Kraljevo’s Morava Airport has seen its passenger numbers double so far this year, despite maintaining the same capacity and number of flights as in 2024. As one of the former Yugoslavia’s least busy airports, it offers a single year-round service to Istanbul, as well as seasonal summer flights to Thessaloniki and Tivat, all operated by Air Serbia and subsidised by the Serbian government through a Public Service Obligation contract. The airport handled 3.004 passengers during the first four months of the year, representing an increase of 49% on the same period last year. In April alone, Air Serbia’s Kraljevo - Istanbul service saw its average cabin load factor exceed 70%.
Commenting on the improved results, the airport’s CEO, Dragan Bugarinović, said, “We’re pleased to see more and more people discovering the benefits of flying from Morava Airport. This airport offers a number of advantages, most notably its convenient location, quick and hassle-free check-in without long queues, and the rare perk of free parking - a major plus at any airport”. He added, “There’s been tremendous interest in flights, especially to Tivat and Thessaloniki, which are key summer destinations for travellers. Our goal is to introduce new routes in the future to destinations in Austria, Germany and Italy, where there is strong demand, particularly among our citizens living and working abroad”.
The airport’s limited runway weight bearing capacity, which prevents it from accommodating larger aircraft, remains a major obstacle to its air traffic growth. Although there have been plans to construct a new three-kilometre runway and expand the apron, none have come to fruition. Shared with the military, the airport had also aimed to develop cargo operations by leveraging its strategic location and upgraded infrastructure. According to the airport operator, these projects remain part of future development plans, however, no firm timeframe has been given for their implementation.
Another airport calling for Skyalps... I hear mostar is getting Embraer instead of Dash8 this summer
ReplyDeleteIt is questionable if the airline will be around in a years time. All flights are now operated through wet leases.
Delete9H-PAUL is in operation and 2 more should be joiningthe fleet again soon, so its not all dire, although they are probably losing tons of money right now
DeleteSky Alps won't fly anywhere in the region without subsidies.
DeleteMorava has no flights without subsidies
DeleteI am aware but I'm not sure they are willing to subsidise foreign airlines, especially not the government.
DeleteIf LF is more than 70%, no subsidies are necessary
DeleteWhat a foolish comment, of course subsidies are absolutely necessary for flights to airports like Morava, even with 70% LF.
DeleteCould you elaborate?
Delete16:50
DeleteSorry to disappoint you, but my statement have ground in Mr. Marek's claim that break even for ATR72 is about 50% LF, with JU price list. So 70+% LF have to be profitable, despite the possibility that price tickets are even lower than JU average. So, please explain what is foolish here, except your comment?
If JU has such load factors which according to Mr Marek are profitable why receive subsidies for flying out of KVO?
DeleteIt is the first time they had such a load factor. The route is in general loss making and would not exist without subsidies. Unlike Croatian PSO where one of Croatia Arlines' most profitable routes Zagreb-Dubrovnik/Split is under PSO contract.
DeleteGood to see organic growth.
ReplyDeleteA good start but for real growth they’ll need to fix the infrastructure limitations and offer more frequent flights.
DeleteI really hope they get those new flights.
ReplyDeletePeople from the region prefer to drive/take the bus to BEG where they have a choice of 22 airlines flying year round and another three flying seasonal/charters.
ReplyDeleteUnless the number of KVO destinations and frequencies greatly increases I don't see how this airport will grow and reach its full potential.
true, plus the driving time has decreased now that the new highway operating and almost being complete to kraljevo
DeleteWhy they build such a large and nice terminal for KVO is beyond me.
ReplyDeleteOnly if they offer FR reduced fees for flying here this airport will justify its existence.
A 737 can't land at KVO. The airport is a military airport and existed before. They just built a passenger terminal.
DeleteWhy did they build the terminal when only ATRs can use it?
DeleteWhy didn't they extend the runway first.
You will have to ask the former government that built the terminal.
DeleteWhat's the issue with asking about it people in an aviation forum?
DeleteAirport is demanded by some companies that built factories in the region
DeletePositioning an ATR aircraft and crew at KVO could be a viable strategy, as the ATR’s capability to handle multiple daily flights and cover distances up to 1,500 km allows access to key regional destinations. Past attempts, like the KVO-Vienna route, suffered from poor promotion—the diaspora community wasn’t adequately informed, even though economy light fares were comparable to bus prices. However, diaspora-oriented routes would face stiff competition from car and bus travel (and will not compete with flights from BEG for the most), as ground transport remains the primary mode for many travelers. Effective marketing is crucial to capitalize on such opportunities.
DeleteThe region holds significant promise, but realizing it requires commitment, modest subsidies, and willingness from JU to dedicate an aircraft to support regional growth. 😊
Last government? It was founded in 2016.. w/ the current government. I remember them opening it with Vu*** flying a fancy ATR-72 flight from BEG to show off and then it stayed for many years without flights lol
DeleteWhat you remember is irrelevant. The airport was completed in 2011 and promotional flight operated by Jat in 2012 before the elections.
Deletehttps://www.exyuaviation.com/2012/11/kraljevo-airport-built-and-forgotten.html?m=1
Anonymous10:21 The terminal construction began with the previous government and if I remember well Tadic was at the opening. https://www.blic.rs/vesti/drustvo/prvi-civilni-avion-sleteo-na-aerodrom-morava/2t1jwkf
DeleteAnother heavily subsidised project that serves a few flights and costs taxpayers a fortune.
DeleteAnonymous15:04 you have no clue how subsides works. Stop embarrassing yourself. I can give you a very basic inside scoop: with a LF 70% your tax money is not used at all.. Enjoy your "fortune tax money" since KVO does not need it.
DeleteNice about parking being free.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible for E190 to operate without restriction?
ReplyDeleteProbably not. Likely it will have payload restrictions too.
DeleteYou have official data, so probably what you are doing here is mere guesswork
DeleteAs the Serbian economy continues to grow and as people in the region near the airport find flying more affordable, this airport will handle more flights and probably get an expanded runway. My guess is that in fifteen years time, Morava will be what INI is today.
ReplyDeleteFirst they need fuel depot
ReplyDeleteA 49% increase sounds great, but 3,000 passengers in four months is still tiny.
ReplyDeleteThe summer months are ahead of us
DeleteAn LCC could really boost numbers here.
DeleteThey’ve been talking about expanding the runway for years...
ReplyDeleteUntil they build a new runway, Morava will remain a boutique operation. No point in promising flights to Germany and Italy when larger planes can’t land.
ReplyDeleteThat terminal looks great for such a small airport.
ReplyDeleteIt’s time for Austria and Germany next
ReplyDeleteLol, this reminds me of the Office episode where Pam justifies getting the employee of the month awars by doubling her sales, to which Andy responds with a sly remark of ''You had the worst sales here how much did they grow, from 2 to 4?'' and the scene cuts to Pam saying ''Yup''.
ReplyDeleteWell thats Kraljevo, easy to grow when you are the worst all. Instead of all this praies reporters should focus on the downfall of Nis airpot and its ''state of the art'' pointless terminal.
I don't see praise. It says that it is least busy and that promises of expansion have not been kept. The 'downfall' of Nis was reported and it has been reported many times that its because of capacity cuts by Wizz.
DeleteBut when you are full of hate nothing matters.