No US flights

No flights from US to Belgrade or Zagreb this summer

Ryan International Airlines, which announced it would commence flights from Chicago and Toronto to Belgrade, is unlikely to do so. The American based airline requested and received landing and departure slots at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport several months ago. However, the Serbian Aviation Directorate said, “Ryan International Airlines has handed in all necessary documentation except for one part. Since then we haven’t heard from them”. The airline was to have its first flight from Chicago to Belgrade on June 29. A spokesperson from the Serbian Government said it was difficult for such airlines to begin flights to Belgrade because they lack onward regional connections.

Similarly, despite earlier announcements, Zagreb is unlikely to see flights to the United States. Previously, Zagreb Airport’s CEO, Tonči Peović, said an airline from the US, rumoured to be North American Airlines, would commence flights from New York to the Croatian capital. However, Zagreb is set to see long haul services with 5 flights from Seoul this summer, to be operated by Korean Air.

Diaspora passengers travelling from the United States are set to soar this year after most cut back on travel in the past 2 years due to the economic crisis. For now, passengers travelling from the United States and Canada to any EX-YU country will have to transit through other European airports.