Zagreb, Croatia – In a major move to enhance its aviation sector and tourism infrastructure, Croatia is preparing to launch a new Public Service Obligation (PSO) tender designed to attract international airlines to operate key domestic and regional air routes. This strategic initiative aims to expand Croatia’s air connectivity, support regional development, and stimulate tourism-driven economic growth.
With strong interest already shown by foreign carriers, the upcoming tender presents a golden opportunity to strengthen Croatia’s role as a leading European travel destination, while ensuring that underserved routes between the mainland and island communities receive reliable, year-round air services.
Aiming for Seamless Regional Air Connectivity
The core objective of Croatia’s new PSO program is to secure airline operators for essential public routes, particularly those linking major cities with island destinations and regional airports. These routes are considered vital for mobility, economic cohesion, and social accessibility, especially in areas where air travel is the most efficient or only viable means of transportation.
The government is working in collaboration with local municipalities, tourism boards, and aviation regulators to identify priority routes that can benefit from enhanced service through this initiative. Improved domestic flight options will ensure better access to remote regions, support population retention, and help distribute tourism benefits more evenly across the country.
Fueling Tourism Growth Through Aviation
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Croatia’s economy, contributing over 20% to national GDP in recent years. The PSO tender plays a key role in expanding tourism by connecting international and regional hubs, enabling smoother and quicker travel to coastal towns and island resorts.
“Expanding air access is critical to unlocking Croatia’s full tourism potential,” stated a senior official from Croatia’s Ministry of Tourism and Sport. “By partnering with global carriers, we aim to deliver seamless travel experiences while stimulating local economies.”
Increased air traffic will benefit hotels, local tour operators, restaurants, and retailers, particularly in lesser-known destinations that stand to gain from improved accessibility.
Strategic Focus on Foreign Airline Partnerships
Croatia’s PSO framework is deliberately structured to encourage participation from foreign airlines, whose global networks, technical capacity, and competitive services can transform regional air transport. The goal is to leverage the strengths of international carriers to introduce more reliable, frequent, and efficient flights on routes that currently face under-servicing or seasonal gaps.
With global airlines showing growing interest in Croatia’s tourism market, the tender represents a timely opportunity to build long-term partnerships that elevate Croatia’s international profile.
Infrastructure Upgrades to Support Growth
To accommodate rising traffic from the expected PSO expansion, Croatia continues to invest in aviation infrastructure. Recent and ongoing upgrades include:
- Terminal expansions in Split and Dubrovnik
- Runway enhancements at Brač, Rijeka, and Osijek airports
- Modernization of passenger facilities across regional airports
These upgrades are designed to meet international aviation standards, reduce congestion, and improve overall passenger experiences. The infrastructure improvements also serve as a strong incentive for airlines considering entry into Croatia’s aviation market.
A Commitment to Sustainable Aviation
In line with Croatia’s national climate strategy and EU environmental goals, the PSO tender places an emphasis on sustainable aviation practices. Participating airlines will be encouraged to:
- Operate fuel-efficient aircraft
- Adopt low-emission flight procedures
- Implement green ground operations
- Participate in carbon offsetting initiatives
Croatia’s focus on sustainability resonates with eco-conscious travelers, further enhancing its reputation as a destination that prioritizes both tourism and environmental responsibility.
A Long-Term Vision for Economic Resilience
This PSO initiative reflects a forward-looking national strategy that integrates aviation development into broader goals for economic resilience, connectivity, and inclusive tourism. Long-term plans include:
- Further diversification of tourism offerings
- Seasonal route extensions to improve year-round travel
- Digital transformation of airport and airline services
- Coordinated promotional campaigns with travel partners
The Croatian government is also exploring multi-modal transport solutions, aiming to create seamless transitions between air, sea, and rail travel, particularly in coastal regions and island chains.
Collaborative Framework with Stakeholders
To ensure the successful rollout of the new PSO routes, Croatian authorities are engaging a broad coalition of stakeholders, including:
- Civil Aviation Authority
- Croatian National Tourist Board
- Local and regional governments
- International airline representatives
This collaborative model fosters transparency, supports shared goals, and ensures that the PSO routes serve the interests of residents, travelers, and industry partners alike.
Conclusion: A Transformational Step for Croatia’s Aviation and Tourism Future
Croatia’s preparation of a new PSO tender represents a major milestone in its aviation development strategy, blending connectivity expansion with tourism growth and sustainability goals. By welcoming foreign airline participation, the country strengthens its regional and global ties while delivering improved air services to its citizens and visitors.
The result will be stronger regional cohesion, enhanced international access, and broader economic opportunities across Croatia’s cities, coastlines, and islands. As global travel continues its recovery, Croatia’s proactive approach ensures it remains not only competitive—but a model of sustainable and strategic tourism development in Europe.
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