Croatia Airlines expands international flight network from Split 

Split

Croatia Airlines is expanding its network of regular international flights from Split to European destinations for the third consecutive year in this summer’s flight schedule, the airline has announced in a statement.

A new addition is the direct flights from Split to Istanbul, operating three times a week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays – from May 7th to mid-October 2024, enhancing the air connectivity between Split and international destinations. Passengers on this route can avail return airfares starting from as low as 179 euros.

Furthermore, seasonal flights from Split to Oslo and Split to Skopje, introduced last year, are scheduled again, along with seasonal flights to Amsterdam, Bucharest, Dublin, Milan, and Stockholm introduced in 2022.

This means that Croatia Airlines aircraft will connect Split Airport with 21 international destinations, or 22 airports (Amsterdam, Athens, Vienna, Berlin, Bucharest, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Copenhagen, London Gatwick and London Heathrow, Lyon, Milan, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Prague, Rome, Skopje, Stockholm, and Zurich) during this season.

“We are pleased to offer passengers from the Split-Dalmatia County an even better selection of international travel options this tourist season, following a winter period where we directly connected Split to six international destinations (Frankfurt, Munich, Rome, Zurich, London, Copenhagen). Expanding flight networks is one of Croatia Airlines’ strategic objectives, tailored to current market demands and the recovery of global air travel. I believe our new Istanbul route, along with the entire network of flights from Split to European destinations, will contribute to attracting even more tourists to this part of Croatia, continuing our strong support for the development of Croatian transportation infrastructure and tourism potential,” said Slaven Žabo, Director of Commercial Affairs at Croatia Airlines.

Split Airport Ltd. collaborates annually with around fifty airlines. Among them is the national carrier, Croatia Airlines, our most significant business partner, offering the widest network of direct routes, the highest number of flights, and ensuring what is particularly crucial – year-round connectivity of our region with the world. Croatia Airlines aircraft will connect Split Airport Ltd. with 21 international destinations, or 22 airports, significantly contributing to the further growth and development of tourism in the Central Dalmatia region,” said Pero Bilas, Deputy Director of Split Airport.

“I am extremely pleased to announce another season’s start with new and enhanced air routes connecting our county with key destinations and emitting markets. Good air connectivity is one of the fundamental prerequisites for the balanced development of tourism, especially in the pre-seasonal and post-seasonal periods. Guests with direct flights are more likely to choose a destination, allowing them to explore the beauties of our county even beyond the peak tourist season. The collaboration with our strategic partners, Croatia Airlines and Split Airport, is undoubtedly essential in positioning the Split-Dalmatia County as a safe and attractive destination,” said Ivana Vladović, Director of the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board.

(Photo credit: A Grubelic/Croatia Airlines)

“Flights are not just a link between Split and the rest of the world but a crucial factor in the development of our city and region’s tourism offering. They are a vital element in tourism development, encouraging visitors from all over the world and promoting our rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Through these flights, Split becomes a more globally accessible destination, fostering cultural exchange and international cooperation. We are extremely proud of our collaboration with the domestic airline Croatia Airlines and Split Airport, among other partners, which is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness and sustainability of the Croatian tourism industry and for the further prosperity and growth of our city and its surroundings,” said Alijana Vukšić, Director of the Split Tourist Board.

During this year’s tourist season, Croatia Airlines plans to connect Croatia with a total of 28 international destinations, or 29 European airports, with the company’s aircraft flying on 50 international routes. More than 17,200 flights are planned in total, with almost 2 million seats on offer. Flights on some seasonal routes will begin by the end of March, earlier than last year, and will operate until October 2024, making a significant contribution to extending the tourist season in Croatia.

It’s worth noting that Croatia Airlines expects to receive its first new A220 aircraft in the middle of this year, marking the airline’s 35th anniversary. This marks the beginning of renewing the entire fleet with new and technologically advanced aircraft in the 100 to 150-seat market segment.

According to the manufacturer’s data, the Airbus A220 is equipped with the latest generation engines that reduce noise per seat by 50% and have 25% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, as well as 40% lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions compared to previous generations of aircraft.

Passengers can expect higher travel comfort. In addition to flying in new and quieter aircraft, they will also have other amenities during the flight, such as internet access, mobile phone charging ports (USB A and USB C) at each seat, and a more comfortable passenger cabin.