Croatia Airlines is entering a transformative phase in its network strategy by expanding year-round operations and modernizing its fleet to position itself as a key player in European regional aviation. As part of its 2025–2026 winter schedule overhaul, the Croatian national flag carrier has announced the extension of its popular seasonal routes from Zagreb to Berlin and Barcelona into year-round services, starting from October 26, 2025.
This marks a significant shift from the airline’s previous seasonal dependency and is set to enhance year-round travel options between Croatia, Germany, and Spain—three major European tourism and business hubs. Both routes will operate three times weekly, reinforcing connectivity in both directions and providing greater flexibility for leisure and corporate travelers.
Strengthening Strategic European Links
Berlin and Barcelona have long been key destinations within the Croatia Airlines seasonal portfolio. Their elevation to permanent routes aligns with broader European efforts to improve regional mobility throughout all seasons. By removing summer-only restrictions, Croatia Airlines is responding to the increasing demand for consistent travel options driven by remote work, diaspora mobility, and cultural tourism.
In particular, Germany remains one of Croatia’s top source markets for inbound tourism, while Spain has seen growing two-way travel interest. The year-round availability of these flights will support Croatia’s ambition to diversify its tourism economy beyond peak summer months and expand its influence as a centrally located European transit hub.
Expanded Winter Services to Stockholm and Istanbul
The network expansion doesn’t stop with Germany and Spain. Croatia Airlines will continue operating Zagreb–Stockholm flights through the winter, with three weekly frequencies running through January 9, 2026. Similarly, the Split–Istanbul route, which has experienced strong seasonal demand, will be extended through November 30, then paused briefly before resuming during the festive season and permanently restarting on March 5, 2026.
These enhancements reflect the airline’s strategy to ensure winter continuity for diaspora travelers, holidaymakers, and business passengers, while also aligning with shifting traveler preferences and growing winter tourism in destinations like Istanbul and Stockholm.
Adjustments in Domestic and International Operations
While international operations are being ramped up, domestic adjustments are also being made to optimize efficiency. The Zagreb–Dubrovnik route, one of Croatia Airlines’ most heavily trafficked domestic routes, will temporarily decrease from 22 to 20 weekly flights during the winter. The move ensures the airline can strategically reallocate aircraft to higher-demand international destinations without compromising core domestic services.
On the downside, Dubrovnik–Frankfurt flights will face a temporary suspension between January 11 and March 8, 2026. However, the route will still be served year-round by Discover Airlines, a subsidiary of Lufthansa and fellow Star Alliance member, maintaining a vital connection to Germany’s financial center.
Fleet Modernization with Airbus A220 Aircraft
Central to Croatia Airlines’ expansion plan is its ambitious fleet renewal program. The airline recently welcomed its fifth Airbus A220, named after the city of Osijek. This delivery follows the recent arrival of another A220, named Rijeka, as part of a €500 million modernization plan that will continue through 2027.
These fuel-efficient aircraft, offering 149 seats, represent a major leap in sustainability, noise reduction, and passenger comfort. With a total of 15 new A220s planned—13 A220-300s and two A220-100s—the airline is working toward full fleet standardization. These aircraft will play a key role in expanding both seasonal and permanent routes, reducing fuel consumption and emissions in line with EU climate targets.
New Seasonal Routes Launching from Zagreb
As early as next week, Croatia Airlines will begin operating new seasonal flights from Zagreb to several major European cities, including Hamburg, Milan, Madrid, Bucharest, and Prague. These routes aim to enhance transit connectivity between Southeastern and Western Europe and support both business travel and multi-destination leisure trips.
By serving a diverse range of urban centers, Croatia Airlines is enhancing Zagreb’s position as a regional aviation hub and strengthening Croatia’s tourism and transport infrastructure on the continental map.
A Sustainable Future for Croatian Aviation
Croatia Airlines’ latest network update is part of a long-term strategy focused on reducing its dependence on summer traffic, improving year-round travel reliability, and expanding its influence within the European airline ecosystem. The focus on fleet modernization and efficient route planning demonstrates a measured and forward-thinking approach to growth.
Supported by the Croatian government and aligned with the goals of the Croatian National Tourism Strategy 2030, the airline’s evolution is designed to facilitate more stable inbound and outbound tourism while boosting Croatia’s competitiveness in Europe’s aviation and travel industries.
As Croatia Airlines continues to align itself with sustainable and resilient air travel practices, passengers can look forward to more reliable connections, modern aircraft, and broader access to key European destinations throughout the year.
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