Croatia Airlines to Launch 5 New Routes from Zagreb in 2025
Croatia Airlines Expands Operations with New Routes from Zagreb Airport for Summer 2025
Croatia Airlines is set to enhance its footprint at Zagreb Airport (ZAG) with the launch of five new routes in the summer of 2025. This strategic expansion will reinstate direct, nonstop flights to popular European cities that were once part of its network before the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelers can look forward to convenient connections from Zagreb to Prague (PRG), Bucharest (OTP), Madrid (MAD), Milan Malpensa (MXP), and Hamburg (HAM).
New Routes and Flight Details
- Launch Dates: Flights to Milan and Prague will commence on June 2, 2025, with both routes operating three times a week.
- July Launches: Services to Hamburg, Bucharest, and Madrid will begin on July 1 and July 3, 2025, respectively, also operating three times weekly.
- Aircraft: All flights will be conducted using Croatia Airlines’ Airbus A220-300, featuring a capacity of 149 passengers in a single-class layout.
These new routes mark a significant return for Croatia Airlines, which previously served Milan, Prague, and Bucharest in 2019, with plans to resume in 2020 thwarted by the pandemic. The airline last operated flights to Hamburg in 2012, a route that has remained unserved since 2019.
Market Competition
As Croatia Airlines reintroduces these routes, it will face competition from other carriers. Iberia currently operates on the Madrid to Zagreb route, while Ryanair offers indirect competition on the Milan route, flying five times a week between Zagreb and Bergamo Airport (BGO) during peak travel seasons.
Although Croatia Airlines had intended to launch flights to Lisbon (LIS) in 2025, it could not secure the necessary airport slots.
Fleet Expansion Plans
This expansion aligns with Croatia Airlines’ strategy to modernize its fleet. The airline currently operates two Airbus A220 aircraft, with an additional 11 on order, plus two smaller A220-100s. Once all aircraft are delivered, the fleet will consist of 15 new A220 planes, enhancing the travel experience for passengers.
The upcoming deliveries include six A220 aircraft expected in 2025, with subsequent deliveries scheduled for 2026 and 2027. The new aircraft will be leased from Griffin Global Asset Management, Air Lease Corporation, and Azorra.
Rebranding and Visibility
In June 2024, Croatia Airlines unveiled a refreshed aircraft livery and company logo to coincide with the introduction of its new A220 fleet and to celebrate its 35th anniversary. The rebranding aims to bolster the airline’s visibility and reinforce its commitment to representing Croatia’s national identity.
Jasmin Bajić, President of the Management Board and CEO of Croatia Airlines, emphasized the importance of this rebranding for enhancing the airline’s recognition in the aviation industry.
Conclusion
With the reintroduction of key European routes and a modernized fleet, Croatia Airlines is poised for growth as it adapts to the evolving travel landscape. For more updates on Croatia Airlines and its expanding network, stay tuned to our travel news section.
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