Serbia has gained its first direct air cargo link to central Asia’s logistics network with the launch of flights between Niš and China’s Xinjiang province.
The project, initiated by Serbian logistics company Transfera in partnership with Airports of Serbia and the Xinjiang Airport Group, positions Niš as a new trade hub between East and Europe.
“This route strengthens Serbia’s position on the regional logistics map. For the first time, southeastern Serbia – specifically Niš – is directly connected to China, and not just anywhere, but to Xinjiang, one of Asia’s key land logistics centers. Within the Belt and Road framework, this provides Serbia with real capacity to support growing international trade. The idea came from Transfera, and together with Airports of Serbia and Xinjiang Airport Group, we made it a reality,” says Nikola Bogojević, Transfera’s Head of Operations for Asia.
Demand was strong from the very first flight. In the first two months alone, Niš Airport handled more than 420 tons of cargo – exceeding its total throughput for the entire previous year.
“There are currently four flights a week between Niš and Urumqi, but as volumes grow, we plan to increase frequency. For Serbia, this is an important step toward becoming a regional logistics hub,” Bogojević adds.
Why Niš?
Niš was selected as a practical alternative to Budapest, long considered the dominant cargo hub in the region.
“Its position on Corridor 10 links Serbia with Sofia, Skopje, and Thessaloniki, and cities like Podgorica, Tirana, and Sarajevo are also within easy reach. This means the entire Balkans can be efficiently served from Niš. The airport also has available capacity and the flexibility to quickly adapt to market needs – crucial in the fast-paced e-commerce sector. Transfera saw the opportunity to show how a domestic logistics company can connect partners in a joint project that positions Serbia as a logistics link between East and Europe,” Bogojević explains.
Advantages for Exporters
For Serbian and regional exporters, the new cargo line brings very tangible benefits.
“It offers more frequent and reliable transport to China, helping companies plan shipments more accurately, lower warehousing costs, and respond faster to customer needs. It is especially useful for manufacturers aiming to enter Asian markets, as it provides a new corridor with significant cargo capacity that can support our exporters,” says Bogojević.
The new route also responds to the fast expansion of cross-border e-commerce in Serbia.
“Transfera is a pioneer in this field, with technical solutions enabling rapid customs clearance for large numbers of shipments – often within just a few hours. Niš is becoming the operational hub not only for Serbia, but for the entire Balkans, cutting delivery times thanks to the airport’s speed and efficiency,” he adds.
Trade with China on the Rise
The Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and China has further accelerated bilateral trade.
“In the first six months of this year, total trade reached USD 4.33 billion – around 20% more than in the same period last year. Each year we see higher volumes, more transport flows, and a greater need for smarter logistics solutions. Transfera plays a key role by improving logistics processes and helping exporters reach customers faster and more efficiently,” explains Bogojević.
An increasing share of Serbian exports now consists of food products, sweets, beverages, and processed agricultural goods.
“These require specific transport conditions, certification, customs procedures, and digital registration on Chinese platforms. These are exactly the areas where Transfera supports domestic exporters,” he notes.
Digitalization and the Future of Logistics
Digitalization and the rise of e-commerce are transforming the logistics industry.
“Logistics no longer means just transporting goods. Today, companies expect predictability, rapid response, and full visibility of shipments. Transfera integrates road, rail, air, and sea transport, and through a joint investment with Austria’s Rail Cargo Group, we launched the Belgrade-Rijeka rail line, helping connect Serbia with European ports. Our focus is on data integration, automation, and predictive logistics,” says Bogojević.
He sees the greatest growth potential in cross-border e-commerce.
“We’re pioneers in this area in the region, and market needs change month to month. Interest from the wider Balkans is growing. Companies no longer ask just about shipping prices – they want to know how to build a predictable and sustainable supply chain. That shift in thinking is significant, and that’s where I see the biggest potential for future growth,” Bogojević concludes.
