According to Serbian Economist, the U.S. Embassy in Pristina has warned citizens about possible large-scale demonstrations on September 16 in downtown Pristina and other major cities in Kosovo. According to the diplomatic mission, the demonstrations could lead to road blockages, major traffic jams, and serious disruptions to public transportation.
U.S. citizens are advised to limit their travel and, if possible, avoid routes passing through areas where protests are taking place. U.S. government employees are advised to avoid any non-essential travel near locations of mass gatherings and not to send their children to school on September 16 due to likely transportation problems.
The heightened security measures are related to the expected September 16 ruling by the Kosovo Chambers in The Hague in the case of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and three former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army—Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Redžep Selimi. All four deny the charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
On September 12, a rally attended by thousands took place in Pristina in support of the defendants.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008, but its statehood still lacks universal international recognition. Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence and continues to consider it part of its territory. Kosovo is also not recognized by, among others, China, Russia, and Ukraine, and within the EU—Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, and Cyprus. The European Parliament notes that the issue of Kosovo’s status remains linked to the EU-mediated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
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According to “Serbian Economist”, Wizz Air will open an operational base at Pristina International Airport in November 2026, stationing one Airbus A321neo aircraft with a capacity of 239 passengers there. The company plans to launch three new routes from Pristina.
Wizz Air has been operating flights from Pristina since 2017. The opening of a full-fledged base means that the aircraft and crew will be permanently based at the airport.
The Belgrade base is under threat
At the same time, Wizz Air continues its dispute with Serbian aviation authorities over changes to the rules governing foreign carriers.
In March 2026, the Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate adopted amendments to the regulations governing the issuance of permits to foreign airlines for international commercial operations.
According to Wizz Air’s interpretation, the new rules will not allow EU-registered carriers to maintain their current model of basing aircraft and crews in Belgrade, under which work shifts and flight rotations begin and end in Serbia.
Wizz Air Communications Director András Rado stated in June that unless the rules are changed, the company will be forced to close its base at Belgrade Airport in November. He emphasized, however, that the carrier does not want to leave.
Serbia’s Civil Aviation Directorate rejected the accusations, stating that no carrier is prohibited from operating flights between Serbia and EU countries. According to the regulator, the amendments do not restrict the right to operate flights but rather clarify the rules, which are the same for all foreign airlines.
As of mid-July, no final decision had been reached.
The closure of the Belgrade base would not necessarily mean a complete halt to Wizz Air’s flights to Serbia. The company could theoretically continue some flights using aircraft based in other countries. However, such a model typically results in fewer destinations, less convenient schedules, and limited opportunities to increase flight frequency.
Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence, declared in 2008, and officially considers it an autonomous province of Kosovo and Metohija within the Republic of Serbia.
