Wednesday, July 2, 2025
This summer, Croatia Airlines is significantly enhancing its international flight network, launching five new seasonal routes from the Croatian capital, Zagreb. The newly introduced destinations include Hamburg, Bucharest, Milan, Madrid, and Prague. These new connections not only strengthen Zagreb’s global connectivity but also serve as a catalyst for the growth of Croatia’s tourism industry. The airline’s strategic expansion marks a significant step forward in bolstering the country’s position in European air travel.
To celebrate this development, Zagreb Airport hosted a special welcome for passengers arriving on the inaugural flight from Hamburg. The flight was operated by Croatia Airlines’ newly added Airbus A220-300, highlighting the airline’s commitment to modernization. This event was attended by diplomatic representatives from Germany, Romania, Italy, Spain, and the Czech Republic, marking the expansion of Croatia Airlines’ route network to their respective countries.
Enhanced Flight Schedules to Improve Passenger Flexibility
The new seasonal routes are designed to offer increased convenience for travelers. Flights from Zagreb to Hamburg will be available three times per week: Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Bucharest flights have already commenced, with regular services on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. From 2 July, travelers will be able to fly to Milan three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The Madrid service will start on 3 July, operating on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while flights to Prague will begin on 4 July, with schedules for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. These seasonal services will remain active until October 2025.
Boosting Croatia’s Tourism and Strengthening International Ties
The introduction of these new routes represents a significant boost for both Zagreb Airport and Croatia’s tourism sector. With direct flights to important European hubs, Croatia Airlines is poised to attract more international visitors to the country, especially to Zagreb, which continues to be a top destination for business and leisure travelers alike. The timing of these services, coinciding with the summer peak season, will help Croatia meet the rising demand for travel to and from the region.
These new routes will further elevate Croatia’s status as a premier European tourist destination, particularly from high-demand markets such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Czech Republic, all of which are key contributors to the country’s tourism sector. With its stunning coastline, rich historical sites, and vibrant cultural scene, Croatia is becoming an increasingly attractive destination. The addition of these direct flights will enhance its accessibility to international travelers, providing easier access to one of Europe’s most sought-after travel spots.
During the 2025 summer season, Croatia Airlines will operate flights to 23 international destinations from Zagreb, including Amsterdam, Athens (via Dubrovnik), Barcelona, Vienna, Berlin, Brussels, London (Heathrow), Paris, Rome (via Split/Dubrovnik), and Zurich. This expansion is part of Croatia Airlines’ broader strategy to diversify its routes and offer travelers more options for both visiting Croatia and connecting to other European destinations.
Expanded Capacity and Fleet Modernization
As part of the overall expansion, Croatia Airlines is increasing both its flight frequencies and available seating capacity. For the 2025 summer season, the airline will operate over 18,200 flights, a 7% increase from the previous year. With more than 2.26 million seats on offer, the airline is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for air travel, especially during the busy summer months.
Beyond expanding its route network, Croatia Airlines is also undergoing a significant fleet upgrade — the largest in the airline’s history. In 2024, the carrier introduced its first two Airbus A220 aircraft, marking the start of a major modernization effort. These new planes offer quieter cabins, larger windows, and more comfortable seating for passengers. This year, the airline added three more Airbus A220s to its fleet, bringing the total number to five. By 2027, Croatia Airlines plans to replace its entire fleet with 15 state-of-the-art Airbus A220 aircraft, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability in a highly competitive aviation market.
A Promising Future for Croatia Airlines
The growth in Croatia Airlines’ route offerings is a clear sign of the airline’s commitment to progress and innovation. The new direct routes, coupled with an expanded flight schedule and an upgraded fleet, position the airline to enhance its role in the European aviation market. The introduction of the Airbus A220 is central to this vision, delivering superior travel experiences for passengers and contributing to the airline’s environmental goals through improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
This expansion will also play a vital role in Croatia’s economic growth, especially in the tourism sector. With better connectivity between Zagreb and major international cities, the airline is making it easier for visitors to explore Croatia’s unique attractions and is facilitating enhanced business and cultural exchanges across Europe. As Croatia Airlines continues to grow its operations and invest in modern aircraft, the airline is poised for continued success, ensuring that Croatia remains a major destination for global travelers for years to come.
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