Croatian airports set for record year

Croatian airports are on course to handle a combined total of over nine million passengers this year, with figures up over 17% so far in 2017. The President of the Air Transport Association at the Croatian Chamber of Economy, Tonči Peović, estimates that annual growth at the country's nine commercial airports will average 10% this year. "The significant rise in passenger numbers at Croatian airports has been influenced by GDP growth in countries that visitors are coming from, as well as numerous other factors, including safety. Travellers want to go on holiday to places where they feel safe", Mr Peović, who is also the General Manager of Brač Airport, said. He added that lower fares resulting from lower fuel prices have also stimulated travel.

During the first half of the year, Croatian airports welcomed a record 3.444.310 passengers through their doors, according to the country's Civil Aviation Agency. The figure represents an increase of 17.7% on the same period in 2016. Almost all managed to attract more travellers than last year with Split being the fastest growing, adding 185.600 passengers during the January - June period. Brač Airport recorded the largest increase in travellers percentage wise. Several airports have given estimates of their end-of-year results, although most will likely be surpassed. Zagreb Airport anticipates welcoming over three million travellers, Split 2.7 million, Dubrovnik two million, Pula 600.000, Zadar 580.000 and Brač 30.000 passengers.

Croatian airports H1 2017

Airport	PAX	Change (%)
Zagreb	1.335.942	▲ 9.0
Split	872.444	▲ 27.1
Dubrovnik	812.553	▲ 20.1
Zadar	206.124	▲ 14.9
Pula	158.736	▲ 37.0
Rijeka	37.930	▲ 2.9
Osijek	10.829	▲ 9.7
Brač	8.610	▲ 168.6
Mali Lošinj	1.133	▼ 41.5

In order to keep up with the strong growth, a number of Croatian airports have been investing in their infrastructure to increase capacity. In March, Zagreb Airport opened its new terminal building, with Dubrovnik Airport following suit. One of the country's most congested airports, Split, is in the process of building a multi million euro terminal, with the facility expected to be opened to the public in July 2019. Earlier this year, Brač Airport completed work on lengthening its runway from 1.440 metres to 1.760 metres. The 320 metre extension now allows for the island airport to handle larger aircraft such as Fokkers, Airbus A319s and new Bombardier C-series jets. Furthermore, Pula Airport's runway was resurfaced over the winter and its approach lighting extended from 400 to 900 metres. In the coming period, Zadar Airport plans to expand its international departures area. The development will allow it to add capacity but also adapt to Schengen standards. Meanwhile, Dubrovnik has completed tender procedures for the second phase of its major development project, which will include apron expansion, the overhaul of its runway and taxiways, as well as the relocation of the fuel farm and enclosed facilities for maintenance, operations and ground equipment. Valued at 115.2 million euros, the project will enhance the airport's handling capacity to some 3.98 million passengers per year by 2032.