A new chapter in China-Serbia cooperation opened with the first cargo flight departing from Urumqi Airport in China’s Xinjiang province to Konstantin Veliki Airport in Niš, Serbia. This marks the launch of a strategic partnership between Serbia Airports and Xinjiang Airport Group, establishing a cargo route connecting Niš and Urumqi.
The cargo line is expected to operate twice weekly, enhancing export opportunities for Serbia and the Western Balkans by providing faster access to the Chinese and Central Asian markets. Serbian exporters benefit from the existing free trade agreement between Serbia and China.
The partnership was formalized through a cooperation agreement signed by Mihajlo Zdravković, director of Serbia Airports, and Tao Runven, chairman of Xinjiang Airport Group. The agreement supports the Belt and Road Initiative and aims to develop an air logistics corridor linking Serbia, China, and Europe, leveraging Urumqi’s strategic position as an international air hub.
Zdravković highlighted that the goal is to transform Niš Airport into a cargo hub serving the entire Balkan region. The collaboration also includes logistics company Transfera, which supports the initiative.
The new cargo route is expected to improve the competitiveness and positioning of Niš Airport while opening opportunities for joint projects and innovations in cargo transport.
Nikola Bogojević, Transfera’s Asia market operations director, noted that the route shortens transit times for shipments from China to Serbia and neighboring countries, with plans for further process optimizations to enhance customer experience.
Urumqi, historically a key Silk Road trade hub, continues to play a strategic role today through the modern Belt and Road Initiative, linking regions via rail and air routes.
