How Serbia's flag carrier navigated geopolitical shifts to become a regional aviation powerhouse

Countries & Cities · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: From its 1927 origins as Aeroput to its modern identity as Air Serbia, the nation's flag carrier has survived wars, nationalization, and rebranding. Today, it stands as a unique bridge between East and West, maintaining critical flight corridors while navigating complex international pressures and a rapidly evolving corporate structure.

The history of Serbian civil aviation began in 1927 with the formation of Aeroput, which established Belgrade as a central hub. Following World War II, the airline was nationalized in 1948 as JAT Jugoslovenski Aerotransport. Despite Yugoslavia's communist status, the carrier famously maintained a Western-built fleet and became a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement. By the late 1980s, JAT was a major international player, ranking as the tenth-largest airline in Europe and operating long-haul routes across the globe, including to North America and Australia.

The breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s halted this expansion, leading to years of financial struggle and aging infrastructure. A turning point arrived in 2013, when the Serbian government entered a strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, rebranding the carrier as Air Serbia. This era marked a modernization phase, including the return of direct transatlantic flights to New York in 2016 and a fleet-wide seating standardization. By 2023, the Serbian government had moved to take full control of the airline, buying out the remaining shares previously held by Etihad.

Today, Air Serbia occupies a distinct geopolitical position. As Serbia did not impose sanctions following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the airline remains one of the few European carriers operating regular flights to Russia. This status has made the airline a vital transit point for travelers but has also subjected it to recurring security threats. Despite these pressures, the airline continues to expand its reach, recently launching its first direct service to Shanghai in 2025 and implementing a new frequent-flyer program, Elevate, in 2026.

The airline’s identity is deeply rooted in national symbolism. Its livery, introduced in 2013, draws from medieval Serbian art, and its aircraft are named after "Living Legends"—prominent Serbian figures like Nikola Tesla and Novak Djokovic. While the airline faces operational challenges, such as the 2024 incident involving a wet-leased Embraer 195, it remains a central pillar of Serbian infrastructure, connecting the country to 89 destinations across 35 nations.

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