Commercial flights at Ponikve from 2020?

The Serbian government plans to invest several million euros into Užice’s Ponikve Airport, in the country’s west, in order to enable it for commercial use by the end of 2020.

The airport, which boasts a new terminal building, was recently taken over by the state. Last month, a 3,735 meter perimeter fence was erected, however, a further 5,195 meters are required.

In addition, the final 800 meters of the 3,200-meter long runway must be resurfaced, and a lighting system installed.

– Some five million euros are necessary in order for the airport to be put into commercial use – the Mayor of Užice, Tihomir Petković, said.

Užice Airport is used for private flights and has handled 200 domestic and eighty international services so far in 2019.

The Užice region is home to some of Serbia's most exported goods. On the other hand, it is also close to several major cities in the former Yugoslavia, with Sarajevo and Belgrade just 120 kilometers away. During the 1996 summer season, JAT Yugoslav Airlines operated a two weekly Belgrade - Užice - Tivat service.

The airport was destroyed in 1999, however, the Serbian government and the European Union have jointly invested over one million euros into the creation of a project masterplan, while significant funds were put into the removal of undetonated bombs around the airport's runway.

Its control tower was reopened in 2013 following a major overhaul by the Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services Agency, while Belgrade Airport also donated funds, EX-YU Aviation News writes.

Vlada Republike Srbije

JP Aerodrom Ponikve Užice

Grad Užice

Government of Serbia

Ponikve Airport

City of Užice

Ponikve Airport commercial flights

Ponikve