ON
← Back to feed
Serbian media: A plane carrying three individuals close to President Vučić took off for Moscow, but unexpectedly turned around and returned to Belgrade
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsLean Conservative

Serbian media: A plane carrying three individuals close to President Vučić took off for Moscow, but unexpectedly turned around and returned to Belgrade

An Air Serbia flight bound for Moscow was forced to turn back to Belgrade after security authorities identified procedural irregularities regarding passenger Aleksandar Vulin, former head of Serbia's intelligence agency. According to reports from Nova.rs, Vulin allegedly bypassed standard security checks with assistance before boarding, prompting airport security director Milan Kuc to order the return once camera footage revealed the breach. The aircraft also carried Dusan Bajatic, director of Srbijagas, and Nenad Popovic, president of the Serbian People's Party, both described as having strong pro-Russian ties and facing international sanctions. Opposition politician Srđan Milivojevic publicly questioned the motives behind the trip shortly before scheduled elections, while Air Serbia stated the return complied with safety instructions received from aviation authorities. Vulin did not respond to contact attempts, and the airline indicated the flight would resume later with a new crew.

Go to the primary sources (2)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

17 reports

Novi list logoNovi listIndependentConservative
Vulin attempted to escape? The plane he was on, en route to Moscow, was turned around mid-flight and returned to Belgrade.

An Air Serbia flight bound for Moscow was turned back to Belgrade late Tuesday evening for additional security checks on a passenger, according to the airline. The carrier stated it acted in accordance with instructions from competent authorities and valid procedures after receiving information regarding the need for these checks. Flight tracking data confirmed the aircraft returned safely to Belgrade approximately halfway through the journey. Serbian media outlet Nova.rs reported unofficial claims identifying the passenger as Aleksandar Vulin, former minister and head of the intelligence agency BIA, who is described as an ally of recently ousted leader Aleksandar Vucic. The report further alleges that Vulin boarded the plane without undergoing standard security screening and received assistance from an unnamed individual.

Bias read (Conservative): The headline uses speculative phrasing ('pokušao pobjeći' / tried to escape) and the body relies on 'unofficial claims' alleging procedural violations by a specific political figure, creating a narrative of illicit behavior rather than neutral reporting.

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressive
Vulin spoke out after his flight to Moscow was diverted back to Belgrade: "It's all a lie! To be honest, I fell asleep."

Aleksandar Vulin, president of the Socialist Movement in Serbia, stated via live television broadcast that his flight to Moscow was diverted back to Belgrade due to a political attack rather than security concerns. He claimed he had fallen asleep during the flight and was unaware until landing, where he encountered police and special forces. Vulin asserted that there were no illegal activities involved and emphasized his official purpose was to negotiate gas arrangements for Serbian citizens. The airline Air Serbia confirmed the return was ordered by airport authorities after additional security checks were required for one passenger. Unofficial reports indicated that other high-profile figures, including the director of Srbijagas, were also on board.

Bias read (Progressive): The headline and lead focus heavily on Vulin’s denial of wrongdoing and characterization of the event as a political purge, while treating the official security explanation as secondary.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentConservative
Listen. A recording of a communication from the plane that was forced to return to Belgrade due to Vulin has been leaked.

An Air Serbia flight from Belgrade to Moscow was forced to return to Belgrade after reaching southern Lithuania due to security concerns regarding passenger Aleksandar Vulin, a former Serbian minister and close ally of President Aleksandar Vučić. Audio recordings released online show the captain informing passengers of the turnback for safety reasons, while air traffic control communications confirm the diversion order. Vulin stated he was asleep during the incident and claimed he had passed through standard security checks upon re-entering the airport, denying any illegal activity. Unofficial reports suggest Vulin bypassed initial security screening with assistance, prompting the airport’s corporate security director to review surveillance footage and order the return. Air Serbia confirmed the diversion was necessary for additional security checks on a specific passenger but did not publicly identify him.

Bias read (Conservative): The headline uses sensationalist phrasing ('leaked recording') and emphasizes Vulin's status as a 'close collaborator' of the president, framing the event as a scandal involving elite privilege rather than a routine security protocol failure.

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentConservative
A video has been released showing footage from a plane that made an emergency return to Belgrade: The captain had a serious message for the passengers

An Air Serbia flight bound for Moscow made an emergency return to Belgrade due to security concerns involving former Serbian Minister Aleksandar Vulin. Video footage released by the captain informed passengers of the turnback, while Air Serbia stated they followed instructions from authorities regarding additional security checks for one passenger. Unofficial reports from Nova.rs alleged that Vulin, a political ally of President Aleksandar Vučić whose party recently lost parliamentary elections, boarded the aircraft without proper screening with assistance from others. The decision to return was reportedly ordered by the airport’s corporate security director after surveillance cameras detected irregularities. Other notable figures aboard included Srbijagas Director Dusan Bajatovic and SPS Party President Nenad Popovic. Vulin denied any wrongdoing upon landing, claiming he passed all checks and had been sleeping during the incident.

Bias read (Conservative): The headline and lead emphasize the allegation that a high-profile political figure bypassed security, using strong language like 'serious message' and highlighting his status as a defeated rival to the current president, which frames the event as a scandal against the establishment rather than a routine safety protocol.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentProgressive
Vulin was returned from his flight to Moscow, and Serbs are reporting that he was removed from the plane. He then appeared on the Informer program, saying, "I feel uncomfortable."

An Air Serbia flight bound for Moscow was forced to return to Belgrade due to security concerns regarding passenger Aleksandar Vulin, former Serbian Minister of Interior and leader of the Socialist Movement. According to reports from Nova.rs, airport security director Milan Kuć ordered the turnaround after reviewing surveillance footage that allegedly showed Vulin bypassing mandatory pre-board security checks with assistance. While Vulin denied these claims during a live television appearance, asserting that the incident was a fabricated attempt by new authorities to politically settle scores against him, he acknowledged the inconvenience caused to other passengers. The flight carried other high-profile individuals, including Srbijagas director Dusan Bajatovic and SPS president Nenad Popovic, who were also required to return to Belgrade pending further investigation.

Bias read (Progressive): The headline uses emotive phrasing ('Vulin returned', 'he appeared') and the body heavily features Vulin’s defensive quotes while attributing the opposing view solely to unnamed 'new authorities' via his accusations rather than independent verification.

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicConservative
The flight to Moscow was rerouted to Belgrade due to Aleksandar Vulin

An Air Serbia flight bound for Moscow was diverted back to Belgrade late Tuesday evening due to additional security checks required for one passenger. The airline stated it acted in accordance with instructions from competent authorities and valid procedures after receiving information regarding the need for these checks. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft turned back approximately halfway to its destination and landed safely in Belgrade, becoming the most-tracked flight globally at the time. Serbian media outlet Nova.rs reported unofficial claims that the passenger was former minister and head of the intelligence agency BIA, Aleksandar Vulin. The report alleged that Vulin boarded the plane without passing standard security checks, with assistance from an unidentified individual.

Bias read (Conservative): The article relies heavily on 'unofficial claims' from a specific tabloid (Nova.rs) regarding a high-profile political figure, presenting allegations of procedural bypassing without corroborating evidence or official denial.

Index.hr logoIndex.hrIndependentConservative
New details have emerged about the flight with Vulin that was rerouted to Belgrade. Air Serbia has issued a statement.

An Air Serbia flight bound for Moscow was diverted back to Belgrade after security authorities identified a passenger who had allegedly bypassed mandatory screening procedures. Unofficial reports identify the individual as Alexander Vulin, a close associate of former Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who reportedly entered the aircraft without undergoing required checks. Milan Kuč, the director of corporate security at Belgrade Airport and a former member of the elite Cobra unit, issued the order to return the plane after reviewing surveillance footage. Air Serbia confirmed the diversion was due to additional security requirements but did not publicly name the specific passenger involved. Other passengers reported on board included Dusan Bajatovic, director of Srbijagas, and Nenad Popovic, president of the Serbian People's Party. The unusual maneuver attracted significant global attention, with over 12,000 users tracking the flight path on Flightradar24.

Bias read (Conservative): The article relies heavily on unofficial claims regarding a high-profile political figure's alleged misconduct while omitting any counter-narrative or confirmation from state authorities.

tportal logotportalIndependentProgressive
Vulin says he fell asleep on the plane to Moscow and woke up in Belgrade: "Colleagues, did you come to pick me up?"

Former Serbian Minister Aleksandar Vulin appeared on live television to address the return of his flight from Moscow to Belgrade, claiming he fell asleep during the journey and was unaware until arriving back in Belgrade. He accused airport security services of deliberately causing the incident as a political move against him by the new government, stating that all allegations were lies. Vulin stated that his trip to Russia was official, aimed at negotiating the extension of gas supply agreements between Serbia and Russia. According to reports from Nova.rs, airport security director Milan Kuc identified a violation where Vulin allegedly boarded without passing mandatory security checks, leading to the decision to turn the plane around. Air Serbia confirmed the return due to additional security checks but did not publicly confirm the specific identity of the passenger involved.

Bias read (Progressive): The headline uses Vulin's humorous quote rather than the security breach, and the body heavily features his accusations of political persecution while treating the security director's findings as unverified rumors.

tportal logotportalIndependentConservative
Who is the man who prevented Vulin from flying to Moscow? His biography is attracting attention.

A Serbian Air Force jet carrying former Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin was ordered to return to Belgrade after reaching southern Lithuania due to security protocol violations. Milan Kuch, director of corporate security at Nikola Tesla Airport, identified via surveillance footage that Vulin had bypassed standard security checks before boarding. The aircraft, which departed at 18:48, was recalled by airport authorities who cited the need for additional passenger verification. Air Serbia confirmed the turnaround but did not publicly identify the specific passenger involved. Unofficial reports suggest other passengers included Dusan Bajovic and Nenad Popovic, both noted for their pro-Russian ties. Vulin, described as a prominent pro-Russian politician, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.

Bias read (Conservative): The article emphasizes the passenger's pro-Russian status and lists fellow travelers known for similar views, while noting his failure to answer media inquiries, creating a narrative of scrutiny around controversial political figures.

Slobodna Dalmacija logoSlobodna DalmacijaIndependentConservative
The flight to Moscow was abruptly canceled, and the plane carrying officials from Vučić's regime was returned to Belgrade! Among the passengers was Aleksandar Vulin.

An Air Serbia flight bound for Moscow was forced to return to Belgrade after security checks revealed that passenger Aleksandar Vulin had not cleared screening procedures. Vulin is identified in the report as the leader of the Socialist Movement and former minister of defense and interior. The incident occurred during flight JU134 departing from Nikola Tesla Airport. The article cites Nova.rs as the source for this information regarding the disruption of the international flight.

Bias read (Conservative): The headline uses pejorative terms like 'regime' and 'powerful figures,' while the body describes Vulin as having 'allegedly' failed security checks, implying guilt through association rather than stating confirmed facts.

tportal logotportalIndependentConservative
New information: Did a former member of the "Kobra" unit prevent Vulin's escape to Moscow?

An Air Serbia flight bound for Moscow was diverted back to Belgrade after airport authorities requested additional security checks regarding a specific passenger. Serbian media outlets suggest the individual in question is former Interior Minister and head of the Security Intelligence Agency, Aleksandar Vulin. While Air Serbia stated the decision followed standard safety protocols, the portal Nova.rs reported based on unofficial information that Vulin bypassed initial security screening but was still allowed to board. Nova.rs further claimed that the return order was issued by the airport’s corporate security director, Milan Kuc, who has ties to the military police unit known as Cobras. The airline did not confirm the identity of the passenger or the specific reasons for the diversion in its official statement.

Bias read (Conservative): The headline uses sensationalist phrasing implying a plot to prevent a 'flight,' while the body relies heavily on unverified claims from Nova.rs linking a security official to the controversial 'Cobras' unit, framing the event as a targeted political obstruction rather than a routine safety check.

Telegram.hr logoTelegram.hrIndependentConservative
The plane heading to Moscow suddenly turned around and returned to Belgrade, carrying the notorious pro-Vučić figure Vulin and two other individuals

An Air Serbia flight bound for Moscow was ordered to return to Belgrade after security authorities determined that Serbian politician Aleksandar Vulin had bypassed standard screening procedures. The aircraft took off from Nikola Tesla Airport but received the turnback order while over southern Lithuania. Reports indicate that Vulin, along with Dušan Bajatović and Nenad Popović, boarded by circumventing protocols with the assistance of another individual. Milan Kuč, the airport’s corporate security director, identified procedural failures via surveillance footage and issued the recall directive. Journalists attempted to contact Vulin for comment but did not receive a response, though the flight is scheduled to depart again later with a new crew.

Bias read (Conservative): The headline uses pejorative terms like 'notorious' and labels Vulin a 'Vučić loyalist,' while citing opposition figures who frame the incident as a scandalous escape rather than a routine security correction.

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentConservative
The plane bound for Moscow was returned to Belgrade. On board were Vulin, Bajatović, and Popović.

A passenger flight departing Belgrade for Moscow was ordered to return to the origin airport shortly after takeoff. Unofficial reports indicate that Serbian politicians Aleksandar Vulin, Dusan Bajatovic, and Nenad Popovic were among the passengers on board. The aircraft reached the airspace over southern Lithuania before receiving instructions to turn back, reportedly due to security concerns. Sources suggest the order originated from the director of corporate security at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. Earlier in the day, opposition politician Srdjan Milivojevic posted a cryptic message on social media questioning who was fleeing to Moscow on that specific flight.

Bias read (Conservative): The headline uses the word 'fled' (bježi), echoing the opposition politician's accusation rather than the neutral term 'returned', which frames the event as an illicit escape rather than a standard security procedure.

Dnevnik.hr logoDnevnik.hrIndependentCenter
A plane flying to Moscow was diverted back to Belgrade: It reportedly carried a former minister from President Vučić's administration, along with two other officials

A plane traveling from Belgrade to Moscow was ordered to return to Belgrade, reportedly for security reasons. According to unofficial information cited by Serbian media, three prominent Serbian officials were among the passengers. One of these individuals is alleged to be a former minister under President Aleksandar Vučić, along with two other high-ranking officials. The report notes that the specific identities of the officials have not been officially confirmed.

Bias read (Center): The article relies entirely on 'unofficial' and 'alleged' information from unnamed Serbian media, presenting the incident neutrally without attributing motive or assigning blame to any political faction.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentProgressive
Serbian media: A plane carrying three individuals close to President Vučić took off for Moscow, but unexpectedly turned around and returned to Belgrade

An Air Serbia flight bound for Moscow was forced to turn back to Belgrade after security authorities identified procedural irregularities regarding passenger Aleksandar Vulin, former head of Serbia's intelligence agency. According to reports from Nova.rs, Vulin allegedly bypassed standard security checks with assistance before boarding, prompting airport security director Milan Kuc to order the return once camera footage revealed the breach. The aircraft also carried Dusan Bajatic, director of Srbijagas, and Nenad Popovic, president of the Serbian People's Party, both described as having strong pro-Russian ties and facing international sanctions. Opposition politician Srđan Milivojevic publicly questioned the motives behind the trip shortly before scheduled elections, while Air Serbia stated the return complied with safety instructions received from aviation authorities. Vulin did not respond to contact attempts, and the airline indicated the flight would resume later with a new crew.

Bias read (Progressive): The article emphasizes allegations of security protocol violations by a high-ranking official, highlights opposition criticism, and notes the passengers' sanctioned status, framing the incident as a governance failure rather than a routine safety issue.

Index.hr logoIndex.hrIndependentCenter
The plane bound for Moscow was rerouted back to Belgrade. On board were a former minister from the Vučić government and two other individuals.

An Air Serbia flight departing from Belgrade for Moscow was forced to return after reaching southern Lithuania. The aircraft carried former Serbian Minister Aleksandar Vulin, who served under President Aleksandar Vučić, along with two other individuals. No further details regarding the reason for the turnback or the identities of the other passengers were provided in the text.

Bias read (Center): The text provides a brief, factual report of the event without using loaded language, offering opinion, or presenting multiple perspectives on the political implications.

Večernji list logoVečernji listIndependentConservative
Serbian media: Three high-ranking officials were heading to Moscow, but their plane was unexpectedly rerouted back to Belgrade

Serbian media reported that three high-ranking officials attempted to travel to Moscow but had their flight unexpectedly diverted back to Belgrade. Earlier in the day, Serbian Democratic Party president Srdjan Milivojevic posted on social media platform X asking who was fleeing to Moscow on an 18:30 flight. The article relies solely on this single social media post and references to unnamed Serbian media reports regarding the incident.

Bias read (Conservative): The headline uses the accusatory verb 'fleeing' (bježi) derived from a partisan politician's social media post, framing the officials' travel as an illicit escape rather than a diplomatic visit.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories