Key Takeaways
• Air Serbia launched direct Belgrade-Tbilisi flights on June 15, 2025, operating three times weekly year-round.
• The route’s inaugural flight had over 90% load factor; the airline plans expansion to Baku, Yerevan, and Central Asia.
• Belgrade is strengthening as a major transfer hub connecting Europe, Balkans, North America, and the Caucasus region.
Air Serbia’s Tbilisi Route: A New Chapter in Eastern Expansion
On June 15, 2025, Air Serbia launched its first direct flights between Belgrade and Tbilisi, marking a major step for the airline and for travel between Serbia and Georgia 🇬🇪. This move not only opens up new travel options for passengers but also signals Air Serbia’s growing interest in expanding further east, with possible new routes to Yerevan (Armenia 🇦🇲), Baku (Azerbaijan 🇦🇿), and even Central Asia. The early success of the Tbilisi route is already shaping the airline’s future plans and has important effects for travelers, businesses, and governments in the region.
Strong Start for Air Serbia’s Tbilisi Route
The launch of direct flights between Belgrade and Tbilisi is a first for Air Serbia and for Serbia’s connection to the Caucasus region. The route operates three times a week all year round, with flights leaving Belgrade on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and returning from Tbilisi on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The first flights were a clear success: the inaugural flight had a load factor (the percentage of seats filled) of over 90%, and the return flight was completely booked.
This strong start has caught the attention of Air Serbia’s leadership. CEO Jiri Marek confirmed that the early results from the Tbilisi route are better than expected and have encouraged the airline to look at more destinations further east. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move is part of a larger plan to make Belgrade a key hub for travel between Europe, the Balkans, North America, and the Caucasus.
Why Tbilisi? The Strategy Behind the Route
Air Serbia’s decision to start flights to Tbilisi was not random. The airline carried out a detailed market study before launching the route. They found a steady increase in the number of people traveling between Serbia and Georgia 🇬🇪, as well as strong demand from travelers in Europe and North America who want to reach the Caucasus region. By using Belgrade as a transfer hub, Air Serbia can connect passengers from Georgia to many other destinations, making travel easier and more efficient.
The Tbilisi route is especially important for several groups:
- Georgian diaspora: People from Georgia living in Europe or North America can now travel home more easily.
- Tourists: The new route makes it simpler for tourists to visit both Serbia and Georgia, boosting tourism in both countries.
- Business travelers: Direct flights help companies build stronger business ties and make it easier to attend meetings or explore new markets.
Operational Details: Aircraft, Schedule, and Network
Air Serbia started the Tbilisi route using its Airbus A319, which has 144 seats. For the winter season, the airline plans to switch to the newer Embraer E195, which has 118 seats. This change allows the airline to adjust capacity based on seasonal demand while keeping costs under control.
Here’s a quick look at the flight schedule:
- From Belgrade to Tbilisi (JU 890):
- Mondays and Thursdays: Depart 13:20, Arrive 18:20
- Sundays: Depart 07:55, Arrive 12:55
- From Tbilisi to Belgrade (JU 891):
- Tuesdays and Fridays: Depart 03:35, Arrive 04:50
- Sundays: Depart 14:25, Arrive 15:40
Tbilisi is now Air Serbia’s 80th destination from Belgrade for the summer of 2025 and the 84th in its regular network. The airline’s reach has grown quickly, now covering 83 airports in summer 2025, compared to just 59 in 2019.
The Impact on Air Serbia’s Network and Passengers
The Tbilisi route is designed mainly as a transfer route. This means that many passengers are not just flying between Belgrade and Tbilisi, but are using Belgrade as a stopover to reach other places in Europe, the Balkans, or North America. This approach helps Air Serbia fill more seats and makes Belgrade a more important hub for international travel.
For passengers, this means:
- Easier connections: Travelers from Georgia can now reach cities like Paris, London, New York, or Toronto with just one stop in Belgrade.
- More choices: The new route gives travelers more options for flights and schedules.
- Better prices: With more competition and more routes, ticket prices can become more affordable.
Booking tickets for the Tbilisi route is simple. Passengers can use Air Serbia’s official website, travel agents, or online booking platforms. The flight schedule is set up to make connections easy, so travelers can move smoothly between flights.
Stakeholder Support: Governments and Airline Leaders
The launch of the Tbilisi route has strong support from both Air Serbia’s leadership and government officials in Serbia and Georgia. CEO Jiri Marek and General Manager for Commercial and Strategy Boško Rupić have both talked about the importance of transfer traffic and the need for flexibility in planning new routes. They see the Tbilisi route as a key part of Air Serbia’s plan to grow its network and serve more passengers.
Serbian government ministers, including Aleksandra Sofronijević and Jagoda Lazarević, have also backed the expansion. They point out that better air links help strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between countries. Georgian officials welcomed the first flight and see it as a sign of closer cooperation between the two nations.
Looking Further East: Plans for Baku, Yerevan, and Central Asia
With the Tbilisi route off to a strong start, Air Serbia is now looking at other destinations in the east. The main targets are Baku (Azerbaijan 🇦🇿), Yerevan (Armenia 🇦🇲), and cities in Central Asia.
Baku (Azerbaijan 🇦🇿):
– Talks about starting flights between Belgrade and Baku have been going on for more than ten years.
– In June 2025, Serbia’s Minister for Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Aleksandra Sofronijević, met with Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to discuss closer air transport ties.
– This meeting shows that both sides are serious about making the route happen soon.
Yerevan (Armenia 🇦🇲):
– Yerevan is also being considered for new flights.
– However, Armenian airlines are on the European Union’s blacklist, which means they cannot fly to EU countries. This rule, in place since June 2020 and updated in June 2025, makes it harder to set up direct flights between Belgrade and Yerevan.
– Air Serbia is watching the situation closely and will move forward if the rules change.
Central Asia:
– Air Serbia is interested in places like Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.
– Right now, the airline’s fleet size limits how many new routes it can start.
– Instead, Air Serbia is looking at partnerships with other airlines (called interline or codeshare agreements) to help passengers reach Central Asia more easily.
Fleet Growth and Financial Strength
Air Serbia’s expansion is possible because of its growing fleet and strong financial results. As of April 2025, the airline has 29 planes, including:
- 2 Embraer E195s (the newest additions)
- 4 Airbus A330-200s
- 3 Airbus A320-200s
- 10 Airbus A319-100s
- 10 ATR 72-600s
The airline expects to carry over 4.7 million passengers in 2025, which is a 6% increase from 2024 and 67% higher than in 2019. Air Serbia also reported record revenue and profits in 2023 and 2024, giving it the resources to keep growing and adding new routes.
How Expansion Affects Different Groups
The new Tbilisi route and plans for more eastern destinations have real effects on many groups:
- Immigrants and diaspora: People from Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia who live in Europe or North America can now travel home more easily, visit family, or do business.
- Tourists: New routes make it easier for tourists to explore new countries and cultures.
- Business travelers: Direct flights save time and help companies build stronger ties across borders.
- Students: Easier travel helps students study abroad or take part in exchange programs.
- Governments: Better air links support diplomatic relations and economic growth.
Challenges and Next Steps
While the Tbilisi route is off to a great start, there are still challenges ahead. For example, starting flights to Yerevan depends on changes to EU aviation rules. Expanding into Central Asia will require more planes or new partnerships with other airlines. Air Serbia’s five-year plan is designed to be flexible, so the airline can adjust quickly if market conditions change.
In the short term, if the Tbilisi route keeps doing well, Air Serbia is likely to announce new flights to Baku and possibly Yerevan. In the medium term, the airline is looking at even more expansion, including possible long-haul routes to places like Miami and Toronto.
Practical Guidance for Travelers
For anyone interested in using the new Tbilisi route or future eastern routes, here are some practical tips:
- Booking: Use Air Serbia’s official website for the latest schedules, ticket prices, and travel updates.
- Connections: Check if your final destination is available as a transfer option through Belgrade. Many European and North American cities are now easier to reach.
- Travel documents: Make sure you have the right visa or travel documents for your destination. For official information on Serbian visa requirements, visit the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Stay updated: Watch for news about new routes to Baku, Yerevan, and Central Asia, as these may open up more travel options soon.
Official Resources and Contacts
- Air Serbia Media Centre: For press releases, fleet updates, and route announcements.
- Air Serbia Official Website: For booking, schedules, and customer service.
- Serbian Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure: For policy updates and bilateral agreements.
Conclusion: A New Era for Air Serbia and Regional Travel
Air Serbia’s launch of direct flights to Tbilisi is more than just a new route—it’s a sign of the airline’s growing ambition and the region’s increasing importance in global travel. The early success of the Tbilisi route is already shaping plans for more eastern routes, including Baku, Yerevan, and Central Asia. This expansion brings real benefits for travelers, businesses, and governments, making it easier to connect, do business, and explore new places.
As Air Serbia continues to grow its fleet and network, passengers can expect even more choices and better connections in the years ahead. The airline’s focus on making Belgrade a major transfer hub is paying off, and the future looks bright for travel between Serbia, the Caucasus, and beyond.
For those planning a trip or looking for new travel options, keeping an eye on Air Serbia’s eastern routes could open up a world of possibilities. Whether you’re visiting family, exploring new cultures, or building business ties, the sky is now a little more open thanks to these new connections.
If you want to stay informed about the latest developments, check Air Serbia’s official website and the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for updates on routes, visas, and travel requirements. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the story of Air Serbia’s eastern expansion is just beginning, and it promises to bring even more opportunities for travelers in the near future.
Learn Today
Load factor → The percentage of available seats filled on a flight, indicating passenger demand and airline efficiency.
Transfer hub → An airport where passengers connect to flights traveling to various destinations, facilitating travel across regions.
Embqraer E195 → A modern regional jet aircraft with 118 seats, used for flexible capacity and seasonal adjustments.
Codeshare agreement → A partnership where airlines share flights, allowing passengers to book routes on multiple carriers smoothly.
Blacklist → A list restricting airlines from flying in certain regions, often due to safety or regulatory concerns.
This Article in a Nutshell
Air Serbia’s new Belgrade–Tbilisi flights mark a strategic expansion eastward. This route boosts regional connectivity, supports diaspora travel, and signals plans to add destinations like Baku and Yerevan, making Belgrade a vital hub for Europe and beyond.
— By VisaVerge.com
