Passengers on Air Serbia’s Moscow service returned to Belgrade on Nov. 3 after the airline received notice that one traveler needed extra screening, interrupting the regular JU134 flight.
JU134 departed at 12:48 p.m. ET (17:48 UTC). RTS reported that the aircraft was over Lithuania when it turned toward Belgrade, and Flightradar24’s flight history records a diversion there.
Air Serbia said its crew acted on instructions from competent authorities and followed applicable safety rules. The airline said airport security services handle passenger and baggage screening, and that travelers would receive information about onward travel after the required checks and approvals.
Aleksandar Vulin, leader of Serbia’s Movement of Socialists, confirmed in an interview with Informer TV that he was aboard. He said he had undergone additional checks and was waiting to board again.
Nova.rs reported, citing unnamed sources, that Vulin had boarded without completing security screening and that Belgrade Airport’s corporate security director ordered the return after reviewing camera footage. Air Serbia has not confirmed those claims. Vulin said he passed further checks and authorities found nothing illegal on him.
Reuters reported that Serbia condemned Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine but did not impose sanctions on Moscow, while Air Serbia continues regular flights to the Russian capital. The airline did not identify the passenger and said travelers would be updated about onward travel after the procedures and approvals.
