Air Serbia

Air Serbia generally maintains a robust safety standing, though a recent incident brought operational procedures into focus.

• Recent safety record and any notable incidents: On February 18, 2024, Air Serbia Flight 324, an Embraer E195 operated by Marathon Airlines on behalf of Air Serbia, overran the runway at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport during takeoff, striking approach lights and instrument landing system antennas before returning safely to the airport. No injuries were reported among the 111 people on board, but the aircraft was written off. The preliminary investigation indicated crew error (taking off from the wrong runway intersection) as a contributing factor. Following this incident, Air Serbia terminated its cooperation with Marathon Airlines.
• Regulatory certifications: Air Serbia has a strong record of regulatory compliance. The airline has successfully completed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), a globally recognized safety standard. It is authorized to operate within the European Union and is endorsed by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• Fleet age and maintenance reputation: As of October 2023, Air Serbia's overall fleet had an average age of 16.4 years, with its Airbus A330-200s averaging 13.6 years. The airline has actively modernized and expanded its fleet, adding new Airbus A319, A320, and ATR 72-600 aircraft in 2022, and a third Airbus A330-200 and a new Embraer E-195 in 2024. Air Serbia also has its own Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider, Air Serbia Technical.
• Overall safety assessment based on available data: Air Serbia has consistently received high safety ratings from independent evaluators. AirlineRatings.com awarded Air Serbia a 7-star safety rating, which is the highest possible ranking. This assessment takes into account factors such as IOSA certification, adherence to international civil aviation regulations (ICAO), EU operational status, FAA endorsement, and a fatality-free record spanning over a decade. Despite the recent runway overrun incident, the successful and uninjured landing underscores overall crew proficiency and safety protocols.
• Any safety awards or recognitions: Air Serbia has been recognized for its safety performance, notably receiving the highest 7-star safety rating from AirlineRatings.com. In previous years, it also received a 6-star safety rating from the same agency, positioning it as one of the safest airlines in the region.