Author: Lisbeth Juliao

Brač Airport, officially known as Zračna luka Brač, serves as an essential transportation hub on the picturesque Croatian island of Brač, near the charming town of Bol. While the airport is sometimes informally referred to as Bol Airport due to its proximity, it plays a crucial role in the region by facilitating commercial passenger flights, primarily charter services from various European destinations, especially during the bustling summer season.

Sitting at an elevation of 543 meters above sea level in Veško field, Brač Airport offers breathtaking views and a unique geographical setting. Its location, about 14 kilometers from the world-famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach and 30 kilometers from the island’s largest town, Supetar, makes it a convenient gateway for tourists exploring the island. However, the airport’s elevated position and its proximity to the island’s highest peak, Vidova gora, can sometimes result in challenging weather conditions, including fog, low stratus clouds, poor visibility, and occasional snowfall during the winter months. The prevailing winds in the area are bora (northeast) and jugo (southeast), along with occasional light winds like maestral (west) and burin (northeast).

Brač Airport, which opened on May 22, 1993, holds the distinction of being Croatia’s youngest airport. In 2007, a modern terminal building was inaugurated, providing passengers with essential amenities. A significant milestone in its development occurred between November 2016 and March 2017 when the runway was extended from 1,440 to 1,760 meters towards the southwest. This extension allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, including Airbus A319, Bombardier C-Series, and Embraer 195. The project, valued at 666,000 euros, significantly enhanced the airport’s capabilities. Future plans include a second phase of runway extension, stretching from 1,760 to 2,350 meters towards the northeast. This expansion will enable Brač Airport to handle even more substantial aircraft like Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-800, further solidifying its role as a vital transportation hub in the region.

Lošinj Airport is a unique aviation facility situated on the enchanting island of Lošinj in Croatia. This privately owned public airport is located approximately 3.2 nautical miles (5.9 kilometers) from the town of Mali Lošinj, and it serves as a vital transportation link for the island. The airport boasts the capability to accommodate both domestic and international flights, making it a valuable asset for residents and tourists alike.

The airport’s infrastructure includes a runway that spans 900 meters in length and 30 meters in width, constructed with high-quality asphalt. It meets international standards with 1C signalization in accordance with ICAO regulations. Additionally, Lošinj Airport provides a non-precision instrument approach utilizing a navigational aid (NDB) positioned near the city. The runway and taxiways are well-paved, ensuring safe and smooth operations. Unique to its design, two taxiways are strategically placed at 45-degree angles from the runway, enhancing maneuverability for aircraft.

Since its inception in 1985, Lošinj Airport has primarily catered to small aircraft and general aviation purposes. It was originally established during the era when Croatia was part of Yugoslavia, with a specific focus on supporting air sports activities. Today, it continues to play a crucial role in facilitating transportation to and from this picturesque island, offering travelers a scenic and convenient way to access the captivating beauty of Lošinj.

Pula Airport, also known as Zračna luka Pula in Croatian, is the principal international airport serving the picturesque city of Pula in Croatia. Conveniently located just 6 kilometers from the city center, this airport is a vital transportation hub for the region. In 2019, it efficiently catered to the needs of 777,568 passengers, reaffirming its significance as a gateway to Pula and the surrounding areas.

The airport also plays a crucial role as an alternative airport for certain parts of Slovenia and several cities in eastern Italy. Its accessibility and strategic position make it a preferred choice for travelers heading to destinations in Istria, including the renowned Brijuni National Park. Pula Airport’s rich history dates back to its initial military use, but it transitioned to a civilian airport on May 1, 1967. Notably, the airport underwent significant development, including the construction of a new terminal building in 1989, capable of accommodating up to 1 million passengers annually. However, the Croatian War of Independence led to a decline in passenger numbers during the early ’90s.

Despite challenges in its history, Pula Airport has seen consistent growth in passenger volume over the past three decades. The airport’s operations have a distinct seasonal character, primarily serving holidaymakers traveling to and from the region. The single-terminal facility offers various amenities, including café and snack bars, a duty-free shop, and, although it lacks jet bridges, it efficiently transfers passengers between the terminal building and aircraft, either by walking or shuttle bus. Moreover, Pula Airport’s favorable weather conditions throughout the year, coupled with lower flight volumes during the winter months, make it a preferred location for European carriers to conduct training flights.

Osijek Airport, known as Klisa, is the international gateway to the city of Osijek in Croatia. Positioned approximately 20 kilometers east-southeast of Osijek, this airport is conveniently located near the D2 state road and is situated southwest of the village of Klisa. With its strategic placement and modern facilities, Osijek Airport serves as a vital transportation hub for the region.

The airport boasts a well-designed terminal building spanning 1,300 square meters, capable of efficiently handling passenger flow ranging from 200 to 400 passengers per hour. This equates to approximately 100,000 to 150,000 passengers annually. The passenger terminal is equipped to manage both domestic and international flights and offers essential services such as passport and customs controls, passenger and baggage check-in, currency exchange, information desks, a café-bar, restaurant, as well as car rental, taxi, and parking services. These amenities make it a comfortable and convenient gateway for travelers.

Notably, Osijek Airport has a significant focus on cargo traffic due to Croatia’s advantageous geographic location. The airport’s apron can accommodate large freighter aircraft, including the B747 and A330. This cargo-centric approach aligns with Croatia’s efforts to enhance its position in the European transport network, encompassing road, rail, waterway, and air transport. Osijek Airport plays a pivotal role in facilitating economic development and connectivity within the Central European region, making it a key asset for various industries and transportation sectors. Additionally, there is a secondary airfield called Čepin, located southwest of the city center, primarily used for sports, private flying, exhibitions, and special events, further enhancing the region’s aviation capabilities and versatility.

Rijeka Airport, also known as Zračna luka Rijeka in Croatian and Aeroporto di Fiume in Italian, is the international gateway to the charming city of Rijeka in Croatia. Located near the town of Omišalj on the island of Krk, this airport is situated just 17 kilometers from the Rijeka railway station, making it an accessible transportation hub for travelers to the region. Most of the airport’s traffic occurs during the summer months when it serves as a focal point for several European low-cost airlines, connecting tourists to the picturesque northern parts of the Croatian coast.

Rijeka Airport boasts a history dating back to its opening in May 1970, with the honor of the inaugural departure going to none other than Josip Broz Tito and his wife. Before World War II, Rijeka was divided between Yugoslavia and Italy, each served by its respective airfield. Yugoslav part relied on the Sušak airfield, while the Italian sector enjoyed regular flights from Italian airline Ala Littoria. To accommodate larger planes, the decision was made to establish the airport on the island of Krk due to its favorable location compared to other potential sites.

Facilities at Rijeka Airport include a single terminal building, which has undergone minor upgrades since its inception. The terminal features seven gates, one for domestic and six for international flights. Jet bridges are not available, and passengers walk directly from the terminal to the aircraft. The arrivals hall contains a single baggage belt, while the upper floor houses a small duty-free shop in the international area, offering locally produced merchandise and a café bar. The airport’s single runway measures 2500 meters in length and 45 meters in width. Due to the absence of taxiways, aircraft must turn at the runway’s end and taxi along the same strip back to the terminal.

Split Airport, also known as Zračna luka Split or Resnik Airport, serves the picturesque Croatian city of Split and is situated 19 kilometers from the city center. Located on the west side of Kaštela Bay, the airport extends into the neighboring town of Trogir. In 2021, it claimed the title of the busiest airport in Croatia, handling 1.57 million passengers, surpassing the capital’s Zagreb Airport for the first time. Split Airport is a hub for leisure flights during the European summer holiday season and a vital seasonal base for Croatia Airlines, offering connections to European cities like Athens, Frankfurt, London, and Paris.

The airport’s history traces back to the 1930s when the first grass airfield was established in Sinj, serving commercial routes from Zagreb to Belgrade via Rijeka, Split, and Sarajevo. The airport shifted to its current location in Resnik in the 1960s, with architect Darko Stipevski designing the new complex. Over the years, expansion and development have been continuous. Notably, architect Branko Gruica designed a larger terminal building in 1979 for the 8th Mediterranean Games. However, the breakout of the Yugoslav Wars in the early ’90s brought passenger numbers to a near standstill.

Recovery began in the mid-’90s, and passenger figures surpassed pre-war records in 2008. Significant renovations, including a facelift in 2005 and a new apron in 2011, contributed to the airport’s growth. In 2019, a major expansion project was completed, tripling the floor space of the terminal building and increasing capacity to 5 million passengers annually. Despite the expansion, Split Airport opted not to include jet bridges, citing limited apron space and the prevalence of low-cost carriers as justifications for this decision. Today, Split Airport thrives during the summer months, particularly in June, July, and August, as it welcomes tourists to Croatia’s scenic coastal region.

Zadar Airport, officially known as Zračna luka Zadar, is a vital international gateway serving the beautiful Croatian city of Zadar. Situated just 8 kilometers from the city center in Zemunik Donji, the airport has a rich history dating back to 1936 when Ala Littoria provided the city with regular commercial flights, even during its time as part of the Italian Province of Zara. Today, Zadar Airport stands as Croatia’s fourth-largest international airport, handling over 800,000 passengers annually.

An interesting historical feature of Zadar Airport was its taxiway that crossed a public road. However, this arrangement was closed in 2010 as part of negotiations with the European Union during Croatia’s accession talks. In 2020, the airport underwent significant development, including the construction of an underpass that allowed the road to be reopened.

In recent years, Zadar Airport has become a strategic hub for airlines like Ryanair and Lauda, with the latter stationing multiple aircraft during the summer season and offering numerous new routes. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Zadar Airport continues to grow and remains an essential gateway for travelers visiting the stunning Adriatic coast of Croatia. Additionally, it serves as a Croatian Air Force main training base and was once a base for Lufthansa’s InterCockpit flight school, highlighting its multifaceted role in both civilian and military aviation.

Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport, known as Zagreb Airport, is Croatia’s largest and busiest international airport. Situated about 10 kilometers southeast of Zagreb Central Station in Velika Gorica, it serves as a major hub for Croatia Airlines and is also a focus city for Trade Air. The airport is named after Franjo Tuđman, the first President of Croatia, and it plays a pivotal role in the country’s air travel infrastructure. In 2022, Zagreb Airport handled approximately 3.12 million passengers, along with significant cargo traffic.

The history of aviation in Zagreb dates back to 1909 when the city’s first airfield was established in the neighborhood of Črnomerec. Over time, the airport underwent several relocations and expansions, serving as a key transport hub. During the Croatian War of Independence in 1991, the airport played a vital role, including facilitating humanitarian aid to the region.

In recent years, the airport has seen substantial development, including the construction of a new terminal designed by Neidhardt architects and built by Bouygues Bâtiment International in partnership with Viadukt. This modern terminal, inaugurated in March 2017, spans over 65,800 square meters and features state-of-the-art facilities, including baggage carousels, air bridges, security checkpoints, and more. The ongoing expansion plans aim to increase the terminal’s capacity to 8 million passengers through gradual expansion in four Phase 2 expansions, ensuring Zagreb Airport’s continued growth and importance as a gateway to Croatia and the region.