stretching over 36.400 square metres have been completed. The entire project is valued at 730 million euros and will be fully completed by 2025.

Helicopter terminal






Comments

  1. Anonymous09:04

    Excited that finally we will get to use the new concourse soon

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous09:04

    Now when I see the two control towers side by side, you can see that the new one is basically a modern replica of the old one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:39

      It also fits perfectly the air control centre building next to it.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous09:06

    Will there be enough space in front of passport control for cetralized security? I mean there will be space but what about when it busy?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:08

      They have expanded the floor. It goes all the way to the glass facade and is no longer like a gallery as it was before. So there will be enough space.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:32

      Oh nice, I didn't realize.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous20:23

      Wait, if the centralised security is in front of the passport control, how will transfer passengers gonna be screened? On all airports that I have transferred there was security screening.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous20:24

      Most airports don't screen transfer passengers.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous21:39

      Maybe when you are in EU zone but as i know all passengers from non clean non Schengen points of origin must be screened.

      Delete
  4. Anonymous09:07

    Looks good

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous09:09

    great to see so many projects and that they are all on schedule. Good work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:23

      It is a private company who knows that the sooner the works are completed the more money they will make.

      Delete
  6. Anonymous09:11

    Nice. It really is a transformation.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous09:12

    Finally centralised security and divided incoming/ outgoing pax.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous09:14

    So it seems they will open the C pier in April but I assume third floor won't open until it is completely done.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous09:16

    Those will be some nice views from the top floor gallery :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:19

      I really hope they turn the old control tower into an observation deck.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:49

      It will be interesting how they repurpose the current ATC tower. I also hope they turn it into an observation deck with a restaurant.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:53

      The ATC is in not in the airport's ownership so SMATSA will make the decision. But let's see. A nice restaurant with some fantastic views would be good.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:08

      airport has said it would like it used for such a purpose but that SMATSA makes final decision.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous16:45

      Tear it down.
      As simple as that.

      Delete
  10. Anonymous09:18

    One of the most impressive things for me is that they are building that entire new area for chceck in. I assume no more check in at random places across the building. Good thinking.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous09:18

    I'm waiting for the day work finally begins on the archaic A7-A10 gates.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:24

      They are so unlucky. Never get included in any refurbishment :D But this time they will

      Delete
  12. Anonymous09:20

    Thank you for the report. Good to finally get some sense exactly what they are doing.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous09:21

    I like it. It's not megalomaniac but perfectly suits the airport's needs in a very short period of time and leaves more room for even further expansion down the line.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous09:22

    So in total once phase 2 of the C pier extension is completed that means there will be a total of 28 air bridges. Nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:24

      +9 bus gates if my count is correct.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:27

      37 in total. Not bad at all.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:29

      I think BEG will actually have more airbridges than BUD and ATH.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:14

      BEG will then have close to 20 remote stands.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous10:56

      I wonder what they will do with so many extra remote stands. General aviation will move towards Ledine so it's not for them. I guess all LCCs will have to migrate there.

      Delete
    6. JATBEGMEL13:53

      It will allow for further expansion during peak times. BEG, prior to the pandemic, started experiencing shortages of gates during 3 of JU's waves. The A330 blocking 2 gates, doesn't help, and a second would just make the situation worse. This expansion will be great.

      Delete
  15. Anonymous09:25

    I love that progress has been made in completing these projects and that we won't have to wait a decade for them to be completed and put to use.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous09:28

    Great job, BEG!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous09:31

    The airport must be linked by rail or metro. This is really important, especially for business travellers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:33

      Metro line is planned to the airport

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:40

      Yes but that will happen in like 10 years probably.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:49

      Yes it must have a rail link, but not for business travelers. They have drivers&cars waiting for them and the taxi is fair priced, at least for their budgets. It is necessary for tourists who get confused and uncomfortable when arriving. For Belgraders too, though they get around more easily or they too have somebody waiting for them.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:10

      A nearby hotel would also be useful.

      Delete
    5. JATBEGMEL14:09

      Rail link to the airport should be connected with the main line towards Novi Sad and Sid to allow easier access for towns and cities along the way to reach the airport. Being international rail lines, it will also allow for those in Slavonia and Southern Hungary easy access to BEG as well.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous17:00

      +100

      Delete
  18. Anonymous09:34

    I'm excited that things are moving in the right direction for the airport :))

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous09:35

    Finally someone with green energy and environmentally conscious policies in mind. I know that things like wastewater plants don't mean much for people but I'm pleasantly surprised a company in Serbia has built something like this for its own purposes. This means that all the water waste from the airport won't go straight out into the river. Good work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:36

      This is true. And the solar plant will be used to produce energy for the airport.

      Delete
  20. Anonymous09:36

    That C concourse is going to be one very long building. Especially after they build the second phase.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:51

      Good thing they installed travelators

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:40

      The same concept is at Dubai Airport where it is basically just one endless hallway.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous00:59

      I've heard them called 'movators'.
      Hahahah.

      Delete
  21. Anonymous09:37

    Great news for the airport. When will expanded check-in area be ready?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous09:38

    Wow I'm surprised that no major work has been done on the runway since the airport's opening. I'm not at all against the idea of the inserted runway. And it's good to see they will complete it by the end of the year.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous09:41

    I really like the way the airport is developing. These changes will really improve the passenger experience but also give Air Serbia room for growth.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous09:42

    Congratulations to Belgrade.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous09:43

    Will the inserted runway have the same numbers as the current one 12R/L - 30R/L while it is closed or will it get completely new markings?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:47

      Yes, numbers stay the same since the two runways are parallel to each other.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:54

      Thank you! :)

      Delete
  26. Anonymous09:44

    I always loved that BEG had so much glass on both sides of the building with great vantage points for spotting from inside the terminal. Glad they kept this concept.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous09:46

    Congrats BEG. Future certainly looks more optimistic with new infrastructure and an airline strongly supported by the state.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:49

      If it wasn't for the airline strongly supported by the state, VINCI probably would not have come in the first place.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:13

      True. It certainly helped in selling the concession for such a high price.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:55

      It was and it still is very smart decision to support national carrier.

      Delete
  28. Anonymous09:48

    Nice. I hope we some some more new airlines add flights.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous09:52

    So excited to see this :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous10:06

    Good to see that things are going forward in BEG

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous10:07

    wow

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous10:11

    Did not know about the helicopter building! That's an unexpected and nice addition

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:20

      Same! And looks like it will be a decent building size wise.

      Delete
  33. Anonymous10:16

    Does anyone know why the central security control was removed from the second floor in the first place? It used to be there many, many years ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:19

      It was introduced for genuine security reasons after the wars started in Yugoslavia. Then they just removed the centralized one.

      Delete
  34. Anonymous10:21

    What will be the airport's passenger capacity when the entire project is complete?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:32

      I think they were mentioning 14 million per year.

      Delete
  35. Anonymous10:25

    Am I the only one excited to find out what will be the new food and beverage outlets at the airport? :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:34

      I also curious to see. There will be new restaurants in c pier.

      Delete
  36. Anonymous10:29

    It's nice and decent airport-expandation, I like very much. Only one point I have to mention. This works has never a value of 730Mio. It's much less. It is unfortunately a number for the public, so the airport-concession looks like well sold. The difference was "fair" shared between Vinci and a couple politicians.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:33

      Do you realize how many projects are simultaneously being built and how much new equipment is being purchased and you think it is less than 730 million? Ok.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:53

      - no land was aquired
      - no taxes or administrativ costs
      - many projects do not belong to this project, like the tower

      =>
      - the biggest parts are the expansion of C, front-hall and the new runway

      =>
      please count, compare with similar projects, see also abroud

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:11

      It is not true that land was not acquired. VINCI bought land for 47 million EUR. It is publicly available information.

      Can you tell me which "many" projects do not belong to this project other than the control tower. So what are the many ones you are mentioning?

      "- the biggest parts are the expansion of C, front-hall and the new runway"

      This is not true either. One of the biggest investments and most challenging parts is moving entire road infrastructure in front of the airport which is taking place now. Major investment is also the new airport management building which will go under construction soon

      So most of things you wrote is incorrect.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous13:29

      the land from Subotic?

      Delete
    5. Anonymous19:36

      Anon at 10:29, you said: It's much less. It is unfortunately a number for the public

      Can you please show us some evidence for your claim? If you can't, those are just blatant lies.

      Delete
  37. Anonymous10:38

    Meanwhile I'm waiting them to complete Sarajevo Airport terminal for 3 years now and it is smaller than the C part of BEG.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:42

      And the latest date for end of construction is at the end of the year... :(

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:46

      That will most likely be postponed too.

      Delete
  38. Anonymous10:41

    Is there any plan to develop cargo traffic further? Will they build any cargo facilities?

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous10:51

    It's a great development but it's unfortunate they didn't put more thought in aesthetics.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous11:01

    The expansion looks huge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:03

      Actually when this expansion is complete, in terms of m2 BEG will be larger than OTP and BUD.

      Delete
  41. Anonymous11:02

    When both phases of extension is completed, it will be almost the size of current 2 terminals

    ReplyDelete
  42. JU520 BEGLAX11:45

    To see how BEG is developping, is a real pleasure. I cant wait to visit BEG in 2023

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You will be pleasantly surprised. Not only is Beograd a different city but the country has modern highways and roads, new bridges, hospitals, highway rest areas, etc. I visit Serbia twice a year from the US and last year decided to move to Serbia even though I grew up in the US. There are too many business opportunities in Serbia and the cost of living is the lowest in Europe.

      Delete
  43. How many lounges will there be/is in BEG? Which ones

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous17:55

      There are currently two lounges in Belgrade - Business Club Lounge operated by Belgrade Airport and Air Serbia Premium Lounge operated by Air Serbia, which permits access to Air Serbia, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Luxair and Turkish Airlines passengers, as well as primeclass members. TK passengers can use either of the two lounges.

      I am also wondering if there will be a new one.

      Delete
    2. Thank you so much, Lounge in Ljubljana is a total disaster

      Delete
    3. Anonymous02:38

      Both lounges can be used by Priority Pass holders as well. They should open those lounged earlier though with so many flights between 6am and 7:30am. Business lounge used to be open early, at least at 5am but now they open at 7am. Air Serbia lounge officially opens at 5am but I was not able to use it that early. One angry person was inside and the place looked closed. I almost got yelled at for asking if they are open.

      Delete
  44. When will they make the facade all match?

    ReplyDelete
  45. Anonymous19:00

    I love the last pic. I notice there that the remote car park is really far away from the terminal. How will people get from there to the airport building?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous21:16

      There was another article here where it was mentioned that there will be constant shuttle busses between remote car park and the terminal building.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous22:12

      Interesting. Thanks

      Delete
  46. Anonymous21:39

    Now I realise why they are only using A gates. All C ones, except C5/C6 are under reconstruction.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Anonymous00:14

    Looking good BEG.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Anonymous10:22

    Now we know why they are rushing with the expansion.

    From 01.06.2022 Lufthansa is increasing MUC-BEG from 14 to 21 weekly. Night flights are being restored.

    From 04.04.2022 they are increasing FRA-BEG to 14x.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:23

      Austrian Airlines goes to 21 and Swiss to 18 weekly.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous14:38

      Time for Air Serbia to launch MUC.

      Delete

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