Key Takeaways
• Wizz Air resumes Dortmund-Niš flights Jan 5, 2026, with Airbus A321neo twice weekly service.
• My Freighter starts biweekly cargo flights from Urumqi to Niš, carrying 50–53 tonnes per flight.
• Niš Airport saw a 16% passenger increase in June 2025 after a year-long drop.
Niš Airport Expands with New Wizz Air Service and China Cargo Flights
As of July 5, 2025, Niš Constantine the Great Airport in Serbia has taken a big step forward, securing new passenger and cargo flights that are set to change its role in the region. These changes are not just about more planes coming and going—they have real effects on travelers, businesses, and the wider economy in the Balkans. Here’s a detailed look at what’s happening, why it matters, and how it could affect you.
Major Developments at Niš Airport
The two biggest updates are the return of a popular Wizz Air passenger route and the launch of direct cargo flights from China. Both moves are expected to boost the airport’s profile and help the region connect better with Europe and Asia.
Wizz Air Returns to Niš with Dortmund Route
Who and What: Wizz Air, a well-known low-cost airline, is bringing back its direct flights between Dortmund (Germany) and Niš (Serbia).
When: The new service starts on January 5, 2026.
How Often: Flights will run twice a week.
Aircraft: The route will use the Airbus A321neo, which has 239 seats.
Booking: Tickets are already available for purchase on the Wizz Air website.
Why is this important?
Wizz Air had previously operated this route from August 2016 until January 2024. In 2023, the Dortmund-Niš route carried 34,663 passengers, with an average of 89% of seats filled. The return of this route is a sign that demand is strong and growing. It also adds to Wizz Air’s existing flights from Basel and Memmingen to Niš, giving travelers more options.
Recent Trends:
Niš Airport had been facing a drop in passenger numbers for about a year and a half, mainly because Wizz Air had to cut flights due to engine inspections. However, things have turned around. In June 2025, the airport saw a 16% increase in passengers compared to the previous year, making it the best month so far in 2025.
Direct Cargo Flights from China: A New Chapter
Who and What: Uzbekistan-based airline My Freighter has started direct cargo flights from Urumqi (China) to Niš, with stops in Navoiy (Uzbekistan), Leipzig (Germany), and Tashkent (Uzbekistan).
When: The first flight took off on July 3, 2025.
How Often: These flights will run twice a week.
Cargo Volume: Each flight carries about 50–53 tonnes of goods, mostly cross-border e-commerce products.
Why is this important?
This is the second direct air cargo route from China’s Xinjiang region to Serbia, the first being to Belgrade. The new route is a direct result of the China-Serbia free trade agreement, which started in 2024 and has already increased trade and cargo flows between the two countries.
Distribution:
Goods arriving in Niš are not just for Serbia—they are distributed to North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This makes Niš Airport a key entry point for Chinese goods into the Balkans.
Strategic Context:
Xinjiang authorities in China see this route as part of a bigger plan to make Urumqi a major hub for trade between Europe and Asia. This fits into China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to improve trade and economic ties across Eurasia.
Official Statements and Stakeholder Views
Serbian Perspective:
Mihajlo Zdravković, CEO of Airports of Serbia, said the new partnership will help connect the region, improve logistics, and could lead to more joint projects and better cargo standards in the future.
Chinese Perspective:
Officials from Xinjiang have highlighted the importance of Urumqi as a Eurasian air hub and see the new route as a way to support trade and economic exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Aviation Analysts:
Experts say that the end of the passenger decline and the start of major cargo routes show that Niš Airport is becoming more important in the Balkans. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes could make Niš a top choice for both travelers and businesses in the region.
Supporting Details and Broader Context
Swiss Air Service Returns
In addition to the Wizz Air and China cargo news, Swiss International Air Lines has resumed flights between Zurich and Niš after a four-year break. This seasonal service will run twice a week until August 21, 2025, giving travelers more options and helping boost passenger numbers.
Passenger and Cargo Growth
The airport’s recent growth is clear. After a tough period caused by Wizz Air’s temporary flight cuts, Niš Airport saw a 16% jump in passenger traffic in June 2025. The new China-Serbia cargo link is expected to further raise the airport’s profile as a logistics hub.
Economic and Policy Implications
China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement
The free trade agreement between China 🇨🇳 and Serbia 🇷🇸, which began in 2024, has played a big role in these changes. It has made it easier and cheaper for goods to move between the two countries, leading to more cargo flights and stronger business ties.
Regional Impact
The new cargo flights are expected to make supply chains faster and more reliable for businesses in Serbia and neighboring countries. This will help companies involved in e-commerce (online shopping) and manufacturing, as they can get products and parts more quickly and at lower cost.
Airport Competitiveness
With these new services, Niš Airport is becoming more competitive. Officials hope to attract more investment and expand both passenger and cargo operations in the future.
Future Outlook and Expansion Plans
More Cargo Routes on the Horizon
Xinjiang is planning to add more cargo routes from Urumqi, including flights to Larnaca (Cyprus) and Karachi (Pakistan). This will further connect Eurasian logistics networks and could bring even more goods through Niš Airport.
Potential for More Services
If the new routes are successful, there could be more flights or new destinations added. Both Serbian and Chinese officials have said they are interested in expanding their cooperation.
Key Stakeholders and How to Get Involved
Airports of Serbia (Aerodromi Srbije):
This is the state-owned company that runs Niš Airport. CEO Mihajlo Zdravković is the main spokesperson for these new developments.
Xinjiang Airport Group:
This Chinese company is a key partner in the cargo route agreement.
My Freighter:
This Uzbekistan-based airline operates the new cargo flights.
Wizz Air:
The low-cost airline is expanding its presence at Niš with the return of the Dortmund route.
How to Use the New Services
For Cargo Clients:
If you are a business looking to use the new China-Serbia cargo route, you should contact Airports of Serbia or My Freighter to arrange bookings and logistics. This can help you get your goods to and from China and other parts of Asia more easily.
For Passengers:
If you want to fly between Dortmund and Niš, you can book tickets directly on the Wizz Air website. Flight schedules and prices for the 2026 season are already available.
For More Information:
You can find more details about Niš Airport and its services on the official airport website. For official information about Serbia’s airports and aviation policy, you can visit the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate website.
Historical Context: How Niš Airport Got Here
Passenger Decline and Recovery
In 2024, Niš Airport saw a big drop in passenger numbers. This was mainly because Wizz Air had to cut flights due to engine inspections—a problem that affected many airlines worldwide. However, with new and resumed services, the airport has bounced back, showing strong growth in 2025.
Cargo Evolution
The launch of direct cargo flights from China is a first for Niš Airport. This marks a major step in its transformation from a small regional airport to a key logistics center for the Balkans.
What This Means for Travelers and Businesses
For Travelers:
– More direct flights mean easier and cheaper travel between Serbia and Germany.
– The return of Swiss International Air Lines gives more options for those traveling to and from Switzerland.
– Increased passenger numbers could lead to better airport facilities and more services in the future.
For Businesses:
– Faster and more reliable cargo flights make it easier to import and export goods.
– The airport’s growing role as a logistics hub can help businesses reach new markets in Europe and Asia.
– The China-Serbia free trade agreement means lower costs and fewer barriers for trade.
For the Region:
– Niš Airport’s growth helps connect the Balkans with major economic centers in Europe and Asia.
– Improved logistics can support job creation and economic growth in Serbia and neighboring countries.
– The airport’s success may encourage more airlines and cargo operators to invest in the region.
Step-by-Step Guide for Stakeholders
For Cargo Clients:
1. Contact Airports of Serbia or My Freighter to discuss your shipping needs.
2. Arrange bookings and provide details about your cargo.
3. Coordinate with logistics partners for distribution across Serbia and the Balkans.
For Passengers:
1. Visit the Wizz Air website to check flight schedules and book tickets.
2. Arrive at Niš Airport on your travel date and follow airport procedures.
3. Enjoy direct travel between Serbia and Germany, with more options expected in the future.
For Businesses and Investors:
1. Monitor Niš Airport’s growth and new service announcements.
2. Explore opportunities for partnerships or investment in logistics and trade.
3. Stay informed about changes in trade agreements and customs rules.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Niš Airport?
Niš Airport’s recent developments are more than just new flights—they are signs of a bigger shift. As the airport grows, it is likely to attract more airlines, cargo operators, and investors. This could lead to even more routes, better facilities, and stronger economic ties between Serbia, Europe, and Asia.
Key Takeaways
- Niš Airport is growing fast, with new Wizz Air passenger flights and direct China cargo flights.
- The airport is becoming a key hub for both travelers and businesses in the Balkans.
- The China-Serbia free trade agreement is driving more trade and cargo traffic.
- Travelers and businesses can already take advantage of these new services, with more expected in the future.
For the latest updates, schedules, and booking information, visit the official Niš Airport website or the Wizz Air website. For official government information about aviation in Serbia, check the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes mark a turning point for Niš Airport, setting the stage for continued growth and new opportunities for the entire region. Whether you’re a traveler, a business owner, or simply interested in the future of the Balkans, Niš Airport’s latest moves are worth watching closely.
Learn Today
Wizz Air → A low-cost European airline operating passenger flights, including new services at Niš Airport.
Airbus A321neo → A modern, fuel-efficient aircraft model with 239 seats used for Wizz Air’s Dortmund-Niš route.
Direct Cargo Flights → Nonstop air freight services that transport goods between Niš Airport and Urumqi, China twice weekly.
China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement → A 2024 pact reducing tariffs and barriers, boosting trade and cargo flows between China and Serbia.
Belt and Road Initiative → China’s global infrastructure project enhancing trade routes connecting Asia and Europe, including new Niš cargo flights.
This Article in a Nutshell
Niš Airport rapidly expands with returning Wizz Air flights and new China cargo routes. This strengthens Balkan connectivity, boosts economic ties, and enhances travel options. Growing passenger numbers and strategic cargo services mark Niš as a key regional hub, driving trade growth under China-Serbia agreements and promising future expansion opportunities.
— By VisaVerge.com
