The Canadian Ambassador to Serbia, Michelle Cameron, emphasized last night at a reception celebrating the launch of the Belgrade-Toronto direct flight that such connections foster trust, reduce distances, and represent one of the most effective and tangible tools countries can use to strengthen bilateral relations and promote shared prosperity.
“Next year, I expect even better economic and trade results than we achieved together this year. In the first eight months, our bilateral trade increased by 80 percent compared to 2024. Serbian exports to Canada are already 30 percent higher than last year, and Canadian exports to Serbia have risen by 300 percent annually. We are on track to reach the highest levels of bilateral trade in the past decade,” Cameron said. She highlighted that the decision to connect Toronto and Belgrade with a 10-hour direct flight will also increase both passenger traffic and goods transport between the two countries.
“Direct flights are much more than just a fantastic convenience,” Cameron added. “They provide countless opportunities—someone can sit in an office in central Belgrade on Wednesday, drink a local coffee, prepare for meetings, and by Thursday be in Toronto’s financial district for successful negotiations, followed by a stroll near Niagara Falls and selfies beside the Nikola Tesla monument in Canada.”
Cameron noted that the launch of this line, after more than three decades, reflects the vision of Air Serbia, its management, and the previous Serbian ambassador to Ottawa, Dejan Ralević.
Air Serbia CEO Jiří Marek highlighted that opening this third North American destination for the national airline is significant not only because it comes after 34 years, but also because it will enhance economic, trade, and cultural cooperation between Serbia and Canada. The new line will also facilitate travel for the Serbian diaspora and all residents of the region living in Toronto.
Marek expressed confidence in the flight’s success and reminded that the first flight is scheduled for May 23, with Air Serbia operating two weekly flights to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nevena Jovanović, noted that the Belgrade-Toronto direct flight is a major achievement that will help strengthen ties between Serbia and Canada, building on the countries’ long-standing historical friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding.
“The airline will further enhance direct communication and cooperation across all sectors, which is particularly important given the large Serbian diaspora in Canada, as well as international business interest in both countries. We are confident that this direct flight will become an additional bridge of cooperation and prosperity between our nations,” she said.
Following the establishment of direct flights to New York and Chicago, Toronto becomes Air Serbia’s third North American destination.
The last direct flight connecting Belgrade and Toronto—a key global city with a large Serbian diaspora—was operated by JAT in May 1992.
