Full Delta Air Lines plane lands in Dubrovnik as New York service starts

(Photo: Blur.hr)

DUBROVNIK July 3, 2021 – Delta Air Lines new service from New York to Dubrovnik has commenced with the first flight landing in the Croatian coastal city this morning.

The inaugural Delta Air Lines flight from New York-JFK landed this morning in Dubrovnik at 10:51. 225 passengers arrived on the flight, which is the full capacity of the plane, showing the popularity of Dubrovnik and Croatia for American visitors.

The reopening of travel with the USA is a vital stimulus for Croatian tourism and has opened the way for Delta to start direct flights. Taking care of the health and safety of its passengers and the communities in which it operates is a priority for Delta Air Lines.

(Photo: Blur.hr)

Croatia is the first new European country to which Delta has begun service since the start of the pandemic. 

The airline will operate four weekly nonstop services between Dubrovnik and New York-JFK with departures on Wednesdays, Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays. Flights are operated in conjunction with Delta’s European partners Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic.

(Photo: Blur.hr)

(Photo: Blur.hr)

“Our flights to Dubrovnik are proving popular as our U.S. customers seek new experiences now that the world is reopening for international travel,” said Thomas Brandt, Delta’s regional sales manager. “We’re proud to be supporting Croatia’s tourism recovery, while also ensuring a safe travel environment in line with the country’s requirement for proof of vaccination or a negative test for all customers before they board the flight.”

Data from the World Travel and Tourism Council reports that tourism represents 25% of Croatia’s GDP. Pre-pandemic, the number of U.S. tourists to Croatia was on the rise with more than 550,000 visitors in 2018 – a 23% increase over 2017, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Meanwhile, the Croatian Bureau of Statistics reported that 10% of all visitors to Dubrovnik came from the U.S. in 2019, which is the second largest source market.

(Photo: Blur.hr)

“By connecting Dubrovnik, our tourism pearl and one of the world’s largest cities New York, we connect two major tourist destinations, and inaugural flight of Delta Airlines is another proof of Croatia’s recognizability as a safe and desirable tourist destination. Since the beginning of April, Croatia has been open to tourists from the USA with proof of vaccination, recovery, negative PCR or antigen test and confirmation of paid accommodation in the Republic of Croatia, and in facilities with our Safe Stay in Croatia safety label, we ensure the highest epidemiological standards for tourists. The good epidemiological situation in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County is the result of following epidemiological measures, but also the high level of vaccination of the tourism sector and an additional motive for the arrival of tourists.

I believe that this line will contribute to further deepening cooperation between Croatia and the United States not only through tourism, but also through the overall business exchange between the two countries. I hope that the good load of these flights will be the basis for the further establishment of new direct lines and an even greater presence and strengthening of Croatian demand in the US market”, said Minister of Tourism and Sports Nikolina Brnjac.

(Photo: Blur.hr)

(Photo: Blur.hr)

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković added: “The US market has traditionally been in favor of Dubrovnik, and the interest of American tourists and the local media did not diminish last year either. People need to travel today more than ever before; our openness has always been unquestionable. Establishing direct connections between New York and Dubrovnik four times a week opens a new page in Dubrovnik’s accessibility to visitors from the US, and much more than that because direct connection of Croatia to the US is the standard we want to maintain. We would like to extend a warm welcome to Dubrovnik to Delta Airlines, one of the leaders in the industry and the world’s most awarded airline, with the hope that this will be just the beginning of a long cooperation.” 

Customers flying from Croatia can connect at Delta’s JFK hub to more than 30 cities across the U.S. within four hours of arrival, enabling them to reach their final destination the same day. The service also provides cargo opportunities for freight forwarders to conveniently transport goods between the nations.

(Photo: Blur.hr)

“After 2020 which saw the airport quieter than it’s ever been, Delta’s new service from New York will help us have a more prosperous 2021 and preserve the jobs of our colleagues. It’s an exciting time for Dubrovnik as we welcome Delta for the first time,” said Frano Luetić, Managing Director of Dubrovnik Airport.

In line with local entry guidelines, all customers must show proof of full vaccination status, have a negative PCR test or proof of recent COVID-19 recovery prior to boarding in the U.S. While the U.S. is open to visitors from Croatia, Delta recommends that customers check entry requirements prior to travel. Details are available on the Delta Discover Map on delta.com. The airline continues to offer more flexibility than ever to plan and rebook tickets with an industry-leading travel credit extension for all tickets expiring in 2021 and all tickets purchased in 2021 through Dec. 31, 2022.

(Photo: Blur.hr)

Once onboard, customers will enjoy new dining and entertainment choices onboard this summer. This includes more than 200 films, with 21 new releases such as Academy Award® winners Nomadland, The Father and Judas and the Black Messiah. Delta’s award-winning customer experience also includes touchless technology via the Fly Delta app and plans to deliver new high-speed Wi-Fi.

During meal service, there is a choice of entrée in all cabins accompanied by an appetizer and dessert in addition to a full bar selection or soft drinks. Those traveling in Delta One can also pre-order their choice of meal on flights between the U.S. and Croatia. 

(Photo: Blur.hr)

Delta prioritizes the health and safety of customers and employees and the communities it serves. As part of the Delta CareStandard, aircraft are regularly sanitized, including rigorous cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as tray tables, screen and seatbelts. Customers must also wear a face covering throughout the journey.

Photos: Blur.hr