Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air has ceased refuelling operations at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport to comply with US sanctions targeting Serbian oil and gas company NIS. The move follows sanctions imposed by the US Department of Treasury on January 10, which are set to impact NIS due to its ties to Russia.

NIS, which is the sole supplier of aviation fuel in Serbia, is majority-owned by Russia’s Gazprom Neft, which has subjected the company to secondary sanctions risk following the latest round of Western sanctions against Moscow. Wizz Air’s decision to halt refuelling operations with NIS has reportedly caused some disruptions to its flight schedule.

According to aviation portal Tango Six, Wizz Air stopped using NIS fuel as of January 21 at 3 p.m. local time. This has prompted the airline to refuel its Belgrade-based aircraft during technical landings in nearby cities such as Budapest, Hungary, or Timisoara, Romania.

“The decision is likely to increase operational costs and complicate daily operations,” Tango Six reported. The portal also noted that American investors have a stake in Wizz Air, which could have influenced the airline’s compliance with US sanctions.

When asked about the potential impact on its operations, Wizz Air downplayed concerns. “Wizz Air confirms that the mentioned sanctions against fuel suppliers do not affect the airline's flight schedule,” the company stated in a response to Serbian business outlet Blic Biznis.

Industry experts note that airlines can mitigate such challenges by reducing loads, which could involve fewer passengers or less cargo. However, such measures are commercial decisions that could impact profitability.

Despite the logistical adjustments required by Wizz Air, NIS said that fuel supplies remain stable and available for all airlines operating in Serbia. “There is enough fuel for all companies, and the supply is regular,” sources told Blic Biznis.