Aviogenex emergency in Podgorica

Aviogenex Boeing B737-200

The revived Serbian charter airline Aviogenex, a relic of EX-YU aviation, had a full scale emergency yesterday when smoke was seen in the cabin. The aircraft was on route from the Greek island of Zakynthos to Belgrade when smoke was seen inside the passenger cabin mid flight. The captain requested an immediate emergency landing at Podgorica Airport and was welcomed by the airport’s fire department and other emergency services. The 23 year old Boeing B737-200 safely landed just after 09.30 CET. All of the 16 passengers on board, plus crew, were well and were not treated for smoke inhalation, the “Tanjug” new agency reports. The airline’s sole aircraft is now grounded in Podgorica until further notice, while an investigation regarding the safety incident is pending.

Meanwhile, Jat Airways has taken over all of Aviogenex’s passengers. The airline has requested emergency slots at Barcelona and Palma de Majorca airports in order to transport holiday makers to the Spanish cities. Both flights have been sold out.

Aviogenex was once part of the GENEX International group. As Yugoslavia fell apart so did GENEX and with it its charter airline. Rumours have been circulating that Kon Tiki Travel, Serbia’s largest tour operator, which recently set up Mat Airways in Macedonia, is keen to purchase the airline and take over its aircraft.