Serbian plane carrying pro-Russian politicians turns back on flight to Moscow over security checks
An Air Serbia flight from Belgrade to Moscow was forced to return to its departure airport on November 3 after the airline received instructions to conduct additional security checks involving a passenger, Newsmax Balkans reported.
Among those on board were pro-Russian Serbian politician Aleksandar Vulin and Dušan Bajatović, head of the state-owned gas company Srbijagas. Both confirmed they were passengers.
The Airbus A320, operating flight JU134, departed Belgrade at 6:48 p.m. local time. The decision to turn back was made while the aircraft was flying over Lithuania.
Air Serbia said it had received information from the relevant airport authorities requiring additional security checks involving one passenger. The airline did not identify the person or explain the reason for the checks.
Serbian media also reported that Nenad Popović, a minister without portfolio in Serbia's caretaker government, was on board.
'I was going to Moscow on business'
Vulin, a former head of Serbia's intelligence agency and a longtime supporter of closer ties with Russia, said he had been traveling to Moscow to discuss Serbia's gas arrangements.
"I wasn't going to Moscow as a tourist, although it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world," he told Serbia's Informer TV.
"I was going on business, to fight for the continuation of our gas agreement."
Vulin said he had been asleep during the flight and learned that the aircraft had returned to Belgrade only after waking up.
He denied reports that he had failed airport security screening and described the incident as an attempt to target him politically.
Bajatović told Serbian broadcaster N1 that all passengers and their luggage underwent detailed security checks after the plane returned.
He said his own trip to Russia was connected to gas supply and payment problems.
Who is Aleksandar Vulin?
Vulin previously served as Serbia's defense minister, interior minister and intelligence chief.
He has promoted the idea of a "Serbian world," advocating closer political ties among Serbs across the Balkans, a concept critics have compared to Russia's "Russian world" ideology.
The United States imposed sanctions on Vulin in 2023, accusing him of using his public positions to facilitate Russian activities in Serbia and the region.
Air Serbia said its crew had followed all applicable safety procedures and instructions from the relevant authorities.