Aleksandar Vulin says plane turned back from Moscow was political score‑settling

Aleksandar Vulin told a live television audience at Belgrade airport that the decision to turn his Air Serbia flight back from its route to Moscow was “an attempt at political score‑settling” against him. He rejected claims that the return was caused by routine security checks and said the episode disrupted many passengers.

Vulin describes events on the tarmac

Speaking on TV Informer after being disembarked, Vulin insisted the episode was staged to demonstrate the new authorities' zeal at the airport. He called the official explanations “a lie” and said he felt sorry for fellow travellers whose plans were ruined.

He said there was nothing unlawful about his trip and that all procedures had been completed. Vulin also directed criticism toward the head of airport security, suggesting the incident was politically motivated rather than procedural.

Vulin said he was travelling on official business, not as a tourist: "I am not going to Moscow as a tourist, but on official duty. I am going there to fight for the extension of our gas arrangement. Not for me or for you, but for all citizens of Serbia," he told Informer.

Describing how he learned the aircraft had returned to Belgrade, Vulin said he had been asleep on board and woke to find passengers being told they were already in Belgrade. He said he saw police and special units on the apron and recalled asking officers, "Colleagues, didn’t you come for me?" to which, he said, they replied laughing, "No, minister."

Vulin said he deplaned with other passengers, went through security procedures again alongside them and then underwent a separate additional check by himself. He said he was waiting for permission to board again when he spoke to the television crew.

Photo: press material from the event