Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport
Аеродром Београд - Никола Тесла
Aerodrom Beograd - Nikola Tesla

Aerodrom Nikola Tesla Beograd Terminal 2.jpg
IATA: BEG – ICAO: LYBE
Summary
Airport type Public
Operator Aerodrom "Beograd - Nikola Tesla" P.E.
Serves Belgrade, Serbia
Location Surčin, Belgrade, Serbia
Elevation AMSL 335 ft / 102 m
Website www.beg.aero
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
12/30 11,155 3,400 Asphalt
Statistics (2007)
Number of Passengers 2,515,584
Aircraft Movements 43,448
Sources: Official website[1]

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (Serbian: Аеродром Београд - Никола Тесла, Aerodrom Beograd - Nikola Tesla) (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 mi) west of central Belgrade, in the Municipality of Surčin, surrounded by Vojvodina's fertile lowlands. Passengers on the right hand side of the planes descending from the east have a spectacular view of downtown Belgrade, especially the districts of Čukarica and Novi Beograd. Weather seldom diverts aircraft, however, when landing in Belgrade is unsafe, the planes are diverted to Niš Constantine the Great International Airport, which is 230 km (143 mi) southward.

National flag carrier Jat Airways uses Belgrade Nikola Tesla as their hub airport. VIP airlines Air Pink, Jat Airways AVIO taxi, Prince Aviation and Pelikan Airways also call the airport their home.[1]

Contents

History

Belgrade's first international airport (also known as Dojno Polje Airport) was opened in March 1927 on the territory of today's Novi Beograd. From February 1928 planes owned by the first local airline Aeroput (today 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. A modern terminal building was built in 1931, and in 1936 equipment to enable aircraft to land in poor visibility landing was installed.[2]

Besides Aeroput, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways and airlines from Italy, Austria, Hungary, Romania and Poland also used the airport until the Second World War. Starting from April 1941 German occupation forces used this airport. During 1944 the Allies bombed it, and in October of same year the German army destroyed the remaining facilities while withdrawing.[2]

Belgrade Airport after WW2

Modernisation project of Belgrade Airport during the 1980s.

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 Airways and JUSTA took over domestic and international traffic, and from 1948 the first Western companies' planes started to land on this airport.

Constant traffic increase and the appearance of passenger jet planes demanded a significant airport enlargement. In the meantime there was a plan to build Novi Beograd on this location, and so it was decided that a new international airport should be constructed near the village of Surčin. The last flight from the old airport was at the beginning of 1964.[3]

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 of undeniable historic importance for Belgrade clearly defined the future or air traffic and the role of Belgrade's Airport within the Yugoslav and the international air network.

The new location for the airport was on the Surčin plateau 12 km (7 mi) from Belgrade's city centre.[3] Thanks to the original planners' vision, two important preconditions for the airport development were fulfilled: a suitable location was chosen, which met all the navigational, meteorological, construction, technical, and traffic requirements; and the special needs for the airport's long-term development were established.

The Serbia City Planning Bureau experts, with the architect Nikola Dobrović at the helm, made the preliminary plans for the new airport.[3] 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 a 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 till April 28, 1962, when it was officially opened by President Josip Broz Tito.[3]

During that period a 3,000 m (9,843 ft) long runway was built with the parallel taxiway and appropriate concrete aprons for sixteen planes. The passenger terminal building occupied an area of 8,000 m² (2 acres). Cargo storage was 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.[4]

2006 and 2007

Check in area at Terminal 2, 2007

The runway is now CAT IIIb, 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. Although this system was fully installed it is not fully operational since it was never licensed by responsible authorities and is currently operating as CAT II.[5]

A countrywide petition was signed to have the name of the airport changed to Belgrade Nikola Tesla International Airport. Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, generally considered one of the world's most important electrical engineers.

The proposal was accepted by Aerodrom Beograd P.E, the state-owned airport authority, and received approval by the Ministry of Capital Investment, and finally the Serbian Government on February 2, 2006.[6] On July 10, 2006, to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Serbian-American 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).[7]

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.[8] The official total number of passengers served for the full year 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 second runway in 2011.[9]

2008

2008 will again be a year of improving airport facilities according to the airport’s management. Although Terminal 2 was reconstructed in the period from 2004 until 2006 a small area near the departure gates were left untouched. As a result these areas will be reconstructed during the year. On July 26, 2008 renovation began on the terminal 1 gate area in order for it to be updated with the renovated terminal 2.[10] Its renovation is the beginning of a much larger scope of reconstruction including the business class lounge which will be renovated. Basic services have been improved such as flight arrival and departure screens and baggage trolley availability.[11]

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport expects to win a tender for the construction of a new terminal at Bodrum Airport together with a Turkish partner in 2008 which will be of great economic benefit for Serbia‘s largest airport.

Many airlines have postponed planned new services to Belgrade, mainly due to visa restrictions and bureaucracy exerted on the Serbian citizens by the European Union. Eventual removal of traveling restrictions is expected to drastically impact on the number of carriers serving Belgrade.[11]

Terminals

Belgrade Nikola tesla Airport has two terminals, with a reconstructed Terminal 2 open since May 14, 2006.[12]

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 (T1), was the original 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). Though in the summer season charter flights still check-in at Terminal 1 so large queues are avoided near Terminal 2 check-in. The terminal contains 8 gates, A1-A8. In T1 one can find restaurants "Aviator" and "Boeing", the "Business Club Lounge" and various 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, the airport management announced in 2007 that the departure hall in terminal 1 would be connected to the departure halls in terminal 2. However, the system which should be completed by 2011 has not been specified yet.[13] On July 26, 2008 renovation began on the terminal 1 gate area in order for it to be updated with the renovated terminal 2.[10]

Terminal 2

A new terminal, Terminal 2 (T2) was constructed during the 80's for the airport ever growing passenger numbers and the need for a larger capacity. After 2 years of high scale renovation, T2 opened in May 2006 and has 33 check in desks and the latest security technology.[12] The terminal has a capacity of 5 million passengers.[14] The arrivals area of the terminal was also completely reconstructed. The terminal has 6 gates, C1 to gate C6. The terminal contains airline offices, transfer desks and various shops.

Terminal 2 now serves as both the international and domestic terminal, (departures and arrivals) offering the latest in modern technology, and comfort.

In 2007 it was announced that within the next 4 years the C platforms (T2 gates) will be expanded and that it is the highest priority investment for the airport. The expansion will cater for the growing number of passengers passing through the airport.[12]

Airlines and destinations

Aeroflot Tupolev Tu-154 at Belgrade Nikola Tesla International Airport

The following scheduled passenger airlines use Nikola Tesla Airport (as of December 2008):

Cargo

Cargo airlines servicing Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport (as of January 2008):

Former users

Services

Security

Security screening at Belgrade Airport, terminal 2

Security at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has made significant advances during the 21st century. In 2007 the airport followed the example of the EU and introduced new 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.[16]

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. Another passport check applies for flights leaving for Toronto-Pearson Airport at the gate (however passports are not checked for a second time on other destinations).

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 new training at the U.K. International Fire Training Center "Serco". This has led to praise by the IATA and ICAO organisations.[17]

Airport Emergency Medical Service is well equipped and available to all visitors, passengers and aircraft, in approach and in transition through air space, controlled by Serbian Air Traffic Control.

Since 2003 airport security has been visibly 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 case it is needed. 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.[18] In late 2007 the airport received technology from Israel which provides the ability to monitor the 20km radius around the airport.

Shopping

In a 2007 survey of passengers passing through the airport they expressed their dissatisfaction of the small amount of shopping areas at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport.[19] However a new duty free shop has been opened in late 2006, in terminal 2, replacing the old one. The new duty free shop now sells duty free items such as cigarettes, perfumes and alcohol. The airport also introduced new newspaper stalls and a music shop. All duty free areas since 2006 have been managed by company “Dufry” and they are progressively introducing new shopping areas within the airport. Recently the shop “Fashion corner” opened at the airport.[20] There are also independent stores near the departure gates which sell a verity of items including Serbian souvenirs.

In 2007 the “Serbian Tourist Organisation” in international arrivals area in terminal 2 opened an info desk. This feature has been introduced to promote Serbian tourism to foreigners entering the country.[21]

The airport has a total of 2 restaurants, 2 lounges, 5 bars/cafes, a total of 13 stores, 4 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.[22] The capacity of the lounge is 45 people at one time. 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 2008 the business class lounge will be completely renovated in order to offer a more up to date product.[11]

Nikola Tesla Airport also boasts a VIP lounge with separate check-in and passport control facilities. It was built during the 2004-2006 terminal 2 reconstruction. At this VIP lounge passengers can check in at this very lounge. 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.[22] The lounge is also used as a press centre upon the arrival of big stars or the heads of state. This is the place where the VIPs conduct press conferences upon arrival if needed.

Accessibility

By car

Belgrade Airport is connected to the Belgrade– Zagreb highway (E-70) via nearby interchange. For southwestern parts of Belgrade, such as Železnik, Sremčica or Obrenovac, or if final destination is western Serbia, travelers should take the Zagreb exit, and then, just 2 km (1 mi) from the airport another turn to Obrenovac which will lead over the newly built bridge crossing the Sava River. For all other destinations the traveler should head towards Belgrade - just before entering the city, travelers to Vojvodina should take Novi Sad exit to motorway E-75. Drive from the airport to central Belgrade shouldn't take more than 20 minutes. The speed limit on this section of motorway is 80 km/h (50 mph).

There are numerous car rental agencies on duty at Arrivals Hall at the airport. Prices are just above European average. Most cars have manual transmissions.

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

By taxi

Licensed taxi service fare from the airport to the city has a flat rate of RSD700 (€9). Travel time to the city centre is approximately 20 minutes.

Using taxi services for destinations outside metropolitan Belgrade is unwise, as prices are unreasonably high. All licensed taxi drivers have a badge, an oval blue license plate with a serial number, and the Belgrade Coat of Arms displayed on the roof.

Working in cooperation with the Taxi Associations, the City of Belgrade and Border Police, Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has organized taxi services at the airport. In order to monitor requirements for taxi vehicles and access of taxi vehicles to parking places, three working stations were put in place. All are equipped with radio contact and have airport employees on duty 24 hours a day.[24]

The newly introduced system, which started operating in May 2008, means that there are 5 marked parking places for taxi vehicles in front of the arrivals area of Terminal 2 . There is a maximum of 5 taxi vehicles allowed to be parked in front of the arrivals area of Terminal 2. As soon as one of the five places becomes vacant, an airport employee advises the taxi service dispatcher that there is one place available. The dispatcher then, according to his list of taxi vehicles which were given a “lux” rating by the City Government, dispatches a vehicle. Firstly, the dispatcher checks the list of vehicles and if a vehicle is included in the list only then it is being dispatched to Terminal 2. The new system has been put in place in order to get rid of the so-called “taxi mafia”, the group of illegal taxi drivers who used to charge enormous prices for transportation to the city and used to be a major problem for airport authorities. So far, the system has proven to be effective.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. "Official website" (in Serbian). Retrieved on 2007-04-11.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. "History: International Belgrade Airport (1927)". Retrieved on 2007-07-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Jovan Nikolić (2007-05-08). "Svi Beogradski aerodromi" (in Serbian). Glas javnosti. Retrieved on 2007-07-24.
  4. ↑ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. "History: Belgrade Surcin (1962)". Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  5. ↑ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (2006-11-28). "Izmena u redu letenja na Aerodromu "Nikola Tesla" Beograd" (in Serbian). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  6. ↑ B92 (2006-02-02). "Aerodrom menja ime u "Nikola Tesla"" (in Serbian). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  7. ↑ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (2006-07-10). "Na beogradskom Aerodromu otkriven spomenik Nikoli Tesli" (in Serbian). Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  8. ↑ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (2007-12-28). "Aerodrom pomaže deci u ime svog ostvarenog rekorda – 2,5 milionitog putnika" (in Serbian). Retrieved on 2007-12-28.
  9. ↑ Veroslav Janković (2007-08-13). "Otvoreno nebo donosi konkurenciju, ali i šansu za lidersku poziciju u regionu" (in Serbian). Danas. Retrieved on 2007-08-12.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 JP Aerodrom "Nikola Tesla" Beograd (2008-08-25). "Modernizacija platforme "A" i saobraćajnice na Aerodromu "Nikola Tesla" Beograd" (in Serbian). Belgrade Airport. Retrieved on 2008-08-25.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 T.S. "Ekonomija: S piste pravo na berzu" (in Serbian). Večernje novosti. Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Mondo WEB Portal (2006-05-14). "Otvoren "Terminal 2" na aerodromu u Beogradu" (in Serbian). Retrieved on 2006-05-14.
  13. ↑ Veroslav Janković (2007-08-13). "Otvoreno nebo donosi konkurenciju, ali i šansu za lidersku poziciju u regionu" (in Serbian). Danas. Retrieved on 2007-08-12.
  14. ↑ I.R. (2006-05-15). "Vrata za pet miliona putnika godišnje" (in Serbian). Danas. Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  15. ↑ M. Lakić (2006-10-06). "Poštom do partnera" (in Serbian). Politika. Retrieved on 2007-10-06.
  16. ↑ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (2007-03-10). "Additional security measures concerning cabin baggage, applied from March 10, 2007". Retrieved on 2007-03-10.
  17. ↑ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (2007-03-24). "Rescue and Fire Service of the Belgrade "Nikola Tesla" Airport received internationally recognized certificates". Retrieved on 2007-04-24.
  18. ↑ Mondo WEB Portal (2007-08-14). "Zabranjen saobraćaj ispred zgrade aerodroma" (in Serbian). Retrieved on 2007-08-08.
  19. ↑ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (2007-07-18). "Passengers are satisfied with Check-in staff, but not satisfied with retail". Retrieved on 2007-07-18.
  20. ↑ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (2007-07-13). "Fashion Corner opened at Belgrade Airport". Retrieved on 2007-07-24.
  21. ↑ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (2007-06-21). "At Belgrade "Nikola Tesla" Airport opened Info desk of Tourist Organization of Serbia". Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. "VIP Salon Aerodroma "Nikola Tesla" Beograd" (in Serbian). Retrieved on 2007-08-11.
  23. ↑ TotallyBelgrade.com. "Belgrade Airport - Getting to city center: Airport shuttle". Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
  24. ↑ Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. "New Way of Organizing of Taxi Service at Belgrade "Nikola Tesla" Airport". Retrieved on 2008-05-17.

See also

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