Owais Crawford
Croatia has nine airports, with the biggest one being Zagreb Airport, serving the country's capital. The other six airports are in the biggest towns (Split, Zadar, Osijek, Rijeka, Pula, Dubrovnik) and two are on the islands of Brač and Mali Lošinj. There are very few direct intercontinental flights to Croatia, so if you are travelling from Asia or North America, you will likely have to get a connecting flight in another European city. For example, travellers have mentioned flying into Rome or Amsterdam before reaching their destination in Croatia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports | 9 |
| Biggest airport | Zagreb airport "Franjo Tuđman" |
| Airports in biggest towns | Split, Zadar, Osijek, Rijeka, Pula, Dubrovnik |
| Airports on islands | Brač, Mali Lošinj |
| Croatian domestic airline | Croatia Airlines |
| International airlines flying to and from Croatia | Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines, Air France, etc. |
| Main airport serving the capital | Zagreb (IATA: ZAG) |
| Airports with highest number of international flights | Zagreb, Split |
| Airlines operating to Rijeka Airport | Eurowings, Ryanair |
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What You'll Learn
Zagreb Airport: the largest airport in Croatia
Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (IATA: ZAG, ICAO: LDZA) is the largest and busiest airport in Croatia. Located 10 km southeast of Zagreb Central Station in Velika Gorica, the airport is named after Franjo Tuđman, the first President of Croatia.
Zagreb Airport is the hub of the Croatian flag carrier, Croatia Airlines, and a focus city for Trade Air. The airport also houses the main base of the Croatian Air Force, as well as the administration of the Croatian Air Traffic Control. In 2024, the airport handled about 4.31 million passengers and 13,025 tons of cargo.
The history of Zagreb civil aviation dates back to 1909 when the first airfield was constructed near the western city neighbourhood of Črnomerec. The airport was relocated to the Borongaj airfield in 1928, which served an increasing number of passengers. Following World War II, commercial services were shifted to a former military airbase near Lučko in 1947, with JAT Yugoslav Airlines assuming operations. The current location of the airport at Pleso, southeast of Lučko, was inaugurated in 1962, featuring an 8,200-foot runway and an 11,000-square-foot terminal.
In 2012, the ZAIC consortium, comprising various companies, secured a 30-year concession from the Croatian government to manage the airport. This included financing, designing, and constructing a new passenger terminal, which opened in March 2017. The new terminal spans 708,000 square feet across three levels, boasting four baggage carousels, eight air bridges, 9 security checkpoints, 45 check-in desks, 23 passport control booths, and parking for 1,250 vehicles.
The airport offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, including well-known brands and local options. It also features duty-free shopping, showcasing Croatian tradition and culture, along with fashion accessories from luxury brands. Additionally, airport shuttle services are available between Zagreb Airport and the Zagreb Central Bus Station, providing convenient transportation for travellers.
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Dubrovnik: a popular but expensive option
Dubrovnik is a popular choice for those travelling to Croatia. The city's airport, officially named Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport, is the third-busiest airport in Croatia. It is located in Čilipi, about 20 kilometres south of Dubrovnik's old town and 6 kilometres from Cavtat. It is often referred to as Čilipi Airport.
Dubrovnik Airport has the capacity to handle two million passengers per year. It consists of three terminal areas, A, B and C. Terminal C, which opened in 2017, features check-in and commercial space stretching over 1,000 square metres, eight security lanes, a departure lounge with commercial and catering facilities, a premium lounge and restaurants. The airport also offers a duty-free zone, a coffee shop, and a wide range of local wines in its stores. Other amenities include a currency exchange office, a bank branch and a baggage packing point.
There are several ways to travel to and from Dubrovnik Airport and the city of Dubrovnik, including private and group transfers, rental cars, airport and local buses, and taxis. The bus leaves the airport 30 minutes after every flight and arrives in Dubrovnik at the main bus station in Gruž. From here, some buses cover most of the city. Local buses from Dubrovnik to nearby cities also stop on the road that passes by the airport. Taxis to and from the airport cost approximately 30 to 40 euros one way.
Dubrovnik Airport serves a variety of airlines, including Air France, British Airways, Croatia Airlines, EasyJet, Lufthansa, Ryanair, and Turkish Airlines. The airport offers both domestic and international flights.
While Dubrovnik is a convenient option for travellers, it can also be an expensive one. The airport can get very busy, especially during June and August, which are the peak months of the Croatian tourist season. It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight to account for potential delays.
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Split: one of the biggest airports
Split Airport, officially known as Split Saint Jerome Airport or Sveti Jeronim, is one of the biggest airports in Croatia. Located approximately 24 kilometres from the city centre of Split, it is a crucial gateway for travellers heading to the country. The airport serves as a key hub for both domestic and international flights, connecting travellers to various destinations across Europe and beyond. It is easily reachable by shuttles, taxis, or private cars, and its strategic location allows easy access to attractions in Split, Trogir, and even further destinations such as Zadar and Zagreb.
Split Airport is renowned for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape, setting the stage for an unforgettable travel experience. The airport also plays a significant role in the local economy, providing jobs and facilitating tourism, which is a major contributor to Croatian GDP. An expansion project completed in 2019 added more than three times the floor space of the original terminal building, increasing the capacity to 5 million passengers per year. The original terminal has been refurbished and is still used for some international departures, while check-in, all domestic departures, and arrivals (including baggage claim) are located in the new areas.
The airport's terminal is equipped to handle a large volume of air traffic, ensuring efficient boarding and disembarking processes. It features a modern design with essential amenities, making it a comfortable starting point for travellers. Split Airport hosts a variety of airlines, catering to both domestic and international travellers, with major carriers including Croatia Airlines, British Airways, Air France, KLM, EasyJet, and Ryanair. Popular routes include flights to major European cities such as Rome, London, Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin.
Split Airport is also known for its unique architecture, with an award-winning entrance structure consisting of steel/fabric "trees" illuminated by multi-colour LEDs. The airport complex was designed by architect Darko Stipevski and opened in 1966, with subsequent renovations and expansions led by architects Branko Gruica, Ivan Vulić, Ivan Radeljak, and Mate Žaja. The airport is named after Saint Jerome, the patron saint of Split-Dalmatia County, and its rich history includes the operation of a Divulje seaplane station and a Sinj airfield before the current location in Resnik.
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Zadar: a coastal airport
Zadar Airport (ZAD) is located in the village of Zemunik Donji, about 8 kilometres (5 miles) from the centre of Zadar in northern Dalmatia. It is one of the six airports in Croatia's biggest towns, and the fourth busiest airport in the country, handling around 1.6 million passengers in 2024.
Zadar Airport is unique in that it is also an air base for the Croatian Air Force and used to be a base for Lufthansa's InterCockpit flight school. It is a relatively small airport with two parallel runways and an under-construction departure terminal building. The airport offers various amenities, including restaurants, cafes, snack bars, a duty-free store, a currency exchange office, and free WiFi for passengers.
Getting to and from the airport is straightforward. Special buses connect the airport and the city centre, with schedules synchronised with arrival and departure times. The bus stop is conveniently located in front of the main exit. Additionally, the A1 highway provides an extremely fast transfer to and from the airport.
Zadar Airport offers flights to over 70 destinations, including other seaside resorts in Croatia, such as Trogir and Split. It is served by various international airlines, including Ryanair, which has a stationed Boeing 737-800 at the airport.
When planning a trip to Zadar, it is worth considering the option of an open-jaw ticket, where you fly into one destination and out from another. For example, you could fly into Zadar and explore northern Dalmatia, then fly out of another airport, such as Split or Dubrovnik, after visiting other parts of Croatia.
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Pula: a small airport with great deals
Pula Airport is a great option for travellers looking for a smaller airport in Croatia. Located just 6 kilometres from the city centre, it is the international airport serving the city of Pula in northwestern Croatia. Pula is one of the six airports located in Croatia's biggest towns, including Split, Zadar, Osijek, Rijeka, and Dubrovnik. The biggest airport in Croatia is the Zagreb airport "Franjo Tuđman".
Pula Airport offers a convenient and intimate travel experience with a single terminal building. The terminal has a capacity of 1 million passengers per year and serves both domestic and international flights. Inside, passengers can find café/snack bars and a duty-free shop offering premium world brands, Istrian products, and souvenirs. The airport also has a dedicated bus line connecting it to the centre of Pula, with a schedule that is adjusted monthly to meet flight arrival and departure times.
One of the advantages of Pula Airport is its favourable location, which provides fairly good weather conditions throughout the year. As a result, the airport is frequently used by European carriers for training flights. The airport also experiences a significant seasonal variation in flight numbers, as most passengers flying to or from Pula are holidaymakers. This makes it a great option for travellers seeking deals, as airlines often offer competitive prices for flights with lower demand during the winter months.
In addition to its practical advantages, Pula Airport has a unique history. The airport at its current location was initially used for military purposes but transitioned to civilian use in 1967. Despite a sharp decline in passenger numbers during the Croatian War of Independence, Pula Airport has demonstrated a steady increase in passenger volume over the following decades, surpassing previous records.
For travellers considering Pula Airport, it is worth noting that there are no direct flights between the US and Croatia. Therefore, travellers originating from the US will need to fly into another city in Europe, such as Rome or Amsterdam, before connecting to Pula or other Croatian destinations. Open-jaw tickets, which allow travellers to fly into one city and out from another, can also be a practical and flexible option for visiting Croatia.
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Frequently asked questions
Zagreb Airport (IATA: ZAG) is the biggest airport in Croatia and serves its capital, Zagreb. It receives the highest number of international flights to the country and is the main hub of the national flag carrier, Croatia Airlines. Other international airports in Croatia are located in Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Rijeka, Pula, Brač, and Mali Lošinj.
There are very few direct intercontinental flights to Croatia. If you are travelling from North America, you will likely have to get a connecting flight in another European city.
Some travellers recommend flying into Europe and then taking a regional carrier to Croatia, as this can save you money. You can search for flights on websites like kayak.com, skyscanner.net, jetcost.com, or momondo.com. Keep in mind that smaller airports like Rijeka and Pula may offer great deals, but there are fewer flights to choose from.
