CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS

Without the intention of exhaustively covering all events, the following is a chronological list of the most significant moments that marked the early stages of aviation development in Belgrade and Serbia:

1841 – 1928 1929 – 1938 1940-1949 1950-1969 1970-1990 1990-2000 2000-2010 2010-2025

1841 – 1928: Beginnings of Aviation in Belgrade

  • November 1841 – The first recorded attempt at flight in Belgrade. According to legend, an apprentice named Manojlo tried to take off near the “Đumrukana” on the Sava riverbank.
  • September 20, 1844 – Issue no. 76 of Srpske novine published an article by Matija Ban titled “Vazduhoplovije” (“Aeronautics”), marking the first written testimony on aviation in Serbia.
  • 1873 – French balloonist Bede demonstrated a balloon flight in front of Belgraders, most likely at Tašmajdan, then known as Mali Vračar.
  • December 24, 1900 – A call for applications was announced for enrollment in an aviation school in Russia. Of four Serbian candidates, Kosta Miletić was admitted and would later become one of the pioneers of Serbian military aviation.
  • October 17, 1909 – Dr. Vladimir Aleksić made the first flight in Pančevo.
  • September 21, 1910 – Czech pilot Rudolf Simon crashed during a flight at Banjica.
  • January 9, 1911 – Edward Rusjan tragically died in Belgrade during an attempted demonstration flight.
  • September 1912 – French pilot Jules Védrines, one of the era’s most famous aerobatic pilots, flew over Banjica.
  • December 24, 1912 – General Radomir Putnik signed the order to establish the Air Command, founding the first official aviation unit in the Serbian army.
  • February 18, 1913 – The Kingdom of Serbia enacted the Regulation on Airborne Traffic Devices, the first legal act regulating air traffic.
  • July 29, 1920 – The Ministry of Army and Navy founded the Department of Aviation.
  • October 22, 1921 – The Serbian Aeroclub was founded in Belgrade, a precursor to future aviation organizations.
  • May 14, 1922 – The first regular assembly of the Aero Club was held.
  • March 25, 1923 – The first landing at the Pančevo airfield was carried out using a SPAD 46 aircraft.
  • September 9, 1923 – The world’s first night passenger route was established: Belgrade–Bucharest.
  • March 28, 1924 – The IKARUS factory delivered its first domestically produced aircraft – the SB-1, known as the “Little Brandenburg.”
  • March 25, 1927 – The “Belgrade” airport beneath Bežanijska Kosa was officially opened, giving the capital its first modern airport.
  • April 21, 1927 – Pilots Tadija Sondermajer and Leonid Bajdak embarked on the legendary Paris–Bombay–Belgrade flight, covering 14,860 km in 11 days with a total of 89 hours of flying.
  • May 2, 1927 – Sondermajer and Bajdak returned to Belgrade after successfully completing their journey.
  • June 17, 1927 – The first Yugoslav civil aviation company, Aeroput, was founded.
  • October 12, 1927 – The mixed Serbian-French company Fabrika avionskih motora AD received authorization to operate.
  • February 15, 1928 – Aeroput carried out its first passenger flight on the Belgrade–Zagreb route, using a Potez 29 aircraft named Beograd. The flight lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes with five passengers onboard, piloted by Tadija Sondermajer and Vladimir Striževski.
  • February 22, 1928 – The Air Navigation Law was passed, regulating civil aviation rules.

1929 – 1938: Establishing Aviation Infrastructure

This period was marked by organizational, legislative, and technical advances in the development of Yugoslav and Belgrade aviation. Foundations were laid for institutions, education, and industry that would shape aviation for decades to come.

  • April 22, 1929 – The Aeronautical Industries Association of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was established, representing a key step toward coordinating the development of civil and military aviation.
  • August 10, 1932 – Construction began on SERKLA — the Aero Club House — based on the design of architect Vasilije Simonović, located at the corner of Uzun Mirkova and Kralja Petra I Streets in Belgrade.
  • August 14, 1932 – The Gliding School of the Aero Club of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was launched. The school was managed by Aca Stanojević, one of the pioneers of domestic gliding.
  • October 12, 1933 – Construction of SERKLA was completed, becoming a central gathering place for Belgrade and Yugoslav pilots, modelers, and aviation enthusiasts.
  • 1933 – A decision was made to establish the Department of Aeronautics at the Technical Faculty of the University of Belgrade — a milestone for the academic institutionalization of aviation science in the country.
  • October 25, 1933 – The Aeronautical Testing Group was founded at the Zemun airport, marking the beginning of systematic aircraft research and testing.
  • November 9, 1933 – An informal research and design group named “Deveti” (“The Ninth”) was formed, later becoming known for its work in glider design.
  • March 11, 1934 – The “Deveti” group completed its first glider.
  • April/May 1934 – The first test flights of this glider were conducted on the slopes around Avala.
  • April 1936 – The Air Force Headquarters building in Zemun, designed by architects Dragiša Brašovan and Nikolaj Jovanović, was officially put into service.
  • April 14, 1938 – The first prototype of the domestically designed IK-3 fighter took off, piloted by test pilot Captain Second Class Milan Bjelanović.
  • May 28 – June 14, 1938 – The First International Aviation Exhibition was held at the newly constructed Belgrade Fairgrounds, featuring participants from seven countries and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The exhibition represented the pinnacle of aviation development to that date.
  • June 5, 1938 – A major international air show was held at the Belgrade airport, organized by the Aero Club of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Pilots and aircraft from five countries participated, and the event drew significant public attention.

1940 – 1949: War, Destruction, and the Rebirth of Aviation

This period marks the most dramatic years in the history of aviation in Belgrade. The city and its infrastructure suffered extensive destruction during World War II, but it was also a time when the foundations were laid for its post-war recovery, modernization, and institutional strengthening.

  • April 5, 1941 – The 102nd Squadron, with 10 Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter planes, flew from Mostar to Belgrade to provide direct defense of the capital.
  • April 6 and 7, 1941 – Belgrade was bombed multiple times by German forces: four times on April 6 (at 6:30, 11:00, 14:00, and 16:00) and once more on April 7 around 15:00. A total of 484 bombers and around 250 fighters participated.
    The resistance by Yugoslav pilots was fierce but insufficient. Eleven pilots and more than 2,200 civilians were killed. Approximately 75 German aircraft were downed — 48 in dogfights and 27 by anti-aircraft artillery.
  • April 16–17, 1944 – The Allies bombed Belgrade for the first time.
  • May 18, 1944 – Belgrade was bombed again by Allied forces in five consecutive waves.
  • Throughout 1944 – Additional Allied bombing raids on Belgrade occurred on:
    April 24,
    May 7,
    June 6,
    July 3,
    September 3, 6, 8, and 18.
  • October 26, 1944 – The runway at Zemun Airport was made operational again just days after the city’s liberation.
  • October 29, 1944 – The Air Force Headquarters was established in Zemun, becoming the command base for future aviation development.
  • August 10, 1945 – The Aeronautical Testing Center (VOC) was founded to serve as the technical body for aircraft and equipment testing and certification.
  • September 12, 1945 – The Military Aviation School was established in Pančevo to train new personnel for military aviation.
  • November 6, 1945 – The first post-war international airline route was launched: Belgrade–Prague.
  • November 11, 1945 – The Aviation Medical Institute was founded, specializing in the health monitoring of flight personnel.
  • April 8, 1946 – The first domestic post-war routes were launched: Belgrade–Sarajevo and Belgrade–Titograd (today’s Podgorica).
  • August 10, 1946 – The Aeronautical Technical Institute was established to oversee research and testing in the military aviation industry.
  • October 22, 1946 – The Aero 2-b, the first domestically produced prototype aircraft in post-war Yugoslavia, took off. It was built by the IKARUS factory.
  • April 1, 1947 – Jugoslovenski Aerotransport (JAT) was established, becoming the national air carrier.
  • April 24–25, 1948 – The Yugoslav Aeronautical Association (VSJ) was formed as the umbrella organization for sport and civil aviation.
  • November 10, 1948 – The “21st May” aircraft engine manufacturing company was founded in Belgrade (later known as DMB).

1950 – 1969: Modernization and the Jet Age

After the destruction of war and institutional restructuring, this period was marked by the rapid development of the domestic aviation industry, the introduction of jet aircraft, the opening of a new international airport, and Yugoslavia’s integration into the modern global aviation network.

  • May 21, 1950 – Marshal Tito ceremonially handed over IKARUS S-49A aircraft to the 204th Regiment at Zemun Airport, symbolizing a commitment to the domestic aviation industry.
  • October 25, 1952 – The first domestically built jet aircraft, designated “451M,” made its maiden flight — a major milestone for Yugoslav aviation technology.
  • June 9, 1953 – The first American jet aircraft, the F-84G Thunderjet, landed at the Batajnica airbase.
  • February 1 – April 28, 1954 – Yugoslavia received its first 10 Sikorsky S-51 helicopters, marking the beginning of its domestic helicopter component.
  • Early April 1954 – JAT’s first Convair CV-340, registration YU-ADA, landed in Belgrade.
  • July 31, 1956 – Colonel Nikola Lekić became the first in Yugoslavia to break the sound barrier during a dive with an F-86E “Sabre” over Batajnica.
  • January 28, 1957 – JAT’s first Ilyushin Il-14, registration YU-ADE, landed in Belgrade.
  • February 15, 1957 – The Department for History and Museum was established within the Command of the Air Force in Zemun — the origin of today’s Aviation Museum.
  • October 29, 1958 – JAT’s first Douglas DC-6B, registration YU-AFA, arrived.
  • May 19, 1960 – Two world speed records were achieved using domestic jet aircraft:
    • Zolja aircraft – pilot Crnjarić: average speed 501 km/h,
    • Matica aircraft – pilot Zekavica: average speed 752 km/h.
  • July 3 (or July 9), 1961 – The prototype of the Galeb G-2 made its maiden flight from the Batajnica runway — the first domestically produced jet trainer and light attack aircraft.
  • April 28, 1962 – The new “Belgrade” International Airport in Surčin was officially opened, built to meet modern aviation standards.
  • January 21, 1963 – JAT’s first Sud Aviation SE 210 Caravelle, registration YU-AHA, landed — the first jet-powered passenger aircraft in the national fleet.
  • October 19, 1964 – A tragic crash occurred involving a Soviet Ilyushin Il-18 airliner near Avala.
  • July 31, 1969 – The national airline Air Yugoslavia was founded, marking the start of a major reorganization of Yugoslav commercial air transport.

1970 – 1990: Technological Rise, Wide-Body Aircraft, and International Recognition

These two decades were marked by the expansion of JAT’s fleet, the development of domestically produced jet trainers and combat aircraft, the introduction of wide-body airliners, and major infrastructure investments. Belgrade emerged as a key regional hub for air traffic.

  • May 11, 1970 – The first Douglas DC-9 in JAT’s fleet, registration YU-AHL, landed in Belgrade.
  • August 18, 1970 – The first leased Boeing 707, registration YU-AGA, arrived.
  • June 10, 1974 – The first Boeing 727, YU-AKA, landed, introducing a new generation of medium-range aircraft.
  • October 31, 1974 – At the Batajnica airbase, the prototype of the Orao (J-22) ground-attack aircraft, jointly developed by Yugoslavia and Romania, took off for the first time.
  • January 21, 1977 – The two-seat version of the Orao, intended for training and combat missions, took its first flight.
  • July 17, 1978 – The prototype of the Super Galeb G-4, an advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft, made its maiden flight from Batajnica. It would later enter serial production at the Utva aircraft factory.
  • December 12, 1978 – JAT’s first wide-body aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 YU-AMA, named Nikola Tesla, landed in Belgrade.
  • May 16, 1979 – JAT’s second DC-10, YU-AMB, named Edvard Rusjan, arrived.
  • July 30, 1981 – The renovated old terminal building of Belgrade Airport was reopened for domestic traffic.
  • September 21–26, 1981 – The runway at “Belgrade” Airport (Surčin) underwent full reconstruction.
  • April 21, 1984 – The foundation stone was laid for a new JAT maintenance hangar at Belgrade Airport.
  • November 22, 1984 – Pilot Marjan Jelen successfully broke the sound barrier in an Orao aircraft over Batajnica.
  • May 1985 – The first prototype of the Lasta trainer aircraft, built by the Utva factory, took to the skies.
  • August 8, 1985 – The first Boeing 737-300 in JAT’s fleet, registration YU-AND, landed in Belgrade.
  • July 22, 1986 – The new hangar at Belgrade Airport was officially opened, built to support wide-body aircraft maintenance.
  • September 7–13, 1987 – The 7th World Aeromodelling Championship was held at Lisičji Jarak.
  • September 24, 1987 – The first MIG-29UB two-seat aircraft landed at Batajnica, marking the arrival of a new generation of fighters in the Yugoslav Air Force.
  • May 21, 1989 – The Museum of Yugoslav Aviation was officially opened, housed in a striking architectural building near Belgrade Airport.

1990 – 2000: Sanctions, War, Recovery, and Attempts at Reintegration

This decade was the most difficult for both civil and military aviation in Serbia. International sanctions, armed conflicts, and NATO airstrikes severely impacted the aviation industry. Nevertheless, there were notable efforts toward technical and institutional recovery.

  • June 1992 – International sanctions were imposed on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. JAT was banned from international flights; part of the fleet was grounded, redirected, or leased out.
  • October 16, 1993 – The first ultralight trike (motorized hang glider) flight over Belgrade took place, flying above Kalemegdan during an air show organized by the “Naša krila” club. Parachute jumps from the trike were performed for the first time. Takeoff and landing were arranged from the Sava quay, between the Gazela and tram bridges.
  • February 19, 1996 – After overhaul in Italy, JAT’s DC-10 (YU-AMB) was returned to service under the name City of Belgrade.
  • June 4, 1996 – A promotional flight of the Airbus A319 was held on the route Belgrade–Tivat–Belgrade. The aircraft bore a reproduction of the “White Angel” fresco from the Mileševa Monastery.
  • August 19, 1996 – A Russian IL-76 transport aircraft (RA-76513) crashed near Belgrade Airport.
  • October 6, 1996 – JAT resumed its first international flights after years of isolation.
  • April 6, 1997 – A monument was unveiled to honor the defenders of Belgrade from April 1941.
  • April 24, 1997 – The new Montenegrin airline, Montenegro Airlines, held its official launch.
  • June 15, 1997 – The “Peace and Trust” air show was held at the Batajnica airbase, with participation from domestic and international aviation organizations.
  • September 6, 1997 – The Vršac Air Show ’97 took place, featuring the Yugoslav Air Force.
  • October 1997 – The Yugoslav Airline Pilots Association (YALPA) organized the European Pilots Conference (PEC) in Belgrade.
  • March 3, 1998 – A new Air Traffic Act was adopted by the Federal Assembly.
  • April 1, 1998 – The “Intent to Purchase Airbus A319” for JAT’s fleet was published.
  • June 14, 1998 – An air show was held at Batajnica, without foreign delegations due to the political situation.
  • September 1998 – The EU imposed a landing ban on Yugoslav aircraft at airports within its member states.
  • September 15, 1998 – JAT presented its first revitalized and modernized DC-9 aircraft (YU-AJL), named Vršac.
  • January 29, 1999 – Promotional flight of the new airline Er Srpska on the route Banja Luka – Belgrade – Banja Luka, operated with an ATR-72 YU-ALO.
  • March 24, 1999 – NATO bombing of the FRY began. Belgrade was hit multiple times. In the early hours of the attack, targets included the UTVA aircraft factory, Batajnica, Jakovo, Rakovica, and the Koviona radar station.
  • March 27, 1999 – A U.S. F-117 Nighthawk stealth bomber was shot down near the village of Buđanovci, shattering the myth of “invisibility” in stealth technology.
  • March 28, 1999 – The civilian Belgrade Airport was struck by two Tomahawk missiles.
  • April 5, 1999 – Belgrade Airport was bombed again around 4:00 a.m.
  • June 25, 1999 – JAT resumed international flights with a route to Moscow, following the cessation of hostilities.
  • November 26, 1999 – Mihajlo Nikolić–Kajle, the last surviving pilot-defender of Belgrade from April 6, 1941, passed away. Shortly before his death, he was promoted to the rank of reserve aviation major general.
  • January 27, 2000 – Eurocontrol re-established control over Belgrade FIR, allowing resumption of overflights.
  • March 26, 2000 – JAT partially resumed flights to the EU, starting with the Belgrade–Vienna route.
  • April 25, 2000 – JAT’s general director, Žika Petrović, was assassinated.
  • June 5, 2000 – Mihailo Vujnović was appointed as the new general director of JAT.
  • October 9, 2000 – The EU lifted sanctions on JAT, the UN Security Council lifted sanctions against the FRY, and the U.S. allowed JAT flights to North America.

2000 – 2010: Liberalization, Transition, and New Airlines

Following the lifting of sanctions and political stabilization, Serbian aviation entered a period of transition and attempts at modernization. New airlines emerged, flights to major European hubs were restored, and JAT struggled to find its place in the evolving commercial environment.

  • March 2001 – JAT reestablished regular flights to Paris, Zurich, and Rome, restoring connections with major EU airports.
  • July 2001 – Belgrade Airport resumed regular seasonal charter flights to popular Mediterranean tourist destinations.
  • December 2002 – The modern Air Traffic Control of Serbia and Montenegro (SMATSA) was inaugurated, featuring upgraded communication and radar systems.
  • March 2003 – As part of government reform, the civil aviation sector was placed under the jurisdiction of the newly established Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications.
  • January 2004 – A new two-letter aircraft registration system was introduced in line with ICAO standards.
  • 2005 – Modernization of Belgrade Airport’s terminal began, including capacity expansion and the implementation of new EU-style security protocols.
  • May 2005 – The first Airbus A319 from the new low-cost airline Wizz Air landed at Nikola Tesla Airport.
  • 2006 – The airline Centavia was founded in an attempt to launch a new private carrier, though it had a short operational lifespan.
  • 2007 – Sky Srpska was founded in Banja Luka in partnership with JAT, aiming to establish regional air services.
  • February 2008 – Faced with market pressure and changes in the aviation industry, JAT began an internal reorganization, including a new visual identity and business model.
  • 2009 – Serbia ratified the Open Skies Agreement with the EU, opening its market to all European airlines.
  • May 2009 – A new national Civil Aviation Directorate (DCV) was established as an independent regulatory body.
  • December 2009 – Runway reconstruction at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport began — the first since 1981.

2010 – 2025: Transformation, Pandemic, and Belgrade’s Rise as a Regional Hub

The period from 2010 to the present has been defined by profound structural changes in Serbia’s civil aviation, including international partnerships, digital transformation, the COVID-19 crisis, and major infrastructure expansion. Belgrade has steadily positioned itself as a key aviation hub in the Western Balkans.

  • 2010 – Belgrade Airport recorded a passenger traffic record (3.1 million), accompanied by expanded capacity for low-cost and seasonal flights.
  • 2013 – A strategic partnership was established between the Government of Serbia and Etihad Airways, transforming JAT Airways into Air Serbia. The transition included rebranding, fleet modernization, and new route development.
  • October 26, 2013 – Air Serbia conducted its first flight under the new name on the Belgrade–Abu Dhabi route.
  • 2014–2015 – Air Serbia renewed its fleet with Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, and adopted a completely new visual identity.
  • 2016 – The airline introduced a “hybrid model,” blending full-service and low-cost operations.
  • June 23, 2016 – Air Serbia launched a direct transatlantic route: Belgrade–New York (JFK), marking the return of regular flights to the U.S. after more than two decades.
  • 2017 – Plans were announced for the reconstruction and expansion of Nikola Tesla Airport’s terminal. Preparations for privatization and concession began.
  • March 2018 – French company Vinci Airports assumed a 25-year concession for managing Belgrade Airport, committing to invest over €700 million.
  • 2020 – Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, air traffic was almost completely halted between March and June. Air Serbia operated numerous repatriation and humanitarian flights.
  • 2021 – Commercial flights resumed, with new seasonal destinations introduced and a strong focus on health safety and operational flexibility.
  • May 2022 – Major terminal expansion at Nikola Tesla Airport began, including a new central entrance, a modernized runway, new air traffic control tower, and additional boarding gates.
  • July 2022 – Air Serbia became the leading airline in the Western Balkans in terms of flights and destinations served.
  • 2023 – The airline reached a record of over 4 million passengers transported and introduced new routes to China, Italy, and Scandinavia.
  • 2024 – A new section of the terminal was opened, featuring more than 15 additional jet bridges, enabling an annual capacity of over 10 million passengers.
  • March 2025 – Air Serbia announced the acquisition of new Airbus A321XLR aircraft and plans to expand its intercontinental network.
  • May 2025 – Belgrade Airport was named the Best Regional Airport by ACI Europe in the category of airports serving up to 15 million passengers.