Priority Freight coordinated two Boeing 747 charter flights to maintain automotive production after a complete Serbian border blockade brought road transport operations throughout the country to a standstill.

When a complete border blockade in Serbia prevented all road freight movements, an automotive manufacturer urgently required an alternative transport solution to maintain production continuity.

The shipment consisted of 99 tonnes of critical sequenced automotive components across 364 pieces, including stillages and standard automotive packaging. The cargo needed to move from Serbia to Sweden within a tightly controlled timeframe to avoid disruption to an active production line.

With no road vehicles able to enter or exit the country, air freight became the only viable option.

At the same time, the situation created significant operational pressure across Belgrade Airport, which was operating as one of only two available entry and exit points during the disruption. Increased demand for aircraft capacity, limited airport slots and reduced personnel availability added further complexity to the operation.

Drawing on its experience managing complex time-critical air freight movements, Priority Freight rapidly developed a fully coordinated emergency charter solution.

The operation involved arranging two Boeing 747 charter flights between Belgrade Airport and Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport, alongside multiple standard and mega trailers for collection and final delivery operations.

To maintain complete operational control throughout the movement, Priority Freight sent a team to operate on the ground, coordinating closely with air traffic control, cargo handlers, ground handlers, customs authorities and airport personnel across both countries.

Priority Freight’s operations team also:

  • Managed Serbian and Swedish civil aviation authority requirements, including permits and documentation
  • Deployed a Priority Freight representative to Belgrade Airport to supervise the operation directly
  • Pre-alerted customs and handling agents to minimise delays during loading and clearance
  • Arranged overtime support and additional personnel to maintain loading schedules and extend bonded warehouse operating hours in Gothenburg
  • Provided continuous shipment monitoring and regular first-hand updates throughout the movement

The operation was completed within the required timeframe, ensuring the customer’s production line continued without interruption despite the border blockade.

By combining specialist air freight expertise, operational coordination and 24/7, 365 control, Priority Freight ensured supply chain certainty at a time when conventional transport networks were no longer available.

Without immediate intervention, the disruption risked causing significant production delays and associated operational costs. Instead, the client successfully maintained production continuity throughout the blockade period.