TRIP REPORT: Air Serbia, Istanbul – Kraljevo

TRIP REPORT

Written by Oliver

Date of Travel: 12/7/25

Flight Number: JU2429

Check-in Counter: S

Gate: A1B

Load Factor: ~99%

Aircraft Type: ATR-72

This was my second time flying Air Serbia’s route from Istanbul to Kraljevo, having first taken the same flight two years ago. I decided to visit my cousin who lives in Kraljevo before continuing on to visit my parents in Paraćin.

Airport

Istanbul Airport (IST) has been my go-to airport since its inauguration. I’ve used it as a point of departure, arrival, and for transit. While it’s undeniably modern and well-equipped, its location is a major drawback. It’s situated far from the city centre, typically requiring at least an hour of travel from either the European or Asian side of Istanbul.

The sheer size of the terminal can be overwhelming and time-consuming to navigate, especially during tight layovers. While it offers a wide range of services and amenities, I still find myself missing the convenience and charm of the old Atatürk Airport. It was much more centrally located and efficient for quick access to the city.

Check-in & Boarding Experience

Check-in took place at the smallest check-in area at Istanbul Airport, counter/island S, usually used for small flights. Despite its “modest setup”, the check-in process was smooth and efficient.

The gate for this flight was A1B, which required a bus transfer to the aircraft. The flight was delayed by 30 minutes at departure, but to Air Serbia’s credit, we arrived in Kraljevo on time.

Flight & Onboard Service

The flight had a remarkably high load factor, around 99%, suggesting strong demand on this niche route. The majority of the passengers, I’d dare to say around 75-80%, were Turks either working in Serbia or with family ties to the country. Despite the full cabin, boarding and seating went smoothly.

The crew was made up of two young female flight attendants, both of whom were exceptionally professional and welcoming throughout the journey. They maintained a friendly, upbeat attitude and ensured that the short flight was a pleasant one for everyone onboard.

The in-flight snack included a bottle of Air Serbia-branded water and a 20-gram pack of Plazma biscuits. While it’s a culturally familiar and nostalgic choice for many Serbian passengers, the offering is minimal compared to another regional airline like Aegean, which I recently flew a few times both on short and medium haul routes and there the passengers are regularly served more substantial meals (such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner options). If they could make it work, I think Air Serbia could make it too…

Conclusion

Air Serbia continues to provide reliable service on its regional routes, and JU2429 is no exception. While the onboard catering remains very basic, the punctuality, smooth flight experience, and excellent cabin crew made this trip a positive one. This route is a convenient option for travellers heading from Istanbul to central Serbia.

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