Directorate condemns serious Belgrade safety incident

NEWS FLASH

The Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate has strongly condemned an incident at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport yesterday which saw an individual in an unauthorised vehicle drive on the airport’s apron before fleeing the scene and eventually being arrested. The regulator issued the following statement, shedding more light on the security breach.

“On January 20, 2025, a significant security breach occurred at Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, caused by a failure of JAT Tehnika's security personnel to enforce access control measures effectively. This oversight allowed an unauthorised vehicle to enter the restricted aircraft movement areas. Upon learning of the incident, the Civil Aviation Directorate of the Republic of Serbia promptly launched an emergency aviation security inspection. The investigation seeks to uncover the causes of the breach, during which immediate actions were taken, including the temporary closure of JAT Tehnika’s access gate. A thorough review is ongoing, including analysis of video evidence, statements from all parties involved, and a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the event. Following the investigation, the Directorate will introduce additional safeguards and pursue appropriate actions against those responsible, in line with the Law on Air Transport.

To reduce risks and prevent similar incidents in the future, the Directorate, in collaboration with relevant state authorities and the operator of Nikola Tesla Airport, will initiate an urgent review of the airport zone boundaries. Individuals whose actions or failure to comply with prescribed measures contributed to this breach will face the strictest penalties. The Directorate will ensure the public is promptly informed about the outcomes and any actions taken”.

Both Belgrade Airport and aircraft maintenance provider JAT Tehnika have said they will not comment on the incident until the investigation is completed.