Cenej Airport

Cenej Airport, located just a few kilometres from Serbia's cultural capital, is a unique aviation facility that lives to the rhythm of sports and general aviation. It is not your typical bustling hub with endless terminals, but an atmospheric place where the sky belongs to parachutists, amateur pilots, and agricultural aircraft. Although ambitious plans to transform it into a commercial hub for low-cost carriers have existed for a long time, today Cenej remains a cosy home for the local aero club and a point of attraction for anyone in love with the romance of flight. Here, you can feel the true spirit of aviation without the hustle and bustle of large international airports.

Flight timetable is available here.

Airport Features and Highlights:

The main highlight of Cenej Airport is its status as a centre for sports aviation. The "Novi Sad" Aero Club based here regularly conducts pilot training, gliding competitions, and parachute jumps, making the airfield a popular destination for active weekend leisure. The grass runway is perfectly suited for light aircraft, creating the authentic atmosphere of a classic airfield.

Despite the lack of regular passenger flights, the airport enjoys a convenient location near the Belgrade-Horgos highway. Local authorities periodically discuss plans to upgrade the infrastructure and build a concrete runway to accommodate small passenger aircraft and business jets in the future, thereby relieving the country's main airport.

• Official Website ("Novi Sad" Aero Club): www.akns.rs
• Information / Administration Phone: +381 21 714 032; +381 60 060 0251
• Airport Address: Međunarodni put 257, 21233 Čenej, Novi Sad, Srbija
• Email: office@akns.rs
• Social Media: Facebook and Instagram (search for Aero Klub Novi Sad)
• Lost and Found Information: Since the airport does not serve regular commercial flights, there is no centralised baggage tracing service. In case of lost personal items on the airfield premises, please contact the club administration.
• Customer Support: All inquiries regarding the organisation of private flights, parachute jumps, and airfield visits are handled through the Aero Club secretariat at the phone numbers listed above.

Since Cenej Airport currently does not accept regular passenger flights and functions primarily as a centre for sports and general aviation, the route to it is usually planned from the city centre of Novi Sad. The journey does not take much time, as the airfield is only 16 km from the city limits. Here are the main ways to get to the location if you are planning a parachute jump or a private flight.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airfield is to use the city bus network. There is no direct rail connection or metro here.

• Bus: You will need suburban route No. 35 (Novi Sad — Čenej). Buses depart from the main bus and railway station (Međumesna autobuska stanica).
• Stop: Ask the driver to let you off at the "Čenej - Aerodrom" stop or at the turnoff to the Aero Club. From the stop, you will have to walk about 10–15 minutes to the club entrance.
• Cost: A ticket for the suburban bus is inexpensive, approximately 110–160 RSD (about 1–1.5 Euro). The ticket can be purchased from the driver.

Taxi and Transfer

This is the most convenient and fastest option, especially if you are travelling with equipment or in a group.

• Travel Time: A trip from the centre of Novi Sad takes approximately 20–25 minutes barring heavy traffic.
• Cost: The average price of a trip via an official city taxi (metered) will range from 1000 to 1500 RSD (approximately 9–13 Euro). It is recommended to use official services (e.g., Red Taxi, Maxi Taxi) or book a car via an app to avoid inflated rates.

By Car and Parking

If you have rented a car for travelling around Serbia, getting to Cenej is very simple. You need to drive out of the city in a northerly direction along the old international road (Route No. 100) towards Subotica.

• Parking: Since the airport is not a major commercial hub, there are no huge paid parking lots here. Guests of the Aero Club can usually leave their car free of charge in a designated area at the entrance or on the club grounds (check the rules upon entry with security or administration).

How to Get There from Other Countries?

Since Cenej serves only general aviation, tourists from abroad usually fly into major international airports nearby and then travel to Novi Sad by bus, train, or rental car. The nearest major hubs are:

• Nikola Tesla Airport (Belgrade) — the main hub, located just 73 km away. From here, you can reach Novi Sad via the high-speed "Soko" train (about 35 minutes) or a direct bus.
• Osijek Airport (Croatia) — located 81 km away, convenient for those travelling through eastern Croatia and northern Serbia.
• Traian Vuia International Airport (Timisoara, Romania) — located 126 km away and can be an alternative arrival option.

Recommendations: When planning a visit to Cenej airfield on weekends (when major events take place), it is better to book a taxi in advance or rent a car, as the intervals between suburban buses may be longer.

Since Cenej Airport (QND) is a centre for sports and general aviation rather than a commercial passenger hub, you will not find the familiar structure with multi-level terminals, boarding bridges, and Duty-Free zones here. The airfield infrastructure is compact, functional, and completely dedicated to the needs of sport pilots, parachutists, and guests of the Aero Club.

Structure and Layout of the Airport

The entire airfield complex can loosely be called a single terminal, the role of which is played by the administrative building of the "Novi Sad" Aero Club. This is a small structure where all airport life is concentrated. Located nearby are:

• Hangars: Spacious facilities for parking and maintenance of light aircraft and gliders.
• Control Tower (KDP): The "brain" of the airfield, from where flight operations are managed.
• Parachutist Preparation Zone: A special area (often under a canopy or inside a hangar) for packing parachutes and briefings.
• Runway: Currently, this is a dirt (grass) strip, which is an important feature for navigation — movement across the airfield is strictly regulated.

Features of the "Terminal" (Aero Club Building)

Instead of waiting halls and check-in counters, a club atmosphere prevails here. The main building usually houses:

• Classrooms: Rooms for pilot briefings and theoretical classes for flight school students.
• Administration: An office where issues regarding payment for jumps, aircraft rental, and paperwork are resolved.
• Cafe/Rest Area: A meeting place for pilots and guests where you can have coffee and watch flights through the windows or from the open terrace.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The concepts of a "departure zone" and "arrival zone" are quite nominal here. Access to the aircraft is directly from the club building or from the hangars onto the airfield. It is important to remember that there is no "sterile area" (secure zone after screening) as such here, however, access to the runway itself is strictly prohibited without the accompaniment of an instructor or pilot.

Transitions between facilities are made on foot. Distances are minimal: the walk from the parking lot to the aircraft will take no more than 2–3 minutes.

Check-in and Screening Procedures

The process of preparing for a flight at Cenej differs radically from large airports:

• Check-in Time: There is no need to arrive 2–3 hours early. If you are planning a parachute jump or an introductory flight, it is sufficient to arrive 30–40 minutes before the appointed time.
• Documents: There is no passport control for domestic flights. However, identification will be needed for insurance processing and entry into the Aero Club flight log.
• Screening: There are no metal detector frames or luggage scanners here. However, an instructor will definitely check your clothing and footwear before a jump or flight for safety (absence of loose items, scarves, etc.).

Navigation and Visit Recommendations

For a comfortable visit to Cenej Airport, consider the following tips:

• Watch your step: The airfield territory is mostly grass and soil. Choose comfortable flat shoes, especially if you plan to approach the aircraft.
• Follow instructions: Despite the relaxed atmosphere, this is an active aviation facility. Never walk onto the airfield without permission and do not approach aircraft with running propellers.
• Parking: You can leave your car at the informal parking area at the entrance to the Aero Club; it is free and located in immediate proximity to the "terminal".

The history of conquering the sky in Novi Sad goes back much deeper than the construction date of the current runway. Although officially Cenej Airport opened in the mid-20th century, aviation life here began bubbling as early as 1923 with the founding of the local Aero Club — a branch of the Royal Aero Club, one of the oldest in the Balkans. Initially, flights were conducted at an old military airfield in the Jugovićevo district, but as the city grew, the proximity of aircraft and residential quarters became unsafe.

A new chapter began on 14 June 1953, when the ceremonial opening of the airfield took place at its current location, near the farming settlement of Cenej. This event was significant for the Vojvodina region. In the Yugoslav era, the airfield turned into a key hub for agricultural aviation. In its heyday, an entire armada of legendary "crop dusters" (An-2) and other aircraft was based here, taking off daily to treat the endless fields of the country's "breadbasket". The intensity of take-offs and landings in those years was one of the highest among general aviation airfields in Eastern Europe.

Parallel to the workdays, Cenej developed as a prestigious sports centre. The "Novi Sad" Aero Club became a forge of talent for Yugoslav, and later Serbian, aviation. National and regional championships in gliding and parachute sports were regularly held here (and continue to be held). The airfield remembers large-scale air shows that gathered thousands of spectators who watched mesmerised by aerobatic manoeuvres.

As for modernisation, the history of the airport is a history of ambitious plans. Active discussions have been ongoing for decades about transforming the sports airfield into a full-fledged commercial hub. The main reconstruction project implies replacing the grass surface with a concrete runway 1500 metres long, which would allow accepting tourist charters and low-cost carriers from Europe. Despite the existence of approved blueprints, global construction has not yet begun, and Cenej retains its historical charm as a cosy haven for general aviation, periodically updating only the hangars and the club building.

Interesting Facts and Milestones:

• Surface Quality: The grass runway at Cenej is considered one of the most well-maintained and high-quality in the region. It is capable of accepting aircraft that are quite heavy for their class, although operations still depend on weather whims and precipitation.
• Cinematic Location: Thanks to open panoramic views and the presence of retro equipment, the airport territory often becomes a set for filming feature films, series, and music videos.
• Record Activity: In the "golden years" of agro-aviation, pilots based in Cenej treated hundreds of thousands of hectares of land annually, making an invaluable contribution to the region's economy.
• Continuity: The Aero Club managing the airfield today carefully preserves the traditions of the 1920s, being the direct heir to the organisation created over 100 years ago.

It is important to understand that Cenej Airport (QND) is not a standard passenger terminal with duty-free shops and business lounges, but a cosy sports aviation airfield. The set of services here is minimal and fully adapted to the needs of pilots, parachutists, and Aero Club guests. One should not expect service at the level of major international hubs here, but basic infrastructure for a comfortable stay in nature is available.

Dining and Shops

There is a club cafe-buffet operating on the airfield grounds, which is the centre of social life in Cenej. Here you can have a snack, drink coffee or soft drinks, watching aircraft take-offs and landings from the open terrace. This place is distinguished by a friendly, almost home-like atmosphere, where you might meet instructors or pilots at the next table.

There are no full-fledged shops or a Duty-Free zone at the airfield. If you need to buy groceries or souvenirs, it is better to do so in advance in the city of Novi Sad. The nearest supermarkets are located a few kilometres away, along the old road to Subotica.

Communication, Finance, and Business Services

• Wi-Fi and Gadget Charging: Free wireless internet is usually available in the Aero Club building and cafe. There are no special stands with charging stations, but the administration generally allows the use of regular power outlets to recharge phones without issue.
• Banks and Currency Exchange: ATMs and currency exchange points are absent on the premises. It is strongly recommended to carry cash in Serbian Dinars (RSD), as card payment in the club cafe or for small services may not be available.
• Conference Rooms: Flight school classrooms serve as a business centre. They can be used for briefings or small meetings by prior arrangement with the club administration, but there is no specialized high-class presentation equipment here.

Accommodation: Hotels Nearby

There are no hotels directly on the airfield, but the surroundings of Cenej are famous for their unique farmsteads — salaš — which offer colourful accommodation.

• Salaš 137: One of the most famous ethno-farmsteads in the region, located very close to the airfield. This is an ideal place for those who want to combine flights with gastronomic tourism, horse riding, and overnight stays in authentic Vojvodina style.
• City Accommodation: For those who prefer standard hotels, a wide selection of hotels and hostels is available in the city of Novi Sad (about 15–20 minutes by taxi).

Medical Services and Safety

There is no specialised medical centre or pharmacy in the Aero Club building. However, due to the specific nature of activities (parachute jumps), extended first aid kits are always available at the airfield, and instructors are trained in basic emergency care. In case of serious problems, the nearest hospitals are located in Novi Sad.

Passengers with Children and Limited Mobility

Cenej Airfield is a popular place for family recreation on weekends, but there is little special infrastructure here:

• For Children: There are no children's rooms or changing tables. The main entertainment for young guests is watching the planes. Parents should watch children carefully, as fencing near the airfield is nominal.
• For Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The Aero Club building is single-story, which facilitates access, but the surrounding area consists of grass and dirt paths, which may create difficulties when moving in a wheelchair during rainy weather. There may not be specialised toilets for people with disabilities, so it is recommended to clarify details by phone with the administration in advance.

Since Cenej Airport (QND) functions as a centre for sports aviation rather than a commercial passenger terminal, the gastronomic map here looks different from major hubs. You will not find chain fast-food outlets, fine dining restaurants, or 24-hour coffee shops here. Dining at the airfield is part of the club atmosphere—simple, cosy, and welcoming.

Cafes and Bars on the Premises (Aero Club Building)

The only dining point is located directly in the administrative building of the "Novi Sad" Aero Club. This establishment is often called the "club buffet" or "pilots' cafe".

• Location: Ground floor of the main building (publicly accessible zone, as there is no strict landside/airside division here).
• Assortment: The main focus is on beverages. They brew excellent "domaći" (homemade) coffee and serve soft drinks and juices. Food options usually include light snacks: toast, sandwiches, packaged snacks (crisps, chocolate), or pastries.
• Atmosphere: The main value of this place is the open terrace overlooking the runway. It is an ideal location for a quick snack before a jump or a cup of coffee while waiting for friends.
• Opening Hours: The schedule is flexible and depends on flight activity. Usually, the cafe is open from 09:00 until sunset, working especially actively on weekends when training and competitions take place.

Gastronomy Nearby: Salaš (Farmsteads)

For a full lunch or dinner, experienced travellers and airfield guests head outside the airfield. The surroundings of Cenej are famous for their traditional farm-restaurants called "salaši". The nearest and most famous of them — Salaš 137 — is literally a few minutes' drive (or 15-20 minutes' walk) from the airfield.

This place is a true gastronomic landmark of the region, and many fly to Cenej specifically to visit it.

• Local Cuisine and Specialities: Authentic Vojvodina cuisine is served here. You must try "rinflajš" (boiled meat with sauces), homemade kulen sausage, roast duck, or lamb from the oven. For dessert, plum dumplings (gombovci) or poppy seed strudel (makšic) are recommended.
• Opening Hours: The restaurant at the salaš usually operates from 08:00 to 23:00, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Dietary Requirements and Special Requests

Given the specifics of the region and the format of establishments, options for special diets vary:

• At the Airfield: Selection is extremely limited. Vegetarians may only find snacks or sweets. Vegans and people with gluten intolerance are better off bringing a snack with them.
• In Nearby Restaurants (Salaš):
  • Vegetarians: Serbian cuisine is rich in vegetable dishes. Try "pohovani kačkavalj" (fried cheese), Shopska salad, or roasted peppers.
  • Halal: Traditional Vojvodina establishments use a significant amount of non-halal ingredients. A strictly halal menu can be difficult to find; it is recommended to choose chicken or beef dishes and clarify the preparation method with the waiter.
  • Gluten-Free: The menu is rich in flour products, but you can always order plain grilled meat with vegetables without sauces.

Price Range

• Coffee Break at the Aero Club: Very budget-friendly. A cup of coffee or juice will cost around 150–250 RSD (approximately 1.5–2 Euro).
• Lunch at Salaš: Mid-price segment. A full lunch with drinks and dessert will cost from 1500 to 2500 RSD (12–22 Euro) per person, but the portions here are traditionally huge.

Recommendations

If you plan to spend the whole day at the airfield, the dining strategy is simple: bring water and a light snack with you in case of delays between flights. And after landing, be sure to head to the nearest salaš to celebrate the flight with a hearty rustic-style lunch accompanied by the sounds of the tamburica.

Visiting Cenej Airport (QND) is radically different from the experience of flying through major international hubs. Since it is a centre for sports and general aviation, its own unwritten rules and etiquette apply here. To ensure your visit — whether it is a parachute jump, a panoramic flight, or pilot training — goes smoothly, use these practical tips.

Optimal Arrival Time

Forget the rule of "arriving 2–3 hours early". At Cenej, there are no long queues for security and passport control.

• For Parachute Jumps and Flights: Arrive 30–45 minutes before your scheduled slot. This time is enough to calmly find the Aero Club office, fill out the necessary paperwork (liability waiver, insurance), undergo a mini-medical check, and receive a safety briefing.
• For Spectators: If you have come just to watch the planes, the best time would be weekends from 10:00 AM, when flight activity is at its peak.

Registration and Safety: General Aviation Specifics

Instead of scanners and frames, the principle of personal responsibility and instructor control works here.

• Documents: Always have your passport or ID card with you. Although you are not crossing a border, the Aero Club administration is required to register everyone who boards an aircraft.
• Clothing and Footwear: This is a key element of your safety. Flip-flops, high heels, and overly loose clothing that can catch on control levers are prohibited. Choose trainers and a sporty style.
• "Clean Zone": Never walk onto the airfield without an escort. A rotating aircraft propeller is practically invisible and deadly dangerous. Wait for the command of the pilot or instructor.

Seat Selection in the Aircraft

In general aviation, you cannot choose a "window" or "aisle" seat during online check-in. Seating is determined by the pilot based on aircraft centring (weight distribution).

• Best View: If balancing allows, ask for a seat next to the pilot (front right). This will give you a sense of participation in flying and a better view of the instrument panel.
• Photography: Keep in mind that in many light aircraft (e.g., Cessna), the wing is on top, which provides an excellent view of the ground, while in others (Piper), it is below, which may block the downward view.

Hand Luggage: What is Allowed and Prohibited

The cabin of a light aircraft or glider is very cramped. There are no proper overhead bins.

• What to Bring: Only essentials: phone, sunglasses, wallet.
• Cameras: Cameras and phones must be secured with a strap (around the neck or wrist). In case of turbulence or an open door (during parachute drops), an unsecured gadget can become a dangerous projectile or simply fly away.
• Prohibited: Any large bags, backpacks, unsecured scarves, and headgear (caps can be blown off by the propeller wash). Leave excess items in the car or in an Aero Club locker.

Tips for Connecting Passengers

Cenej is not used for connecting flights. If you plan to continue travelling around Serbia:

• Do not count on direct baggage transfer. You are responsible for your own belongings.
• The nearest hub for further flights is Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours for the journey to it (taxi/transfer + buffer time).

Customs Control

Cenej Airport mainly serves domestic flights. If you arrive here on a private aircraft from abroad:

• Customs and passport control here is possible only by prior request (usually 24 hours in advance) so that border police officers can come to the airfield.
• In most cases, private pilots first land at an international airport (Belgrade or Niš) to complete formalities, and then fly to Cenej as a domestic flight.

How to Save Time and Money

• Cash: This is the most important tip. There are no ATMs at the airfield, and payment terminals may not work. Always have Serbian Dinars with you to pay for the cafe or additional services.
• Group Bookings: If you want to fly as a group, arrange it in advance. Renting the entire aircraft (for 3 passengers) often works out cheaper per person than individual flights.
• Food to Go: Prices in the Aero Club cafe are democratic, but the food selection is modest. To avoid spending time and money searching for a restaurant in the middle of the day, bring a light snack and water with you.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

In general aviation, the schedule is dictated by the weather. Wind, low clouds, or rain can cancel flights instantly.

• Have a Plan "B": If flights are cancelled, do not sit at the airfield waiting for a miracle. Head to a nearby ethno-complex (salaš) for lunch or return to Novi Sad for a walk around the Petrovaradin Fortress.
• Contacts: Before leaving your hotel, always call the Aero Club to check the current weather situation. This will save you travel time if flights are cancelled from the morning.