Over 220,000 Seaplane Passengers Expected on Croatia’s Adriatic this Year

European Coastal Airlines (ECA), who revolutionised tourism on the Adriatic coast last year when it launched seaplane flights connecting Croatia’s islands, are expecting over 220,000 passengers this year…

ECA’s first commercial seaplane flight landed in Jelsa on the island of Hvar in August last year from Split, with flights to the northern Adriatic island of Rab from Zagreb and Split added a couple of months later. Huge interest has seen ECA introduce new connections this year to Novalja on the island of Pag, whilst negotiations are ongoing to introduce flights to Cres, Mali Lošinj, Korčula, Lastovo and Dubrovnik.

The introduction of the connection to Novalja this summer from Split, Zagreb, Rijeka Pula, Zadar and in the future Ancona in Italy, is expected to be popular with thousands visiting the famous party destination over the summer.

“That line is expected to start on 1 June and be active until 30 September, for which we received great support from the local Novalja council led by the Mayor, and the management of the ports who recognised the value of this project,” said ECA.

ECA say that results from their first year have exceeded expectations, with 75% of passengers locals. ECA expects around 221,000 passengers this year, with 16% of those Germans.

ECA, who have 3 hydroplanes in their float, with another 4 arriving by the summer, currently employ 55 people, with that number likely to rise to around 400 when all flight connections are activated. (photo / ECA)