The Belgrade Nikola Tesla International Airport in Serbia was expanded and modernised by operator concessionaire VINCI Airports for improved passenger experience.
The €262m ($320.5m) modernisation and expansion project enhances the airport by improving infrastructure, capacity, commercial services, comfort, and customer experience. It also includes increasing passenger traffic to 15 million by the end of the concession, implementing sustainable and eco-friendly operations and positioning the airport as a key hub for South-East Europe. It boosts Serbia’s economic and tourism development while enhancing global connectivity.
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The expansion project was a part of the overall development plan set by VINCI Airports. It was carried out by a joint venture (JV) company formed between Vinci Construction Grands Projects (51%), a subsidiary of the VINCI Group, and GEK Terna Group (49%), a construction company.
The modernisation project was initiated by the presidents of France and Serbia in July 2019. The airport completed the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) testing for new infrastructure in October 2020.
The project was completed in August 2024. The airport now connects to 116 destinations and is served by 26 airlines.
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport expansion and airside modernisation
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport’s passenger terminal building was expanded by 42,000m² (452,084ft²) with an additional 12 gates.
The newly built central processing section of the terminal is connected to the other terminal facilities. It features eight additional contact gates with boarding bridges and five gates for remote aircraft stands, bringing the total to 19 gates on the Terminal C side. The project added 29 check-in counters and nine passport control counters in the airport. Centralised security control replaced individual gate screenings, allowing for an open-space boarding gate concept. Piers A and C of the terminal building were also expanded and modernised.
A second 3,500m-long runway was introduced, which also enabled the reconstruction of the main 3,400m-long runway as part of the improvements to the airside facilities. Four new taxiways were constructed, while the existing three have undergone reconstruction.
A total of 11 aircraft parking stands, contact parking areas, and access roads were modernised, involving a complete reconfiguration, upgrade, and enhancement of the road and access systems. A new Kiss & Fly area for short stays is added next to the terminal building, which allows direct access to passenger and taxi vehicles to the airport building.
The project includes the construction of 3,500m of road works to support the movement of vehicles. A rainwater drainage system, lighting and CCTV systems were also installed.
The redesigned commercial area was expanded to more than 9,000m², offering a diverse range of content that blends local flavours with renowned international brands. The baggage management system has been upgraded, and a new main duty-free area of 3,000m2, three times the size of the previous one, has been opened. Currently, the airport accommodates 14 shops and four restaurants.
Apron expansion details at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport
In the recent development phase at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, the existing apron was expanded, along with the construction of new apron infrastructure.
A new apron (Apron E) covering 25,000m² was built, increasing aircraft handling capacity at remote parking positions. It includes three parking positions for aircraft with a wingspan of up to 36m, along with internal roads, ground handling equipment areas, and its own lighting and drainage system.
Expanded by 11,000m², Apron B capacity grew from seven to ten parking positions for C-code aircraft, with an additional position for larger E-code aircraft. Improved drainage and lighting systems were also installed.
Apron C was expanded by 45,000m², adding eight new aircraft parking positions. This extension increased overall airport capacity and connected Apron C with the new de-/anti-icing pad.
As part of the airport apron expansion, a new de-/anti-icing pad was constructed, increasing the airport’s capacity from ten to 16 aircraft de-icings per hour. The project, which includes modifications to the existing pad, spans an area of approximately 25,500m².
Belgrade Nikola Tesla landside upgrades
A new, modern parking lot, named Tesla Parking, was constructed east of the cargo terminal, covering an area of 36,400m² to increase parking capacity and accommodate future traffic growth at the airport.
The facility offers more than 1,500 parking spaces, including 798 for passengers (with spaces designated for individuals with reduced mobility), 109 for taxi services, 330 for employees, and 265 for rental cars.
Additionally, eco-friendly facilities such as plants for the treatment of wastewater and solid waste, a 1MW solar power plant, a 44MW heating plant, and a meteorological station were constructed.
Financing for the airport expansion project
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) provided a loan of up to €72m ($82.3m) for the upgrade project.
EBRD also arranged €110m ($125.7m) worth of syndicated loans as part of a wider financial package supported by agencies such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), German Investment Corporation (DEG), Proparco, Banca IMI, Credit Industriel et Commercial (CIC), Erste Group, Societe Generale, Kommunalkredit, and Unicredit.
Contractors involved
Terna received a €262m ($299.7m) contract for the upgrade and expansion of the airport, in January 2019.
Energoprojekt, a construction company, was responsible for offering services, including design, preparation of design documentation and feasibility study for the airport’s refurbishment project.
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport background
In March 2018, VINCI Airports secured a concession contract for the airport. Valid for 25 years, the contract will help support the economic development of Serbia, in addition to expanding the airport’s capacity.
Under the concession agreement, VINCI Airports is responsible for financing, operations, modernisation, expansion, and maintenance of the airport along with the existing runway system.
VINCI Airports has been handling airport operations since December 2018.
