Niš Constantine the Great Airport
Niš Constantine the Great Airport (IATA: INI, ICAO: LYNI) is an international airport situated approximately 4 kilometres northwest of Niš, Serbia's third-largest city, in the suburbs of Medoševac and Popovac.[1] It functions as the primary aviation hub for the Nišava District, accommodating both civilian passenger and cargo flights as well as military operations from the adjacent Niš Air Base, and ranks as the second-busiest airport in Serbia by passenger volume after Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport.[2] Established with its first commercial flight on 1 May 1935 by Aeroput on the Belgrade–Niš–Skopje route, the airport's modern civilian infrastructure dates to its official opening on 12 October 1986, following runway construction in 1952 and initial regular services by JAT in the 1970s.[3] The facility sustained significant damage during the 1999 NATO bombing campaign, with its runway struck 57 times, but was reconstructed with Norwegian assistance and reopened on 12 October 2003, coinciding with its renaming to honor Emperor Constantine the Great, born in Niš.[3] Since 2016, it has expanded low-cost carrier operations with airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, serving destinations across Europe, bolstered by a new €11 million passenger terminal inaugurated in July 2024 with an annual capacity of 1.5 million passengers, 10 check-in counters, and modern amenities including duty-free shops and airbridges.[3][4] Further expansions, including a second terminal, upgraded taxiways, and runway overhaul valued at €140 million, were announced in October 2024 to accommodate growing traffic.[5]Historical Development
Early Establishment and Pre-WWII Operations
The origins of aviation infrastructure in Niš date to 1910, when the first airfield serving the city was established near the village of Donje Međurovo, initially for rudimentary flight activities. By the 1930s, this facility had developed into a dual-use site, functioning as both a civil airport and a base for the Royal Yugoslav Air Force (JKRV). In 1930, it housed the JKRV's 3rd Regiment, comprising three reconnaissance squadrons and one bomber squadron, underscoring its military significance amid regional tensions. Civil aviation commenced formally on May 1, 1935, with the inaugural commercial flight at the Niš airfield near Trupale Forest, operated by Aeroput, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia's national flag carrier. This Junkers F.13 or similar aircraft serviced the international route from Belgrade to Thessaloniki, with intermediate stops at Niš, Skopje, and Bitola, marking Niš's integration into Yugoslavia's nascent domestic and cross-border air network. Aeroput's operations from Niš emphasized connectivity to southern routes, accommodating passengers, mail, and limited cargo amid the era's biplane-dominated fleet.[3] Pre-WWII operations remained modest, focused on scheduled Aeroput services that linked Niš to Belgrade and Skopje, with frequencies of several flights weekly by the late 1930s. The airfield featured grass runways suitable for light aircraft, lacking paved surfaces or extensive facilities, which constrained capacity to small propeller planes. These activities halted in 1939 as escalating European conflicts prompted route suspensions and military prioritization, just prior to the Axis invasion in April 1941.[3]World War II and Post-War Era
During World War II, the Niš airfield at Medoševac, operational since 1910, served initially as a Royal Yugoslav Air Force facility before falling under Axis occupation following the German invasion on April 6, 1941, when Luftwaffe forces attacked it, resulting in the downing of at least one German aircraft by Yugoslav ground defenses.[6] Under German control, the airfield functioned as a Luftwaffe base, supporting operations in the region amid broader occupation of Serbia, though specific unit deployments were limited compared to larger hubs. Allied bombing raids targeted Niš, including the airfield vicinity, as part of efforts to disrupt Axis logistics, with notable strikes occurring in 1944. The airfield saw renewed activity during the Niš operation from October 8–14, 1944, when Bulgarian and Yugoslav partisan forces, supported by Soviet troops, liberated the city, after which Soviet air units, including the 659th Fighter Regiment's Yak-3s from the 288th Air Division, were briefly based there. On November 7, 1944, this led to the Niš incident, a friendly fire clash where U.S. Army Air Forces P-38 Lightnings, mistaking Soviet ground columns for German forces, strafed them, prompting Soviet fighters to scramble from the Niš airfield and engage in a dogfight that downed several aircraft on both sides.[7] In the immediate post-war period under the new Yugoslav communist regime, the airfield transitioned to exclusive military use by the Yugoslav Air Force, reflecting the prioritization of defense infrastructure in the emerging socialist state. No significant civilian operations resumed initially, as resources focused on reconstruction amid wartime devastation. By 1952, a concrete runway was constructed at the current site, marking the first major infrastructural upgrade and enabling expanded military capabilities, including hosting various squadrons for training and operations.[3] This development aligned with Yugoslavia's non-aligned stance post-1948 Tito-Stalin split, fostering indigenous air force growth without heavy reliance on Soviet aid, though the facility remained primarily militarized through the 1950s, with civilian aviation secondary until later decades.[3]Yugoslav Period and Breakup
During the post-World War II era under the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), the Niš airfield primarily functioned as a military installation integrated with the Yugoslav People's Army's air forces, with a concrete runway constructed in 1952 to support operations.[3] Civilian air traffic was negligible until the 1970s, when JAT Yugoslav Airlines initiated limited seasonal services from 1971 to 1977, connecting Niš to Adriatic coastal destinations including Dubrovnik, Tivat, and Split, often in coordination with carriers like Pan Adria.[3] Infrastructure expansion accelerated in the late socialist period; the Airport Niš enterprise was founded around 1972, culminating in major upgrades between 1985 and 1986 that included a new passenger terminal, runway improvements, apron expansion, and technical support buildings.[3] The facility officially commenced regular commercial operations on October 12, 1986, marked by inaugural JAT flights using Boeing 737-300 and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 aircraft to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport.[3] This development reflected broader SFRY efforts to decentralize aviation beyond major hubs like Belgrade, though Niš retained its dual military-civilian role, hosting Yugoslav Air Force units at the adjacent Niš Air Base for training and regional defense.[8] By the late 1980s, international connectivity grew modestly; from 1987 to 1990, Slovenia's Inex-Adria operated routes from Niš to domestic points such as Ljubljana, Zagreb, and Split, alongside overseas services to London and Zurich, supplementing JAT's primarily domestic network.[3] Passenger volumes remained low compared to Belgrade, with JAT handling most traffic on short-haul routes using older jetliners. The dissolution of the SFRY in 1991–1992, followed by the establishment of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) consisting of Serbia and Montenegro, triggered severe disruptions. United Nations sanctions under Security Council Resolution 757 (May 30, 1992) prohibited international civil aviation to FRY territories, banning foreign carriers and effectively isolating Niš from global networks.[9] JAT's operations dwindled to sporadic domestic flights amid fuel shortages, hyperinflation, and the escalating Yugoslav Wars, with the airport reverting to predominant military use and minimal civilian activity until partial sanctions relief in 1994 permitted limited passenger resumption.[3][9]Modern Era and Revitalization Efforts
Following the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Niš Constantine the Great Airport experienced significant operational constraints due to international sanctions imposed on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, limiting commercial flights and infrastructure development until the late 1990s. Civil aviation resumed more substantially after the fall of the Milošević regime in 2000, with gradual improvements in connectivity driven by the establishment of Air Serbia's predecessor entities and the introduction of charter services. Passenger traffic remained modest through the early 2000s, averaging under 100,000 annually, as the airport primarily served regional routes and military functions under dual-use operations with the Niš Air Base.[10] Efforts to revitalize the airport intensified in the 2010s, coinciding with Serbia's EU accession aspirations and economic liberalization, which attracted low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air starting around 2015. Government investments totaling 3.5 million euros between 2015 and 2018 enhanced facilities, leading to a surge in passenger numbers to 330,000 in 2018, primarily from seasonal and LCC routes to Western Europe. These upgrades included runway extensions and terminal refurbishments to accommodate growing demand, positioning Niš as a secondary hub complementary to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport.[11][12] Major revitalization accelerated in the 2020s with state-led infrastructure projects under the management of Aerodromi Srbije. Construction of a new passenger terminal commenced on March 6, 2022, resulting in an 7,160-square-meter facility opened on July 24, 2024, designed to handle 1.5 million passengers annually and up to six aircraft simultaneously at a cost of approximately 11 million euros. This terminal features modern amenities including expanded check-in areas, security screening, and commercial spaces to support LCC operations and boost regional tourism.[4][13] In October 2024, Serbia announced a 140 million euro modernization phase in partnership with a Chinese firm, encompassing runway rehabilitation to 3,000 meters, new taxiways, apron expansion, a second passenger terminal, and a upgraded control tower, with works slated to begin in 2025. These initiatives aim to elevate capacity beyond 2 million passengers yearly, integrating advanced navigation aids and sustainability measures amid Serbia's broader aviation sector investments exceeding 500 million euros since 2010. Despite short-term traffic fluctuations, such as a 17% decline to 39,519 passengers in January-February 2025, the projects reflect sustained government commitment to economic diversification in southern Serbia.[5][14][15]Ownership, Management, and Controversies
State Takeover and Local Reactions
In April 2018, the Serbian government assumed ownership and control of Niš Constantine the Great Airport from the City of Niš, transferring it from municipal to national authority amid the local government's financial difficulties.[16][17] The move was formalized after the Niš City Council, facing mounting debts and operational shortfalls, agreed to the handover, with the central government citing the need for substantial investments to sustain and expand the facility, including €3.6 million already allocated by that point for infrastructure upgrades.[17][18] Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that while the state was not obligated to acquire full ownership, failure to do so risked the airport's closure due to unsustainable local finances.[19] Local reactions were marked by widespread opposition, with residents and city officials decrying the transfer as an unauthorized centralization of power that undermined municipal autonomy.[17][12] Protests erupted in Niš, including demonstrations against the shift to state control, as critics argued it represented a "hijacking" of a city asset without adequate local consultation.[20][12] Opposition voices, including local media and political figures, highlighted concerns over lost regional economic benefits and decision-making influence, though government proponents emphasized that state intervention was essential for attracting low-cost carriers and boosting passenger traffic, which subsequently rose from under 2,000 annually pre-2015 to over 350,000 by 2019.[21][22]Operational Management Structure
Aerodromi Srbije d.o.o., a state-owned limited liability company established on February 2, 2016, by the Government of Serbia, serves as the primary operator of Niš Constantine the Great Airport, handling all aspects of operational management including flight coordination, ground services, infrastructure maintenance, and commercial activities.[23] The company maintains centralized control over Serbia's civilian airports, with its headquarters located at the Niš airport facility on Ulica Vazduhoplovaca 24, enabling direct oversight of local operations while integrating Niš into a network that includes Belgrade Nikola Tesla, Morava Kraljevo, and Ponikve Užice airports. Following the June 22, 2018, decision by the Niš City Assembly to transfer management from municipal to national authority, operational decisions have been streamlined under state directives, prioritizing efficiency and alignment with national aviation policy.[24] The structure features a director general, Mihajlo Zdravković, who directs strategic operations across the portfolio, including Niš-specific projects such as runway rehabilitation and terminal expansions announced in 2024.[25] [26] Day-to-day execution at Niš involves dedicated units for airside operations (encompassing runway and taxiway management), passenger handling, cargo logistics—led by figures like Vladimir Radojević as head of cargo services—and security compliance under the oversight of Serbia's Civil Aviation Directorate.[27] Technical and safety protocols adhere to International Civil Aviation Organization standards, with on-site personnel managing approximately 116 employees company-wide as of recent estimates, though Niš-specific staffing focuses on scalable operations to accommodate seasonal traffic peaks. This hierarchical model ensures accountability to the Serbian Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, with annual revenues supporting reinvestments like the 2025 second-phase modernization funded partly through international partnerships.[28]Infrastructure and Facilities
Passenger Terminals and Expansions
The original passenger terminal at Niš Constantine the Great Airport was constructed between 1985 and 1986 as part of broader infrastructure development, including the runway and apron, enabling initial commercial operations.[3][29] In March 2022, construction commenced on a new terminal building designed by Bauprojekt studio, aimed at significantly expanding capacity and facilities.[30][31] This €11 million project quadrupled the size of the main terminal area to approximately 7,784 square meters, featuring 10 check-in counters, self-service kiosks, eight passport control booths, and four boarding gates.[32][4] The new facility, dedicated primarily to departing passengers, opened on July 24, 2024, and is designed to accommodate up to 1.5 million passengers annually while handling six aircraft simultaneously.[4][13] Further expansions are planned under a €140 million upgrade announced in October 2024, which includes construction of an additional passenger terminal alongside airfield improvements.[5] This initiative, supported by international partnerships including China, targets completion by 2027 to enhance overall operational efficiency and passenger throughput.[5][14]Airfield and Runway Specifications
The primary runway at Niš Constantine the Great Airport, designated 11/29, measures 2,500 meters in length by 45 meters in width and is surfaced with asphalt.[33] It has magnetic headings of 113.53° for runway 11 and 293.55° for runway 29.[33] Two auxiliary grass-surfaced runways are also available, with headings of 114° and 294°, each measuring 1,700 meters in length by 50 meters in width.[33] The airfield elevation is 198 meters above mean sea level, with a reference temperature of 29°C recorded in August; magnetic variation stands at 4° east (as of 2015), increasing by 0.03° annually.[33]| Runway | Heading (°) | Length × Width (m) | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 113.53 | 2,500 × 45 | Asphalt |
| 29 | 293.55 | 2,500 × 45 | Asphalt |
| Grass (114) | 114 | 1,700 × 50 | Grass |
| Grass (294) | 294 | 1,700 × 50 | Grass |
Military Integration: Niš Air Base
Niš Air Base, designated as the "Sergeant-Pilot Mihajlo Petrović" Military Airport, operates in tandem with the civilian Niš Constantine the Great Airport, sharing the primary runway and airfield infrastructure for dual-use purposes. This integration allows the Serbian Air Force and Air Defence to conduct operations alongside commercial flights, with military activities prioritized during exercises or alerts through coordinated air traffic management.[34][35] The base hosts key units of the Serbian Armed Forces, including helicopter squadrons from the Air Force and Air Defence as well as the 63rd Parachute Brigade, which utilizes the facility for tactical training, air support simulations, and parachute drops. In December 2021, President Aleksandar Vučić observed demonstrations there featuring helicopter landings, evacuations, and special forces integration, highlighting ongoing modernization with acquisitions such as H-145, Mi-17, and Mi-35 helicopters.[34] Historically, post-World War II development emphasized military applications, with concrete runway construction completed in 1952 to support aviation regiments, transitioning to shared civilian access only after infrastructure expansions in the 1980s.[3][35] Military integration faced challenges during the 1999 NATO bombing campaign against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, when the airfield—targeted for its strategic role—was struck 57 times on the runway alone, alongside damage to hangars and support areas, underscoring its dual military-civilian status as a legitimate objective under international conflict norms. Reconstruction, funded partly by Norway, restored operations by October 2003, but the event reinforced segregated zones for military storage and static aircraft, including Soviet-era MiG and MiL types visible on the apron. Today, the arrangement supports Serbia's defense posture without dedicated separate runways, relying on scheduling protocols to minimize disruptions to the approximately 700,000 annual civilian passengers.[3][35]Cargo and Support Facilities
Niš Constantine the Great Airport maintains a dedicated commodity-customs terminal for domestic and international freight, featuring 630 m² of customs storage (530 m² primary plus 100 m² auxiliary) and 438 m² of commodity storage. This infrastructure supports cargo acceptance, shipping, temporary storage, documentation processing, and handling of goods and vehicles under customs supervision, operated by the airport's public enterprise. Ground handling for cargo, including administrative oversight, load control, and equipment operations, is primarily provided by Aerodrom Niš, with supplemental services available from third-party providers such as Menzies Aviation.[27][36][37] Cargo operations have expanded recently, with the airport establishing its first dedicated international freight route to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport in China on July 4, 2025, operating twice weekly and capable of transporting approximately 50 tons per flight to position Niš as a regional Balkan hub. Unlike passenger traffic, which has declined, cargo volumes are increasing, prompting state plans announced in July 2024 to prioritize infrastructure investments in freight handling for higher profitability. The airport's dual civilian-military status integrates support from the adjacent Niš Air Base, including specialized hangars completed in 2019 for first- and second-level aircraft maintenance, though these primarily serve Serbian Air Force assets like helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft rather than commercial cargo fleets.[38][39][40][41]Safety and Emergency Services
The airport's safety and emergency services are regulated by the Civil Aviation Directorate of the Republic of Serbia (CAD), which issues aerodrome certificates ensuring compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 14 standards for aerodrome rescue and fire fighting services (RFFS).[42] Niš holds such certification as one of Serbia's two primary international airports, mandating RFFS capabilities scaled to the largest aircraft regularly operating there, such as Airbus A320-family jets, typically requiring Category 8 or 9 response levels with minimum agent quantities for fire suppression and rapid intervention times of three minutes for the first vehicle.[43] These services include dedicated firefighting vehicles, foam agents, and trained personnel stationed on-site for immediate response to aircraft incidents, structural fires, or other emergencies.[44] The dual civilian-military nature of the facility, integrated with Niš Air Base of the Serbian Air Force, bolsters emergency response through access to military aviation resources, including additional firefighting aircraft and rapid-response units. The airport also hosts specialized centers such as the Center for Aerial Firefighting Duties, which supports regional emergency operations with water-bomber capabilities for wildfire suppression and potential aircraft fire scenarios. An emergency contact line (+381 18 487 4000) facilitates coordination with local authorities, medical services, and air traffic control for incidents.[45] Niš maintains a strong safety record with no fatal commercial aviation accidents occurring on the airfield itself, attributable in part to its moderate traffic volume and regulatory oversight. Notable incidents include a November 10, 2016, approach anomaly involving a Wizz Air Airbus A320-232, which descended below minimum safe altitude near the airport but recovered and landed without injuries or damage.[46] A similar near-miss occurred in March 2025 with Wizz Air Flight 801, a crew-only service flight from Budapest that approached perilously close to terrain during landing but concluded safely.[47] Military activities have seen isolated fatalities, such as the October 20, 2025, death of Corporal Luka Stojanović (21) during routine parachute training jumps, underscoring operational risks from shared infrastructure but not indicative of systemic civilian safety deficiencies.[48] Departing cargo flights, including Antonov An-12s in 2022, have experienced post-takeoff crashes elsewhere, unrelated to airport emergency services.[49] CAD's ongoing inspections and safety directives further mitigate risks, with recent donations enhancing security equipment across Serbian airports.[50]Airlines and Destinations
Scheduled Passenger Services
Niš Constantine the Great Airport facilitates scheduled passenger flights to 14 destinations across Europe, operated by four airlines as of October 2025.[51] These services include year-round domestic connections and international routes to Western and Central Europe, with some seasonal operations during summer months. Air Serbia, the national carrier, provides the majority of domestic and select international flights, while low-cost carriers Wizz Air and Ryanair dominate European routes; Swiss International Air Lines offers limited seasonal service to Zurich.[51] Flight frequencies vary from two to five weekly departures per route, subject to airline adjustments.[51] The following table summarizes current scheduled destinations, airlines, and operating days:| Destination | Airline | IATA Code | Days of Operation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | Air Serbia | JU | Wednesday, Sunday | Seasonal: 15 June–17 September 2025 |
| Basel-Mulhouse | Wizz Air | W6 | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday | Year-round |
| Belgrade | Air Serbia | JU | Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday | Domestic, year-round |
| Cologne | Air Serbia | JU | Tuesday, Saturday | Year-round |
| Corfu | Ryanair | FR | Friday, Sunday | Seasonal: 1 June–24 October 2025 |
| Frankfurt-Hahn | Air Serbia | JU | Tuesday, Saturday | Year-round |
| Istanbul | Air Serbia | JU | Tuesday, Saturday | Year-round |
| Ljubljana | Air Serbia | JU | Tuesday, Saturday | Year-round |
| Malta | Ryanair | FR | Monday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday | Year-round |
| Memmingen | Wizz Air | W6 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | Year-round |
| Stockholm-Arlanda | Ryanair | FR | Monday, Thursday | Seasonal: 31 March–23 October 2025 |
| Tivat | Air Serbia | JU | Wednesday, Saturday | Seasonal: 14 June–13 September 2025 |
| Vienna | Ryanair | FR | Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | Year-round |
| Zurich | Swiss | LX | Monday, Thursday | Seasonal: 30 June–21 August 2025 |
Charter and Seasonal Routes
Charter and seasonal routes at Niš Constantine the Great Airport focus on leisure travel to Mediterranean and European holiday destinations, operating predominantly during the summer period to accommodate peak tourism demand. These services supplement year-round scheduled flights by providing additional capacity to beach resorts and coastal cities, with frequencies adjusted based on seasonal passenger volumes. Airlines such as Air Serbia and Ryanair dominate these operations, utilizing narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 family for efficiency on short-haul routes.[51] Air Serbia maintains seasonal charter flights to Antalya, Turkey, targeting the Turkish Riviera's resorts with weekly services during the summer season; these charters have been a staple for Serbian outbound tourism since at least 2021, emphasizing all-inclusive holiday packages.[53][54][55] The following table summarizes key seasonal routes for 2025, based on announced schedules:| Destination | Airline | Operational Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens, Greece | Air Serbia | June 15 – September 17 | Leisure-focused, twice weekly |
| Tivat, Montenegro | Air Serbia | June 14 – September 13 | Domestic coastal route |
| Zurich, Switzerland | Swiss | June 30 – August 21 | Summer holiday extension |
| Stockholm Arlanda, Sweden | Ryanair | March 31 – October 23 | Extended seasonal service |
| Corfu, Greece | Ryanair | June 1 – October 24 | Island holiday route, twice weekly |
Cargo Airlines and Operations
Niš Constantine the Great Airport maintains dedicated cargo facilities, including a commodity-customs terminal with 530 m² of customs storage plus 100 m² additional space and 438 m² of commodity storage, enabling handling of both domestic and international freight.[27] The airport supports full cargo operations, encompassing acceptance and shipment of goods, loading and unloading, temporary storage of air shipments, and preparation of required documentation, with infrastructure equipped for servicing modern passenger and dedicated cargo aircraft.[27] Turkish Cargo, a division of Turkish Airlines, has operated scheduled freight services from Niš to Istanbul since November 2016, initially with weekly flights using Airbus A310 or A330-200F freighters capable of carrying up to 38 tons per flight, facilitating imports from Bulgaria and Macedonia alongside broader regional goods transit.[57][58] In July 2025, the airport established its first direct cargo link to China, connecting Niš to Urumqi in Xinjiang province with twice-weekly flights designed to handle up to 50 tons of goods per rotation, aimed at enhancing exports from Serbia and the Western Balkans while integrating with the Belt and Road Initiative's logistics corridors.[38][59] This route marks a strategic expansion, with Serbian officials projecting cargo development as a primary revenue driver for the airport amid limited passenger-focused growth.[39] Ground handling for cargo, including warehousing and customs clearance, is managed through the airport's public enterprise and partners like Menzies Aviation, which provides tailored operational support at Niš.[37] No other dedicated cargo carriers maintain regular scheduled operations, though ad-hoc freighter charters occur sporadically for oversized or time-sensitive shipments.[60]Traffic Statistics and Economic Impact
Passenger Traffic Trends
Passenger traffic at Niš Constantine the Great Airport experienced rapid growth from 2016 to 2019, driven by the establishment of low-cost carrier bases, particularly by Wizz Air, which expanded route networks to Western Europe and Scandinavia. Annual passenger numbers rose from 124,917 in 2016 to a pre-pandemic peak of 422,255 in 2019.[61] The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp contraction, with passengers falling to 154,233 in 2020 and further to 146,296 in 2021, reflecting global aviation disruptions and travel restrictions. Recovery began in 2022, with numbers rebounding to 389,022, surpassing 2019 levels by 2023 when the airport handled a record 448,312 passengers amid increased seasonal charters and LCC operations.[61][62]| Year | Passengers |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 124,917 |
| 2017 | 331,582 |
| 2018 | 351,581 |
| 2019 | 422,255 |
| 2020 | 154,233 |
| 2021 | 146,296 |
| 2022 | 389,022 |
| 2023 | 448,312 |
| 2024 | 357,313 |
Cargo Volume and Growth
Cargo handling at Niš Constantine the Great Airport experienced a peak in 2017, with 2,537,696 kilograms processed, followed by a consistent decline through the early 2020s, reaching a low of 69,648 kilograms in 2023.[61] This downturn coincided with reduced cargo aircraft movements, dropping from 65 in 2017 to 11 in 2023.[61] The airport's cargo operations, supported by a commodity-customs terminal offering 530 m² of customs storage and 438 m² of commodity storage, primarily handle general freight under customs surveillance.[27]| Year | Cargo Volume (kg) | Cargo Aircraft Movements |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,967,807 | 64 |
| 2017 | 2,537,696 | 65 |
| 2018 | 688,327 | 38 |
| 2019 | 1,180,430 | 51 |
| 2020 | 522,660 | 32 |
| 2021 | 310,754 | 39 |
| 2022 | 91,753 | 13 |
| 2023 | 69,648 | 11 |
| 2024 | 424,579 | 32 |