The Government of Serbia has launched a tender process to seek a private partner for Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport.

The airport is situated 18 km (11 mi) west of downtown Belgrade near the town of Surčin. Previously known as Belgrade Airport or Surčin Airport, it was renamed in 2006 in honor of scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla. The airport is the busiest in Serbia with 4.92 million passengers using it in 2016.

Frankfurt Airport operator Fraport and French builder Vinci are expected to bid among other companies. Two companies from the United Arab Emirates and three from China are also reported to be interested in the concession. It is also included Spain's Ferrovial, Germany's Hochtief, France's Aeroports de Paris and Dutch-based Schiphol.

The tender will not be open to holders of a 20% or larger stake in any airport directly competing with the airport, namely within a 450 kilometre radius of Belgrade.

The successful bid is expected to raise about €400 million (US$421.3 million), plus an annual fee of €11 million (US$11.6 million).

The government expects the process to be completed by mid-summer.

Robert Payne, Fraport's international spokesperson said: 

"Fraport is fundamentally interested in expanding its international portfolio through attractive airport privatizations. Therefore, we are continually scanning the global marketplace for new airport projects."

For further information about the project visit our business opportunity section.