Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (IATA: BEG – ICAO: LYBE) is the largest and busiest international airport in Serbia. Located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) west of Belgrade city center, it is the primary gateway to the Serbian capital and the Balkans region.

The airport is a central Air Serbia hub, handling over 6 million passengers annually. It offers flights to major cities across Europe, the Middle East, and seasonal destinations in North America and Asia.

Belgrade Airport offers modern facilities and an easy-to-navigate layout. With over 8 million passengers passing through in 2024, it plays a significant role in the region’s air travel network. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is a practical and reliable entry point for anyone planning a trip to Serbia.

General Information

Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Country: Serbia
Airport Type: Public, International
IATA Code: BEG
ICAO Code: LYBE
Elevation: 336 feet (102 metres)
Coordinates: 44°49′25″N 020°18′32″E
Timezone: UTC+1 (CET) / UTC+2 (CEST during Daylight Saving Time)
Distance from City Centre: Approx. 18 km (11 miles) west of Belgrade
Website: www.beg.aero
Operator: VINCI Airports
Services: International flights, cargo, general aviation, airport parking

Parking Information

Short-Term Parking

Rate: RSD 100/hour (~$1 USD/hour)
Distance: Near terminal entrance
Ideal For: Short visits and quick pick-ups

Long-Term Parking

Rate: RSD 800/day (~$7 USD/day)
Distance: Shuttle or walking access
Ideal For: Multi-day or long-term stays

Payment Methods: Cards and local currency are accepted
Security: 24/7 surveillance and gated access

Contact Information

Airport Info Line: +381 11 209 4444
Email: info@beg.aero
FBO Services: Available via Air Pink and Prince Aviation

Passenger Information

Immigration Requirements: A Passport is required; visa policies depend on nationality. Serbia has visa-free entry for EU, U.S., and several other nationalities.
Crew Requirements: Passport, crew ID/licence, General Declaration
Transport Options: Taxis, public bus (Line A1), private transfers, car rentals
Nearby Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Belgrade, Hyatt Regency Belgrade, Airport Hotel Garni
Currency: Serbian Dinar (RSD); credit cards widely accepted

Location and Accessibility

The airport is about 18 kilometers (11 miles) west of downtown Belgrade, near the suburb of Surčin. Travelers can reach the airport by car, taxi, and several bus lines, making it convenient for local and international passengers. Parking is available on site, and there are different options for short and long stays.

The surrounding area features fertile lowlands, which allow room for future airport expansion. Visitors benefit from direct routes connecting the airport to key roads in Belgrade. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport also offers transport services that make the journey easier.

History and Development

Opened in 1962, Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has played a key role in regional air travel. The name honors Nikola Tesla, a famous Serbian-American inventor. Over the years, the airport has seen several upgrades. New terminals, runways, and modern facilities have improved capacity and passenger experience.

Recent years have brought major renovations and expanded services, such as new shops and restaurants. As of 2024, it welcomed over 8.36 million passengers, reflecting its growth and importance for Serbia. The airport connects Serbia to almost 100 airports across the globe, offering both direct and connecting flights.

Airport Codes and Geographical Data

The IATA code BEG and the ICAO code LYBE identify Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. These codes are used for ticketing, navigation, and airline operations. The airport is situated at a latitude of 44.8184° N and a longitude of 20.3091° E, which places it in the central part of Serbia.

The airport’s elevation is approximately 102 meters (335 feet) above sea level. These details help pilots and travelers locate the airport quickly and plan their trips accurately. The location also supports safe arrivals and departures in most weather conditions.

Airlines and Flight Connectivity

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport supports many flight routes in Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, Africa, and North America. Several major airlines operate here, offering a wide range of direct and connecting flights.

Major Airlines and Destinations

The leading airline at Belgrade Airport is Air Serbia, which offers scheduled, seasonal, and charter flights to over 70 destinations. Other major operators include Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Air France, Alitalia, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Aeroflot Russian Airlines, and Tunisair.

Flights reach major European cities like Paris, Vienna, Zurich, Moscow, Warsaw, Athens, and Istanbul. Norwegian Air Shuttle, Flydubai, and Montenegro Airlines increase connectivity to additional destinations. Travelers can find long-haul flights to North America, including New York, and regional options nearby. Use the destination map on the Belgrade Airport flights overview for a current list.

A combination of full-service carriers and low-cost airlines like Wizz Air and Norwegian Air Shuttle provides flexible travel options. Each airline brings different service levels and price ranges.

Domestic and International Routes

Belgrade Airport offers one domestic flight, focused primarily on serving its international network. The airport connects directly to over 100 destinations in 37 countries, mostly across Europe, with select flights to the Middle East, Africa, and North America.

The busiest international routes link Belgrade to cities such as Istanbul, Vienna, Frankfurt, Zurich, Paris, and Moscow. Some direct flights connect to major airports in the United States, like JFK (New York). Seasonal and charter flights expand route choices during peak travel periods.

Flight frequencies vary by destination. European capitals typically see several daily departures. The variety ensures both business travelers and tourists find multiple convenient options year-round.

Codeshare Partners and Alliances

Air Serbia leads codeshare partnerships at Belgrade Airport, cooperating with many airlines to facilitate easier global connections. Examples of codeshare partners include Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Aeroflot, and Swiss International Air Lines.

Most of these airlines belong to major global alliances like Star Alliance (e.g., Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Aegean Airlines, Austrian Airlines), SkyTeam (e.g., Air France, Alitalia, Aeroflot), and some non-alliance members. This network allows passengers to book through itineraries and accrue frequent-flyer miles across multiple airlines.

Codesharing helps connect travelers from Belgrade to cities not served by non-stop flights. It also offers more choices for transit, checked baggage transfers, and loyalty benefits. Frequent flyer programs are generally linked through these codeshare and alliance agreements, making travel smoother for regular passengers.

Airport Infrastructure and Capacity

Belgrade Airport is Serbia’s main international hub. The facility supports millions of passengers each year and has experienced major upgrades to meet rising demand and improve service.

Terminals and Passenger Facilities

The airport has two main terminals. Terminal 2 (T2) was built in 1979 to handle a growing number of travelers. This terminal can now serve up to 5 million passengers annually, making it the larger of the two.

A recent expansion added 42,000 square meters to the passenger terminal area, which includes 12 new gates for boarding. Passengers can find many restaurants, shops, and comfortable waiting areas. Border control and baggage claim have also been improved to speed up connections.

The airport focuses on making the travel experience smooth. Special areas are available for families, people with disabilities, and business travelers. Services like free Wi-Fi and charging stations are found throughout the terminals.

Runways and Technical Details

Belgrade Airport features a single main runway that measures 3,400 meters long and is built to handle large aircraft, including wide-body jets.

The runway has advanced lighting and navigation systems, supporting day and night operations in various weather conditions. This ensures a high level of safety for landings and takeoffs.

The airport’s control tower manages passenger flights and a busy schedule of cargo flights. The technical infrastructure is regularly updated so the airport can meet international safety and operational standards.

Recent Expansions and Growth

Recently, Belgrade Airport completed an ambitious modernization project. The expansion of the terminal building and the addition of new gates increased its total passenger capacity. This expansion supports more flights and helps reduce congestion during busy travel seasons.

Over EUR80 million has been invested in infrastructure improvements, including updated runways, taxiways, and baggage handling systems. During construction, efforts were made to minimize passenger disruptions.

As a result, Belgrade Airport has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing airports. The upgrades have helped the airport attract new airlines and routes, supporting the country’s air travel and tourism growth.

Local Attractions

Kalemegdan Fortress

The historic fortress offers panoramic views over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers.

Republic Square

Cultural landmarks, cafés, and shopping surround the central hub of Belgrade.

Church of Saint Sava

It is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, with a stunning dome and interior.

Skadarlija

The Bohemian quarter is known for traditional Serbian restaurants, live music, and cobblestone streets.

Nikola Tesla Museum

A tribute to the famous inventor featuring his personal items and interactive exhibits.

Travel Tips

Seasonal flight schedules vary—check with airlines in advance.

Arrive 2 hours before international departures.

ATMs and currency exchange are available in arrivals and departures.

Public transport is budget-friendly but limited in English signage—taxis or apps like CarGo are recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Belgrade Airport has two terminals with many services for travelers. Transport to the city is available day and night, and passengers can check flight status and other information online.

How do I navigate from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Belgrade Airport?

Terminals 1 and 2 at Belgrade Airport are in the same building. Passengers can walk between them in just a few minutes. Signs in English and Serbian help guide travelers.

What are the transportation options available from Belgrade Airport to the city center?

Travelers can use taxis, buses, or private transfers. Official taxis wait outside the terminal, and local city buses run between the airport and central Belgrade at all hours. This Belgrade Airport transportation guide provides more details.

Which airlines operate flights out of Belgrade Airport?

Belgrade Airport is a hub for Air Serbia. Many other airlines, including both international and low-cost carriers, offer flights to cities across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Can I access a lounge at Belgrade Airport? What are the requirements?

There are lounges in the departure area. Access is offered to business class travelers, select frequent flyer members, and those with lounge passes. Some lounges also allow travelers to pay at the door.

What facilities are available at Belgrade Airport for departing passengers?

Facilities include dining options, shops, free Wi-Fi, duty-free stores, ATMs, and currency exchange. Check-in counters, baggage wrapping, and lost and found services are also available.

How can I check the status of arrivals and departures at Belgrade Airport?

Flight information is displayed on screens throughout the terminals. Passengers can also check real-time arrivals and departures on the airport’s or airline websites. This Air Serbia FAQ page lists more answers for passengers.