Hungary-based low-cost airline Wizz Air has stopped refueling its aircraft at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport following US sanctions on Serbia’s state-owned oil and gas company, Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS). According to Serbian aviation news outlet Tango Six, this decision came into effect on January 21 at 15:00 local time.
To continue operating flights smoothly, Wizz Air now refuels its aircraft in nearby cities such as Timisoara (Romania) and Budapest (Hungary), making technical stops as needed. While the airline has taken steps to minimize disruptions, some minor delays have been reported for flights departing from Belgrade.
US Sanctions on NIS and Its Impact
The US Department of Treasury imposed sanctions on NIS on January 10, citing its links to the Russian company Gazprom Neft, which holds a majority stake in NIS. Since NIS is the sole aviation fuel supplier at Belgrade Airport, Wizz Air had no choice but to modify its operations.
Despite these challenges, a Wizz Air spokesperson assured that the airline’s flight schedule remains unaffected. In a statement to Tango Six and Blic Biznis, the airline said:
“Wizz Air confirms that the mentioned sanctions against fuel suppliers do not affect the airline’s flight schedule. The sanctions fall within the domain of legal matters, and the airline will not comment further on the matter.”
Meanwhile, Serbia’s Ministry of Energy and Mining also addressed concerns, stating:
“There is enough fuel at Belgrade Airport. We cannot comment on the internal decisions of the companies, if they have been made.”
Russian Influence in the Controversy
The sanctions on NIS are part of broader US efforts to limit Russia’s influence in the global energy market, especially in response to the Russia-Ukraine war. The Serbian government has a 29.87% stake in NIS, while Gazprom Neft owns 50%, and the Russian energy giant Gazprom holds 6.15%.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced that Gazprom Neft has 45 days to sell its stake in NIS due to additional US sanctions targeting Russia’s oil industry. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that Moscow is working with Serbia to find a solution. He also dismissed the idea of nationalizing NIS, citing legal agreements that prevent such actions.
Serbia’s Response to the Sanctions
Serbia has expressed concerns over the impact of these sanctions on its energy sector, especially in aviation. President Vučić had previously warned in December 2024 that NIS could face penalties and urged his government to prepare for any economic consequences.
The sanctions are not directly targeting Serbia, according to US officials in Belgrade. Instead, they are aimed at Russian companies that use oil revenue to fund military operations in Ukraine.
Geopolitical Factors Affecting Wizz Air
Wizz Air has faced multiple challenges due to recent global conflicts. According to Simple Flying, the airline’s operations were significantly affected by the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Wizz Air CEO József Váradi revealed at the Warwick Economics Summit that:
- 13% of Wizz Air’s capacity was dedicated to Ukraine and Russia before the war in 2022.
- 10% of the airline’s capacity was focused on the Middle East, including Tel Aviv, before the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated in October 2024.
Wizz Air’s decision to stop refueling in Belgrade highlights the far-reaching effects of international sanctions. The US penalties on NIS have forced operational changes for airlines relying on Serbian fuel, with Wizz Air now refueling in neighboring countries. As the situation unfolds, Serbia and Russia are working together to manage the fallout, while the global aviation industry continues to adjust to geopolitical tensions affecting air travel.
