Niški aerodrom “Konstantin Veliki” celebrated its 40th anniversary on October 12, 2026, marking a significant milestone in its history as a key transportation hub for southern and southeastern Serbia. The airport, which first opened its doors on October 12, 1986, has grown to become an essential component of the region’s economic and tourism development, according to Mihajlo Zdravković, Director of Aerodromi Srbije.

Zdravković emphasized that the airport’s influence extends beyond the city of Niš, serving as a vital link that enhances mobility for people, facilitates the arrival of business partners, tourists, and potential investors, and improves the region’s accessibility to European markets. “Good air connectivity means greater mobility of people, easier arrival of business partners, tourists, and potential investors, as well as better access to this part of Serbia to the European market,” Zdravković stated.

The airport’s role is not limited to transportation; it is also a driver of economic and tourism growth in the region. Zdravković highlighted that every new passenger and airline connection has a ripple effect that benefits local hospitality, tourism, and the broader economy. “The airport is not just transportation infrastructure but one of the instruments of economic and tourist development of the region,” he noted.

Looking to the future, the airport plans to continue investing in infrastructure and service quality to bolster its position as a regional air traffic hub. The aim is to make Niš a well-equipped airport in the region, with ongoing modernization efforts supported by investments from the Government of the Republic of Serbia. Since 2003, the airport has been named “Konstantin Veliki,” and in 2024, a new terminal building was inaugurated, offering modern facilities comparable to those found in many European cities.

In 2023, the airport handled 448,312 passengers, reflecting its growing importance. Zdravković expressed optimism about setting new records by the end of the current year, emphasizing that the airport’s goal is not to compete with others but to develop in line with the needs of its region and to capitalize on its market potential. The airport also plays a crucial role in firefighting operations and medical transport, demonstrating the demand for air services in Niš.

Director Dušan Knežević projected that by the end of the year, the airport would handle between 430,000 and 450,000 passengers. He also noted the significant increase in cargo traffic in recent years, with the previous year marking a record in air traffic. Knežević anticipates further growth in both passenger and cargo traffic, highlighting the airport’s importance for the next 40 years in providing more travel opportunities and increasing flight frequencies.

The airport currently offers flights to 17 destinations, including year-round routes to cities such as Belgrade, Vienna, Malta, Istanbul, Ljubljana, Cologne, and Frankfurt Hahn, as well as seasonal flights to Tivat, Athens, Zurich, Corfu, and Stockholm. Charter flights to Antalya, Turkey, and Monastir, Tunisia, are also organized. The development of cargo traffic is seen as vital for the local economy, with last year’s record of 2,822,018 kilograms of transported goods expected to be surpassed in 2026.

As Niš continues to strengthen its position on the aviation map, the airport’s management remains committed to leveraging its rich aviation heritage and strategic location to meet the needs of the region. The celebration of its 40th anniversary underscores the airport’s enduring role in connecting Niš with the world and supporting the region’s economic and tourism aspirations.