AirSerbia has increased its flights to Moscow by doubling the number and introducing larger aircraft to accommodate more passengers. This has made it the most profitable destination.
Other than some Turkish airlines, Serbia’s airline has been the only European company to continue flying to Russia after the international flight ban was implemented following Vladimir Putin’s invasion in Ukraine. This drew criticism from both Ukraine and the EU.
Emine Dzheppar, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, tweeted that Serbia is the only European country with an open sky to Russia. “Making money from (Ukrainian), blood is not worthy of an EU candidate.”
Aleksandar Vucic (Serbian populist president) said that AirSerbia would return to Moscow for one flight a day after “the witch hunt” against Serbia.
Vucic asked Vucic during a TV interview last evening, “And will those leading the chase against Serbia in relation to the flights to Russia’s capital be satisfied with that?”
He complained about Turkey and said that no one would touch them.
Vucic didn’t say when the flight decrease will begin. Two AirSerbia flights were scheduled to fly to Moscow on Sunday.
Serbia, despite formally seeking EU membership has refused to impose international sanctions on its ally Russia. Serbia has been repeatedly warned by EU officials that it must align itself with the bloc’s foreign policies if they want to join.
Serbia’s state-controlled media heavily carry Moscow’s propaganda. This has created a pro-Putin mood among Serbian ultranationalists as well as far-right groups.
