June 13 (SeeNews) - Works on the reconstruction, modernisation and extension of the Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade are in their final stage, the operator, Belgrade Airport, said.
The goal of the modernisation is to raise raising efficiency and improve passenger experience as of summer 2024 onwards, Belgrade Airport, part of France's Vinci Airports, said in a statement earlier this week.
This summer, Nikola Tesla Airport will have 90 check-in counters, up from last year's 57. Departing passengers will benefit from 16 Border Police passport control channels and 12 state-of-the-art baggage screening devices that allow electronics to remain in hand luggage, expediting the process, according to the statement.
In 2018, Vinci Airports signed a 25-year concession agreement with the Serbian government to finance, operate and upgrade the airport in Belgrade. The investor has launched a 730 million euro ($786 million) investment plan, aimed at boosting passenger numbers at the Nikola Tesla airport to 15 million by 2043. In 2023, a new 3.5-km runway was launched, the airport's second.
In 2023, the airport welcomed a record 7.948 million passengers, up 42% year-on-year.
Prior to the signing of the concession deal with Vinci, the airport had a capacity to handle 5 million passengers.
As part of the overhaul, a new main free shop opened in May, featuring an area three times larger than before.
"Renovation is ongoing, and the whole new central departure area will feature a rich commercial offer mixing local flavours with well recognized international brands," the statement read.
The airbort handled a record-high 1.609 million passengers in the first quarter of 2024, up 23% on the year.
($ = 0.929 euro)