Wizz Air (W6, Budapest) has accused Air Serbia (JU, Belgrade) and parent Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) of being “wannabe monopolists” after the terms of a previous deal with Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport came under federal investigation.
Last week, Serbian authorities arrested and later released the airport's CEO, Velimir Radosavljević, on suspicion that he had abused his position in negotiating a so-called "sweetheart" deal with the Hungarian LCC in 2010.
EX-YU Aviation News says the terms of the agreement, which was revoked in April, allowed Wizz Air to save EUR5.4million (USD6.7million) through various incentives which included: a 20% discount for using Belgrade's Terminal 1; a 45% discount on handling and infrastructure use; a 30% reduction on landing fees; a 100% discount on the use of air bridges; a 30% reduction on parking and lighting fees; a 45% reduction in night-time handling costs and a 45% discount on using other airport infrastructure at night time.
Authorities claim Radosavljević acted outside of his mandate when agreeing the terms.
However, Wizz Air claims the investigation is part of an orchestrated conspiracy being brought against it by the Serbian government wishing to protect its nascent national carrier, Air Serbia.
Serbian media also noted the timing of the incident given the European Commission's current investigation into the Etihad/Air Serbia tie-up. It is claimed, but has yet to be substantively proven, that the Emiratis have colluded with the Serbians to effect policies that protect and benefit Air Serbia's transit-hub business model at the expense of other airlines.
