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Nis Constantine the Great Airport

About the Airport

Nis Constantine the Great Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Niš Constantine the Great Airport is not merely a transport hub, but the true aerial gateway to southern Serbia, proudly bearing the name of the famous Roman Emperor born in these lands. This welcoming aviation hub serves as an excellent alternative to the capital's airport, offering travellers a calm atmosphere without unnecessary hustle and long queues. Located just a few minutes' drive from the city, it is ideal for those who wish to immediately immerse themselves in the Balkan atmosphere or quickly reach the region's ski resorts.

IATA Code INI
ICAO Code LYNI
City Niš
Distance to centre 4 km
Status International
Passengers per year ~357,000 (2024 data)
Schedule Available on the official website

Features and advantages of the airport:

  • Compactness and Speed: Thanks to the terminal's modest size, all procedures — from check-in to passport control — are completed very quickly. You won't have to wander through endless corridors.
  • Excellent Transport Accessibility: The airport is located practically within the city limits. You can reach the centre by taxi for a very reasonable fee or by city bus (route No. 34), which runs regularly.
  • New Terminal: The recently opened new passenger terminal has significantly increased comfort levels, offering modern waiting areas and improved service.
  • Strategic Location: This is the ideal arrival point for trips to popular ski resorts, such as Kopaonik and Stara Planina, which are located closer to Niš than to Belgrade.

Contact Information

  • Official Website: nis-airport.com
  • Information Desk Phone: +381 18 310 11 00
  • Airport Address: Vazduhoplovaca 24, 18000 Niš, Serbia
  • Email: info@nis-airport.com
  • Social Media: The airport is present on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. We recommend searching for official pages under the name "Aerodrom Niš".
  • Lost & Found Information: For questions regarding lost luggage, please contact Air Serbia Ground Services at +381 18 310 11 47 or via email at lost&found.ini@airserbia.com.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries and passenger support, you can use the main information desk phone number or email address.

How to Get to the Airport

Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI) is conveniently located just 4 kilometres from the city centre, so you can reach it quickly via several methods. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Regardless of the option chosen, the journey will not take much time.

Public Transport: Bus
The most economical way to get to the airport is the city bus. Route No. 34 runs between the centre of Niš and the airport. The trip takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is a great option for travellers with light luggage who wish to save money. Tickets can be purchased at newsstands or directly from the driver, though the latter option may be slightly more expensive.

Taxi and Private Transfer
For those who value comfort and time, a taxi is the ideal solution. The journey from the city centre to the airport will take just 10-15 minutes. The cost of the trip is low, but it is recommended to use the services of official taxi companies or agree on the price in advance to avoid misunderstandings. An even more convenient option is to book a transfer online in advance. In this case, the driver will meet you at the designated location with a name sign, assist with luggage, and take you directly to the terminal for a fixed price.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to actively travel around Serbia, renting a car might be the most convenient option. Several international and local rental agencies operate at the airport and in the city. With a rented car, you can easily reach the airport and return it right before your flight. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, there is parking available on the airport grounds where you can leave your car for both short and long periods.

Terminals and Map

Constantine the Great Airport in the city of Niš is a small but functional aviation hub serving the southern part of Serbia. Its structure is extremely simple and clear, making it very convenient for travellers, especially for those who dislike the hustle of large transport hubs.

The airport has only one passenger terminal, which serves both international and domestic flights. The building is two-storeyed, and all navigation is intuitive. Thanks to its compact size, it is practically impossible to get lost here. There are no transfers between terminals, as all zones — arrivals, departures, check-in, and security — are located in one building a short distance from each other.

On the ground floor, you will find check-in counters, the arrival area with baggage claim belts, and a small waiting hall. Airline offices and car rental desks are also located here. The first floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone: after passing security and passport control, passengers enter a general waiting lounge with several boarding gates. The airport layout is very simple, and signs will help you orient yourself easily.

One of the main advantages of the airport is the fast completion of all formalities. Check-in and security screening usually take no more than 30-40 minutes, even during peak periods. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport standardly 2 hours before departure to drop off luggage and go through all procedures without haste. Since the terminal is truly compact, you won't have to spend much time moving around — it is just a few minutes' walk from the building entrance to the boarding gate.

Airport History

The history of Niš Constantine the Great Airport reflects the turbulent history of the entire region. Its journey began in 1910, when the first airfield was built on this site, becoming one of the first in Serbia. Initially, it was used exclusively for military purposes. For many years, the airfield served as an air force base, and only decades later did the idea arise to transform it into a civil airport for the needs of the growing city and the south of the country.

A significant stage in development began in the 1980s. On October 12, 1986, the official opening of the civil airport took place, named "Aerodrom Niš". A terminal, modern for that time, was built, and the first scheduled flights were launched, connecting Niš with other cities in Yugoslavia. The airport quickly became an important transport hub; however, its operations were interrupted in the late 1990s. As a result of the events of 1999, the runway and terminal building sustained serious damage, and civil flights were completely halted.

A new era for the airport began in 2003. Thanks to assistance from the Norwegian government, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out. The airport was not just restored but modernised and officially renamed "Constantine the Great" — in honour of the Roman Emperor born in the ancient city of Naissus, on the site of which modern Niš stands. This event symbolised the revival and new ambitions of the air harbour.

A real breakthrough occurred in 2015, when the first budget airline, Wizz Air, arrived at the airport. This event became a turning point in its recent history. Affordable tickets attracted a huge number of passengers not only from Serbia but also from neighbouring Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Romania. Following Wizz Air, other low-cost carriers, including Ryanair, expanded the route network. Passenger traffic grew hundreds of times over, turning "Constantine the Great" from a modest regional airport into an important international gateway for southern and eastern Serbia, regularly breaking its own records for the number of travellers served.

Services and Amenities

Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI) is a compact yet modern and functional aviation hub in the south of Serbia, offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its small size, the airport is well-equipped to meet the basic needs of travellers.

Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or snack bars serving drinks, sandwiches, and pastries. In the departure zone, a Duty-Free shop operates, offering a standard range of goods: perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco products, and sweets. There is also an opportunity to buy local souvenirs as a memento of your trip.

For those who value enhanced comfort or need a working environment, a Business Lounge is available at the airport. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere and enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for mobile devices are installed in waiting areas, so you can always stay connected.

The airport provides all necessary financial and everyday services. You will find ATMs and currency exchange offices here, which is particularly convenient for international tourists. In case of feeling unwell, a first aid station operates within the terminal.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. A mother and child room is equipped for travellers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on staff assistance, and the terminal infrastructure, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms, ensures a barrier-free environment.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds; however, many accommodation options — from budget to premium — can be found in the city of Niš itself, which is just a few kilometres away. Specialized conference rooms are also not provided in the terminal, but the Business Lounge offers a convenient space for work and business meetings while waiting for a flight.

Where to Eat

Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI) is a compact regional airport, so the choice of establishments here is oriented towards a quick and convenient snack before flight. Although you won't find a wide variety of restaurants here, the available options are quite sufficient to spend time comfortably while waiting for your flight.

The main dining area is located in the main terminal. Cafe-bars operate both in the public area (landside) and in the departure zone after passing security control (airside). This allows both passengers and those seeing them off to have a snack. Establishments in the departure zone usually remain open until the departure of the last flight, adjusting to the flight schedule.

In the menu of local cafes, you will find a standard assortment for a quick bite: sandwiches, pastries, croissants, and snacks. A wide selection of hot and cold beverages is also offered, including coffee, tea, and juices. If you want to experience local tastes, order a cup of strong Serbian coffee. This is an excellent option for a light breakfast or a quick lunch, but for a full hot meal, it is better to eat in the city before arriving at the airport.

Prices at the airport are generally slightly higher than in Niš itself but remain quite affordable. Regarding special dietary requests (such as vegetarian or gluten-free dishes), the choice may be extremely limited. If you have strict dietary requirements or require Halal options, it is recommended to bring food with you. In general, the airport in Serbia offers basic but convenient conditions to refresh yourself before your journey.

Tips for Travellers

When planning a departure from Constantine the Great Airport in the city of Niš, use our tips to ensure your journey through Serbia and beyond goes as smoothly as possible. Although the airport is not very large, it is better to arrive in advance: 2-2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time for all procedures without rushing.

To save time, complete check-in online if your airline provides this option. At the airport, you will only need to drop off your luggage at the designated counter (drop-off). The security screening procedure is standard, but to pass through it faster, remove all liquids (packed in a transparent bag), laptops, and other large gadgets from your hand luggage in advance.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats (A, F) offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats (C, D) are convenient if you plan to get up frequently. Passengers with children often find the front part of the cabin more comfortable, while those who want to disembark first choose seats as close to the exit as possible.

In hand luggage, liquids are permitted in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, explosives, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check your airline's rules, as they may have additional restrictions on the weight and dimensions of hand luggage.

If you have a transfer in Niš, clarify whether you need to collect your luggage and check in for the next flight again. The airport's transit zone has basic amenities, but with a long layover and a valid visa or biometric passport, you might consider a short trip to the city centre.

Customs control upon entering the country operates on the "green" and "red" channel system. If you do not have goods subject to mandatory declaration (for example, exceeding duty-free allowance limits for tobacco or cash), proceed confidently through the "green channel".

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security control. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher, so you can bring a light snack with you. Also, research transfer options to the city in advance — booking a taxi via an app or using public transport may be better value than services at the terminal exit.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter for information. According to international rules, during a long wait, the carrier is obliged to provide passengers with drinks, meals, and if necessary, hotel accommodation. Stay calm and keep your phone charger handy to stay connected.

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