# Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport > main international airport of Serbia **Wikidata**: [Q127955](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q127955) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgrade_Nikola_Tesla_Airport) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/belgrade-nikola-tesla-airport ## Summary Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is the main international airport of Serbia, serving as the country's primary gateway for global air travel. It is located in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and is named after the renowned Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla. The airport is owned and operated by the Government of Serbia and managed by VINCI Airports, a French airport operator. ## Key Facts - **Classification:** International airport, public company, infrastructure facility - **Location:** Belgrade, Serbia (coordinates: 44.819444°N, 20.306944°E) - **IATA Code:** BEG - **ICAO Code:** LYBE - **Founded:** April 28, 1962 - **Operator:** VINCI Airports (since 1996) - **Owner:** Government of Serbia - **Elevation:** 355 meters above sea level - **Runways:** Two main runways: 12L/30R and 12R/30L - **Named After:** Nikola Tesla (inventor, engineer) - **Industry:** Airport services, transportation - **Passenger Traffic (2023):** 4,924,992 - **Passenger Traffic (2022):** 4,776,110 - **Passenger Traffic (2021):** 4,638,577 - **Passenger Traffic (2020):** 1,903,337 - **Passenger Traffic (2019):** 3,543,194 - **Passenger Traffic (2018):** 3,363,919 - **Passenger Traffic (2017):** 3,124,633 - **Passenger Traffic (2016):** 2,698,730 - **Passenger Traffic (2015):** 2,384,077 - **Passenger Traffic (2014):** 2,512,890 - **Passenger Traffic (2013):** 2,650,048 - **Passenger Traffic (2012):** 2,222,445 - **Passenger Traffic (2011):** 2,032,357 - **Passenger Traffic (2010):** 2,045,282 - **Passenger Traffic (2009):** 1,849,148 - **Passenger Traffic (2008):** 1,621,798 - **Passenger Traffic (2007):** 1,903,337 - **Passenger Traffic (2006):** 3,286,295 - **Passenger Traffic (2005):** 5,611,920 - **Passenger Traffic (2004):** 5,641,000 - **Passenger Traffic (2003):** 5,641,105 - **Passenger Traffic (2002):** 6,159,000 - **Passenger Traffic (2001):** 6,162,159 - **Passenger Traffic (2000):** 7,948,202 - **Passenger Traffic (1999):** 8,367,931 - **Passenger Traffic (1998):** 6,856,149 - **Passenger Traffic (1997):** 1,004,630,000 (approximate) - **Website:** [https://www.beg.aero](https://www.beg.aero) - **Stock Exchange:** Belgrade Stock Exchange (member since 1894) ## FAQs **What is Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport?** It is the main international airport of Serbia, located in Belgrade. It serves as the country's primary hub for international air travel and is named after the famous inventor Nikola Tesla. **Who owns and operates Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport?** The airport is owned by the Government of Serbia and operated by VINCI Airports, a French airport operator that has managed the facility since 1996. **When was Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport established?** It was officially opened on April 28, 1962. It has since grown to become Serbia’s most important aviation gateway. **How is Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport named?** The airport is named in honor of Nikola Tesla, a Serbian-American inventor and electrical engineer renowned for his contributions to the development of alternating current systems and wireless technology. **What are the key traffic statistics for Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport?** In 2023, the airport handled approximately 4.9 million passengers. Traffic peaked in 2019 with nearly 6.2 million passengers, while the 2020 pandemic reduced numbers to under 2 million. **What organizations or systems is Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport associated with?** It is a member of the Belgrade Stock Exchange and is part of the global aviation network under ICAO code LYBE and IATA code BEG. It is also integrated into Serbia’s national infrastructure and operates under the oversight of the Government of Serbia. ## Why It Matters Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport plays a central role in Serbia’s transportation infrastructure, serving as the nation’s primary international gateway. It connects Serbia to global markets, facilitates tourism, and supports economic growth by enabling international business and cultural exchange. As a key hub, it also reflects the country’s efforts to modernize its aviation sector and attract foreign investment through public-private partnerships with operators like VINCI Airports. ## Notable For - Being the main international airport of Serbia - Having two parallel runways (12L/30R and 12R/30L) - Being named after the iconic inventor Nikola Tesla - Handling over 4.9 million passengers in 2023 - Being operated by VINCI Airports since 1996 - Serving as a critical node in the Balkans’ aviation network - Being integrated into the Belgrade Stock Exchange - Reflecting Serbia’s commitment to infrastructure modernization - Hosting a wide range of international airlines and charter services - Supporting both passenger and cargo flights to and from global destinations ## Body ### History and Development Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport was officially opened on April 28, 1962. It was named after the famous Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla, honoring his legacy in engineering and innovation. Over the decades, the airport has evolved into Serbia’s primary aviation hub, undergoing significant expansions and modernizations to meet international standards. ### Ownership and Operations The airport is owned by the Government of Serbia, the executive body responsible for national infrastructure. It is operated by VINCI Airports, a French company that has managed the facility since November 1996. VINCI’s involvement has helped streamline operations, enhance passenger experience, and improve infrastructure efficiency. ### Infrastructure and Facilities The airport features two main runways: - **12L/30R** - **12R/30L** These runways support the high volume of domestic and international flights that operate daily. The airport is located at an elevation of 355 meters and is equipped with modern navigation and safety systems to ensure smooth operations. ### Passenger Traffic and Performance Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic over the past two decades: - **2023:** 4,924,992 passengers - **2022:** 4,776,110 passengers - **2019:** 6,162,159 passengers (peak year) - **2020:** 1,903,337 passengers (pandemic-related decline) This data reflects the airport’s growing importance in the region and its role in supporting Serbia’s tourism and business sectors. ### Geographic and National Significance Located in Belgrade, the airport serves as a central hub for both domestic and international flights. It is a member of the Belgrade Stock Exchange and adheres to global aviation standards. The airport’s strategic location in the Balkans makes it a key transit point for travelers between Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. ### Cultural and Historical Context The airport is named after Nikola Tesla, a Serbian-American inventor renowned for his contributions to electrical engineering and wireless technology. This naming reflects Serbia’s pride in its scientific and cultural heritage. The airport also plays a symbolic role in connecting Serbia to global innovation and progress. ### Modernization and Global Integration Under VINCI Airports’ management, the facility has adopted modern technologies and practices to improve efficiency and sustainability. These efforts align with global aviation standards and position the airport as a competitive and reliable gateway in Southeast Europe. ### Economic and Political Role As a public company managed by a private operator, the airport represents a hybrid model of infrastructure governance. It contributes significantly to Serbia’s economy by facilitating international trade, tourism, and diplomatic travel. The airport also supports the Government of Serbia’s efforts to attract foreign investment and enhance connectivity. ### Related Entities and Collaborations Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport collaborates with: - **Belgrade Stock Exchange** (member since 1894) - **VINCI Airports** (operator since 1996) - **Government of Serbia** (owner) - **International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)** (LYBE) - **International Air Transport Association (IATA)** (BEG) These partnerships ensure that the airport meets global standards and contributes to regional development. ### Environmental and Technological Advancements In recent years, the airport has focused on sustainability and digital transformation. These initiatives include: - Upgraded air traffic control systems - Energy-efficient infrastructure - Expansion of passenger terminal capacity - Integration of smart technologies for security and operations ### Conclusion Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport stands as a symbol of Serbia’s commitment to modern aviation and global connectivity. Its strategic location, historical significance, and operational excellence make it a vital asset for the country’s economic and cultural development. ## References 1. [Source](https://store.aci.aero/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2014_Traffic_Report_sample.xlsx) 2. [Source](https://beg.aero/eng/corporate#about-the-concession) 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. GeoNames 5. BBC Things 6. [Source](https://www.vinci.com/commun/communiques.nsf/97ECF602CD75DFEEC125837F00581951/$file/CPVINCI_VA_TraficQ4_190111_VF.pdf) 7. [Source](https://www.exyuaviation.com/2020/01/ex-yu-airport-race-2019.html) 8. [Source](https://www.exyuaviation.com/2021/02/ex-yu-airports-race-2020.html) 9. [Source](https://www.exyuaviation.com/2022/01/two-ex-yu-airports-within-europes-top.html) 10. [Source](https://www.exyuaviation.com/2023/01/belgrade-airport-handles-56-million.html)