Flight QR462 touched down in Belgrade and was received by an airport arrival ceremony, where guests were treated to a traditional Serbian folklore dance performance

Qatar Airways has launched scheduled flights to Serbia, its latest entry into eastern Europe and the airline’s eleventh new route of the year.

The Doha-based carrier inaugurated the first of three weekly services to the country’s capital city of Belgrade, gateway to Serbia’s historic and cultural attractions.

The airline’s newest route also marks an expansion of its global network, now reaching 121 destinations as part of Qatar Airways’ ongoing commitment to serving emerging and popular markets, both in Europe and further afield.

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker was joined on the inaugural flight by Mihailo Brkic, Serbian ambassador to Kuwait and responsible for Qatar, together with international media. 

Al Baker said that the latest route marked yet another significant milestone for the award-winning airline that has now spread its international wings to 31 gateways across Europe and 11 new destinations so far this year.

“As a modern, democratic European country, and well on the path to membership of the European Union, visitors can enjoy numerous cultural, entertainment, traditional and sporting events held in Serbia all year round, demonstrating the creative power and spiritual vitality of this country,” he said.

Qatar Airways is flying its Airbus A320 on the Belgrade route, featuring 144 seats in a two-class configuration of 12 Business Class seats and 132 in Economy.

The aircraft offers seatback TV screens providing passengers with the next generation interactive onboard entertainment system with a choice of more than 800 audio and video on demand options, together with an SMS text messaging service from each seat.