Belgrade Airport expansion in full swing

Belgrade Airport concluding second phase of expansion project

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is completing the second of four stages of its multi million euro expansion project, which has so far seen it upgrade its facilities, open new gates and add capacity. Serbia’s busiest airport recently completed the refurbishment of a majority of its C concourse gates, adding an additional new gate to the existing six. It is the third new gate to be opened in just over two months, with the airport now counting nineteen in total. The second phase of the project is coming to an end as another 311.3 square metres of space is being added to the C concourse, complimenting the reconstruction of the existing 2.304 square metres. “The expansion of the departure lounge and C concourse gates will add capacity to the terminal and improve passenger services. The expansion will secure additional commercial space for non aviation related content”, the airport says. The second phase of the project is expected to be completed in the first half of June.

Since launching its expansion drive in late 2011, Nikola Tesla Airport has refurbished the majority of its gate areas, upgraded its business class lounge, departure lounges and expanded its security and immigration areas. Furthermore, the airport has expanded its C apron by adding an additional 26.000 square meter which has the capacity to handle four Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 aircraft or two long haul jets. In addition, the airport has installed six new air bridges at a price tag of 2.2 million euros as well as a visual docking guidance system to steer aircraft to their final docking position on the platform. Over the past two years a significant number of commercial space has been opened including shops, a casino, cafes and a children’s play area. Over the past few days the refurbishment of the airport’s open air car park was completed and the upgrade of taxiways was also concluded. In the coming period, the airport will carry out improvements on its terminal two air bridges and add a further two carousels for baggage collection at the arrival’s lounge.

The price tag of the entire project is estimated at 52.985.000 euros, which is being funded entirely out of the airport’s own finances. The project will continue with phase three, which involves the expansion of the remaining A concourse gates, thus completing the upgrade of all of the airport’s departure and gate lounges. The project will culminate with the fourth and final phase which will see the construction of a completely new floor stretching over 4.900 square metres, to be built above the current terminal two building.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has seen unprecedented passenger growth so far this year. The Serbian government has said it will offer the airport up for concession later this year. The “Večernje Novosti” daily reports today that representatives from the United Arab Emirates’ Arabtec Holding will meet with the Serbian government next week over a potential one billion dollar investment into Belgrade Airport which would include the construction of a third terminal, second runway, hotel and cargo centre.