Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport Аеродром Београд - Никола Тесла Aerodrom Beograd - Nikola Tesla | |||||||||||
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| Summary | |||||||||||
| Airport type | Public | ||||||||||
| Operator | Aerodrom "Beograd - Nikola Tesla" P.E. | ||||||||||
| Serves | Belgrade, Serbia | ||||||||||
| Location | Surčin, Belgrade, Serbia | ||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 336 ft / 336 feet (102 m) m | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 44°49′10″N 020°18′25″E / 44.81944°N 20.30694°E | ||||||||||
| Website | www.beg.aero | ||||||||||
| Runways | |||||||||||
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| Statistics (2008) | |||||||||||
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Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport ([Аеродром Београд - Никола Тесла, Aerodrom Beograd - Nikola Tesla] Error: {{Lang-xx}}: text has italic markup (help)) (IATA: BEG, ICAO: LYBE) is Serbia's busiest airport, also known as Surčin (Сурчин), after a nearby Belgrade suburb.[1]
Named after Nikola Tesla, the airport is situated 12 km (7.5 mi) west,[2] of central Belgrade, in the Municipality of Surčin, surrounded by Vojvodina's fertile lowlands. Passengers on the right hand side of planes descending from the east have a view of downtown Belgrade, especially the districts of Čukarica and Novi Beograd. In the past, when weather conditions were poor, aircraft were diverted to Niš Constantine the Great International Airport, which is 230 km (143 mi) south. However, since late 2005 a CAT IIIb runway system has been introduced and aircraft can land and depart in the heaviest of fog, which in past years led to the airport’s closure in late December and early January.
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is managed by the government-owned company “Aerodrom Beograd d.o.o”. The company is a profitable public enterprise in Serbia with a recorded profit of 3.8 million Euros at the end of 2008.[3]
National flag carrier Jat Airways uses Belgrade Nikola Tesla as their hub airport. Aviogenex charter airline, VIP airlines Air Pink, Jat Airways AVIO taxi, Prince Aviation and Pelikan Airways also call the airport their home.[1]
History
Belgrade's first international airport (also known as Dojno Polje Airport) was opened on 25 March 1927 on the territory of today's Novi Beograd. From February 1928, aircraft owned by the first local airline Aeroput (today known as Jat Airways) started taking off from the new airport. The airport's landing strip consisted of four grass runways between 1,100 and 2,900 m (3,609 and 9,514 ft) long. The project for reinforced concrete hangar was made by Serbian scientist Milutin Milanković, known more for his theory of climate change. A modern terminal building was built in 1931, and in 1936 poor visibility conditions landing equipment was installed.[4]
Besides Aeroput, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways and airlines from Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania and Poland also used the airport until the outbreak of the Second World War. Starting from April 1941 German occupation forces used the airport. During 1944 the Allies bombed it, and in October of same year the German army destroyed the remaining facilities while withdrawing from the country.[4]
Belgrade Airport after WW2
The airport was rebuilt by October 1944 and until the end of the war was used by the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia as part of the Allied war effort.
Civil transport by Air Force cargo planes via this airport was renewed at the end of 1945. At the beginning of 1947 JAT Yugoslav Airlines and JUSTA took over domestic and international traffic, and from 1948 the first aircraft from West European airlines started to land in Belgrade.
Constant traffic increase and the appearance of passenger jet planes demanded a significant airport enlargement. In the meantime there was a plan to build a residential and business district called Novi Beograd, where the airport was located. Thus, it was decided that a new international airport should be constructed near the village of Surčin. The last flight to depart from the old airport was at the beginning of 1964.[5]
Construction of a new airport
During the first years of the development of postwar Belgrade, construction of the modern airport became a social and economic priority. Basic studies and engineering research started in 1947, and became part of the 1950 General City Plan. This document defined the future or air traffic and the role of Belgrade's Airport within the Yugoslav and international air network.
The new location for the airport was on the Surčin plateau 12 km (7 mi) from Belgrade's city centre.[5] Thanks to the original planners' vision, two conditions for the airport's development were fulfilled: a location was chosen which met the navigational, meteorological, construction, technical, and traffic requirements; and the special needs for the airport's long-term development were established.
Experts from the Serbian City Planning Bureau, with the architect Nikola Dobrović at the helm, made the preliminary plans for the new airport.
[5] The development and realisation of the idea was taken over from 1953 onwards by the Civil Aviation Department (later Federal Department for Civil Aviation) whose experts, with engineer Miloš Lukić as team leader, finished the general airport plan for one runway, appropriate taxiways, and a terminal complex in 1957. Building of the new airport started in April 1958 and lasted until 28 April 1962, when it was officially opened by President Josip Broz Tito.[5]
During that period a 3,000 m (9,843 ft) long runway was built with the parallel taxiway and concrete aprons for sixteen planes. The passenger terminal building occupied an area of 8,000 m² (2 acres). Cargo storage were also built, as well as a technical block with the air traffic control tower and other accompanying facilities. Modern navigational equipment was installed, earning the airport the highest international classification according to the International Civil Aviation Organization.[6]
21st century
The airport stagnated during the 1990s after the outbreak of the Yugoslav civil wars and the United Nations sanctions imposed on the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The sanctions also included a ban on air travel. The airport had minimal passenger movement and many facilities were in need of attention.
With a change in government and international sentiment, normal air traffic resumed in 2001. A few years later the airport’s terminal 2 underwent a complete reconstruction.
The runway, which is now CAT IIIb, was upgraded in October 2005, as part of a large renovation project. CAT IIIb is the latest runway system giving aircraft the security of landing during fog and storms.
A countrywide petition was signed to have the name of the airport changed to Belgrade Nikola Tesla International Airport. Nikola Tesla was a Serbian inventor, generally considered one of the world's most important electrical engineers.
The proposal was accepted by Aerodrom Beograd d.o.o, the state-owned airport authority, and received approval by the Ministry of Capital Investment, and finally the Serbian Government on 2 February 2006.[7] On 10 July 2006, to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Serbian scientist Nikola Tesla, a monument was erected near Terminal 1. The monument is 3.10 m (10.17 ft) high and weighs 1,000 kg (2,204 lb).[8]
In 2006, the airport served a total of 2,222,455 passengers, which represented an increase of 9% over 2005 figures. After 17 years, the airport served its 2,500,000th passenger on 28 December.[9] The official total number of passengers served for the full year of 2007 was 2,512,890.
In August 2007, the management of the airport announced that within the next 4 years Terminal 2 gates will be expanded as well as parking spaces for aircraft. Terminal 1 and 2 would be connected as well. The management also announced that it plans to start construction of a 4,000 m (13,124 ft) long second runway in 2011.[10]
In 2008, the airport served a total of 2,650,048 passengers, which represented an increase of 5% over 2007 figures. The airport experienced its best month in May 2008 due to the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 being held in Belgrade. The last three month of the year saw declining passenger numbers, blamed mostly on the Global financial crisis of 2008.
Terminals
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has two terminals, with a reconstructed Terminal 2 open since 14 May 2006.[11]
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 (T1), was the original and only terminal when the airport was opened. The terminal handled domestic flights during the SFR Yugoslavia. Since the break up of the union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2006, the gates of the terminal have been used for international flights by international and domestic carriers. All passengers now check-in at Terminal 2 however after passing security and passport control they proceed to the gates located in Terminal 1 (which is connected to Terminal 2). In 2009 it was announced that the terminal would be used by low cost airlines starting from 2010. A trial period to see how the terminal would cope began in the summer of 2009 with passengers on charter flights checking inn at the terminal. Terminals 1 and 2 are located one next to the other and are connected through a hallway. Terminal 1 contains 8 gates, A1-A8. T1 has restaurants "Aviator" and "Boeing", the "Business Club Lounge" and shops.
The terminal went through a major renovation in the 1980s when air bridges were added to connect passengers to their aircraft. Minor renovations were done in 2002. Even though Terminal 1 and 2 are located one next to the other and are connected through a hallway[12] On 26 July 2008 renovation began on the terminal 1 gate area in order for it to be updated with the renovated terminal 2.[13]
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 (T2) was constructed during the 1980s for the airport's growing passenger numbers. After 2 years, T2 opened in May 2006 with 33 check in desks.[11] The terminal has a capacity of 5 million passengers.[14] The arrivals area of the terminal was also completely reconstructed. The terminal has six gates, C1 to C6. The terminal contains airline offices, transfer desks and shops.
Terminal 2 now serves the international terminal, (departures and arrivals).
In 2007 it was announced that within the next 4 years the C platforms (T2 gates) will be expanded and this would be the highest priority investment for the airport. The expansion will cater for the growing number of passengers passing through the airport.[11]
Airlines and destinations
The following scheduled passenger airlines use the airport (as of December 2009):
| Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Adria Airways | Ljubljana [begins 1 March] |
| Aeroflot | Moscow-Sheremetyevo |
| Aerosvit Airlines | Kiev-Boryspil |
| Air France | Paris-Charles de Gaulle |
| Alitalia | Rome-Fiumicino |
| Austrian Airlines | Vienna |
| Austrian operated by Tyrolean Airways | Vienna |
| British Airways | London-Heathrow |
| Croatia Airlines | Zagreb [begins 1 May] |
| Czech Airlines | Prague |
| Gazpromavia | Sochi |
| Germanwings | Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart |
| Jat Airways | Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Athens, Banja Luka, Berlin-Tegel, Brussels, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Gothenburg-Landvetter, Istanbul-Atatürk, Larnaca, Ljubljana, London-Heathrow, Malta, Milan-Malpensa, Monastir, Moscow-Sheremetyevo, Ohrid [seasonal], Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Podgorica, Pula [seasonal], Rome-Fiumicino, Sarajevo, Skopje, Stockholm-Arlanda, Stuttgart, Tel Aviv, Thessaloniki, Tivat, Trieste, Tripoli, Tunis, Vienna, Zürich |
| LOT Polish Airlines | Warsaw |
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt, Munich |
| Lufthansa Regional operated by Augsburg Airways | Munich |
| Malév Hungarian Airlines | Budapest [begins 14 December] |
| Montenegro Airlines | Podgorica, Tivat |
| Niki | Vienna [begins 1 February] |
| Norwegian Air Shuttle | Oslo-Gardermoen, Stockholm-Arlanda |
| Olympic Air | Athens |
| Swiss International Air Lines | Zürich |
| TAROM | Bucharest-Henri Coandă [begins 7 December] |
| Tunisair | Monastir |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul-Atatürk |
Emirates, RyanAir and WizzAir have also expressed intentions of opening a route to Belgrade in 2010, but no official statement has been issued.
Charter airlines
Charter and business charter airlines serving the airport:
| Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Atlasjet | Antalya [seasonal] |
| Jat Airways | Antalya, Bodrum, Burgas, Cairo, Catania, Corfu, Dalaman, Girona, Heraklion, Hurghada, Kavala-Thasos, Kefalonia, Kos, Lefkada, Montpellier, Palma de Mallorca, Rhodes, Santorini, Sharm el-Sheikh, Skiathos, Taba, Varna, Zakynthos |
| KoralBlue Airlines | Cairo, Hurghada [seasonal] |
| Nouvelair | Monastir via Djerba |
| Pegasus Airlines | Antalya, Skopje [seasonal] |
Cargo airlines
Cargo airlines serving the airport (as of January 2008):
| Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|
| DHL | Milan-Orio al Serio(Bergamo) |
| MiniLiner | Milan-Orio al Serio (Bergamo) |
| Solinair | Portorož via Ljubljana |
| United International Airlines | charters |
Services
Security
In 2007 the airport followed the example of the EU and introduced security measures which limit the amount of liquids allowed to be carried onboard aircraft. In April, 2007 the airport introduced the latest technology for explosive and narcotic detection. These units are in application at the airport at customs and border checkpoints and other facilities and locations of security interest.[15]
Each international passenger must pass security and passport control before entering the departure lounge. Passengers are again screened and carry on luggage is scanned at the gate.
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has a Rescue and Fire Service, which in 2007 received internationally recognised certificates. All members of the fire service unit underwent training at the U.K. International Fire Training Center run by Serco. This has led to praise by the IATA and ICAO organisations.[16]
Since 2003 airport security has been increased. The airport relies on the Serbian Police and Serbian anti-terrorist squad for patrolling the airport and can call in the Serbian Army. In August 2007 the airport prohibited cars parking next to the airport terminal, instead they have to use the car park provided, as a result of the 2007 Glasgow International Airport attack. All parked cars in restricted zones will be towed away and the owners will receive a fine.[17] In late 2007 the airport received technology from Israel which provides the ability to monitor the 20km radius around the airport.
Shopping
All duty free areas since 2006 have been managed by Dufry and they are progressively introducing new shopping areas within the airport.[18] A duty free shop was opened in late 2006, in terminal 2, replacing the old one. The shop sells duty free items such as cigarettes, perfumes, sweets and alcohol. The airport also introduced new newspaper stalls and a music shop. There are also independent stores near the departure gates.
In 2007 the Serbian Tourist Organisation in the international arrivals area in terminal 2 opened an information desk. This feature has been introduced to promote Serbian tourism to foreigners entering the country.[19]
The airport has two restaurants, two lounges, five bars/cafes, 13 stores, four bank offices and a post office.
Lounges
All passengers flying business class (except Lufthansa business class passengers) on a flight from Belgrade may use the airport lounge named “Business club” located in the transit area near gate A5.[20] The capacity of the lounge is 45 people. Free drinks, food and appetizers are offered. The meals are prepared by restaurant “Boeing” located next to the lounge. Passengers receive an invitation to the lounge at check in. In 2009 the business class lounge will be renovated in order to offer a more up to date product.[21]
Nikola Tesla Airport also has a VIP lounge, with separate check-in and passport control facilities, which was built during the 2004-2006 terminal 2 reconstruction. The lounge consists of three parts - the first part for leisure, second for television crew and press conferences and a third part is a presidential suite. The lounge has a total surface area of 500 m².[20] The lounge is also used as a press centre upon the arrival of VIPs.
Accessibility
By car
Belgrade Airport is connected to the Belgrade–Zagreb highway (E-70) via a nearby interchange. There are car rental agencies in the Arrivals Hall.
By bus
| Service | Destination (departing from the airport) | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle | Fontana Square - Belgrade Central Railway Station - Slavija Square | Jat Airways Buses |
| Line 72 | Zeleni Venac | GSP Belgrade Transport Company |
- Hourly Jat Airways coaches connect Slavija Square in downtown Belgrade (in front of the Slavija hotels and Belgrade Central Railway Stationto the airport.
- GSP Belgrade Public Transport Co, maintains a scheduled service to the airport. The line ehds at the Zeleni Venac station located in downtown Belgrade.
By taxi
Licensed taxis from the airport to the city are available.
References
- ^ a b c Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. "Official website" (in Serbian). Retrieved 11 April 2007.
- ^ a b EAD Basic
- ^ Politika. "Dobit od nafte, gubitak na struji". Retrieved 23 August 2009.
- ^ a b Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. "History: International Belgrade Airport (1927)". Retrieved 24 July 2007.
- ^ a b c d Jovan Nikolić (8 May 2007). "Svi Beogradski aerodromi" (in Serbian). Glas javnosti. Retrieved 24 July 2007.
- ^ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. "History: Belgrade Surcin (1962)". Retrieved 4 April 2007.
- ^ B92 (2 February 2006). "Aerodrom menja ime u "Nikola Tesla"" (in Serbian). Retrieved 4 April 2007.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (10 July 2006). "Na beogradskom Aerodromu otkriven spomenik Nikoli Tesli" (in Serbian). Retrieved 4 April 2007.
- ^ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (28 December 2007). "Aerodrom pomaže deci u ime svog ostvarenog rekorda – 2,5 milionitog putnika" (in Serbian). Retrieved 28 December 2007.
- ^ Veroslav Janković (13 August 2007). "Otvoreno nebo donosi konkurenciju, ali i šansu za lidersku poziciju u regionu" (in Serbian). Danas. Retrieved 12 August 2007.
- ^ a b c Mondo WEB Portal (14 May 2006). "Otvoren "Terminal 2" na aerodromu u Beogradu" (in Serbian). Retrieved 14 May 2006.
- ^ Veroslav Janković (13 August 2007). "Otvoreno nebo donosi konkurenciju, ali i šansu za lidersku poziciju u regionu" (in Serbian). Danas. Retrieved 12 August 2007.
- ^ JP Aerodrom "Nikola Tesla" Beograd (25 August 2008). "Modernizacija platforme "A" i saobraćajnice na Aerodromu "Nikola Tesla" Beograd" (in Serbian). Belgrade Airport. Retrieved 25 August 2008.
- ^ I.R. (15 May 2006). "Vrata za pet miliona putnika godišnje" (in Serbian). Danas. Retrieved 4 April 2007.
- ^ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (10 March 2007). "Additional security measures concerning cabin baggage, applied from 10 March 2007". Retrieved 10 March 2007.
- ^ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (24 March 2007). "Rescue and Fire Service of the Belgrade "Nikola Tesla" Airport received internationally recognized certificates". Retrieved 24 April 2007.
- ^ Mondo WEB Portal (14 August 2007). "Zabranjen saobraćaj ispred zgrade aerodroma" (in Serbian). Retrieved 8 August 2007.
- ^ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (13 July 2007). "Fashion Corner opened at Belgrade Airport". Retrieved 24 July 2007.
- ^ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (21 June 2007). "At Belgrade "Nikola Tesla" Airport opened Info desk of Tourist Organization of Serbia". Retrieved 21 June 2007.
- ^ a b Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. "VIP Salon Aerodroma "Nikola Tesla" Beograd" (in Serbian). Retrieved 11 August 2007.
- ^ T.S. "Ekonomija: S piste pravo na berzu" (in Serbian). Večernje novosti. Retrieved 1 January 2008.
See also
