Dreaming of exploring Croatia's enchanting Adriatic coast or its timeless historical sites?
One key to your journey lies in its airports, each serving as a gateway to the country's wonders.
From the bustling Zagreb Airport, the largest, to the essential regional hubs in Split and Dubrovnik, these airports are vital in connecting travelers to Croatia's gems.
But what about the smaller, lesser-known airports like Rijeka and Osijek? Their roles might just surprise you.
Zagreb Airport (Franjo Tuđman Airport)
Zagreb Airport, also called Franjo Tuđman Airport, is Croatia's largest and busiest airport, handling more than 3.5 million passengers each year.
Just 15 km from Zagreb, it's the main international gateway to the country.
In 2017, the airport got a major upgrade with a new passenger terminal, boosting capacity.
Home to Croatia Airlines, Zagreb Airport offers many domestic and international flights, making it an important hub in the region.
Unlike many seasonal airports in Croatia, it operates year-round with steady passenger traffic.
Whether you're flying in for business or leisure, Zagreb Airport promises a smooth and welcoming travel experience.
Split Airport (Resnik Airport)
Split Airport, also known as Resnik Airport, is a key gateway to Croatia's Dalmatian coast. It's the second busiest airport in the country, handling over 3.3 million passengers every year.
The airport is about 20 km west of Split and 6 km from Trogir, making it a crucial hub for reaching the Adriatic coast.
Passenger traffic spikes during the summer, especially in July when the Ultra Music Festival draws visitors from around the globe.
Both major and low-cost airlines operate here, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights.
With its strategic location and increasing passenger numbers, Split Airport is a vital entry point for anyone eager to explore the beauty and culture of the Dalmatian region.
Dubrovnik Airport (Čilipi Airport)
Dubrovnik Airport, also known as Čilipi Airport, is the second-busiest airport in Croatia. It's located just 20 km southeast of the historic city of Dubrovnik.
Every year, over 2.4 million passengers pass through its gates, making it a crucial hub for travelers heading to one of Croatia's most famous tourist spots.
The airport's close proximity to the beautiful Croatian islands and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dubrovnik helps explain its 13.43% growth in passenger traffic.
As an international airport, it offers many connections to destinations around the world, meeting the growing demand for travel to the Dalmatian coast.
Equipped to handle nearly 2.9 million passengers, Dubrovnik Airport ensures smooth and efficient travel experiences for everyone.
Zadar Airport
Zadar Airport is Croatia's fourth busiest airport, handling over 1.23 million passengers in the latest year.
Located about 8 km from the city of Zadar, it's a key entry point to Northern Dalmatia and the Lika region.
Despite its official capacity of 801,347 passengers annually, the airport has seen a remarkable 11.78% increase in traffic recently.
It connects travelers to major cities both in Croatia and internationally, making it a significant regional transportation hub.
Whether you're heading to a final destination in Croatia or beyond, Zadar Airport offers a range of options through its mix of low-cost and full-service airlines, making it one of the busiest airports in the country.
Pula Airport
Pula Airport, located near the town of Pula, gets super busy during the summer. Just 6 km from the city center, it's a key hub for travelers heading to the Istria peninsula and its amazing national parks.
Pula Airport is really easy to get to and super convenient. With low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Jet2 flying in, it welcomed over 770,000 passengers in 2019 from 21 countries.
It serves 35 airlines and 67 destinations, making it a big deal for regional travel. Whether you're exploring historic sites or enjoying the coast, Pula Airport makes your trip smooth and easy.
Rijeka Airport
Rijeka Airport is on the island of Krk, around 25 km from the city of Rijeka. It is a key gateway to the Istrian peninsula and the northern Adriatic region of Croatia.
In the summer, it becomes the second busiest airport in the area, perfect for starting your visit. With a capacity of 1,000,000 passengers annually, it connects you to places like Zadar and other parts of Croatia.
The airport's strategic location, linked to the mainland by the Krk bridge, ensures smooth access for travelers. Whether you're heading to eastern Croatia or exploring the beautiful Adriatic coast, Rijeka Airport is an essential hub for your trip.
Osijek Airport
Osijek Airport, located just 20 km from the city of Osijek, is the main air travel hub for Eastern Croatia. It can handle up to 200,000 passengers each year.
This airport connects the regions of Baranja, Srijem, and Slavonija to Europe. While it's not as busy as Croatia's coastal airports, it's vital for travel and trade in the eastern part of the country.
Plans to expand the airport will help it serve more passengers. It's easy to reach thanks to major highways, making it a reliable choice for travelers in Eastern Croatia.
Whether you're visiting Baranja's vineyards or exploring Slavonija's cultural sites, Osijek Airport is ready to help you get there.
Brač Airport
Brač Airport, nestled on the beautiful island of Brač, is your key to exploring both Brač and the nearby island of Hvar. With a 2,500-meter runway, it can handle planes carrying up to 100 passengers, making travel easy and efficient.
As the sole airport for these popular Croatian islands, it's crucial for tourism and local connectivity.
Looking ahead, Brač Airport has exciting plans for expansion. These improvements aim to enhance your travel experience and attract even more visitors to the stunning islands of Brač and Hvar.
Lošinj Airport
Lošinj Airport, a small but vital regional hub on the island of Loőinj, serves around 40,000 passengers each year.
Just 5 km from Mali Loőinj, this airport offers easy access to the island's breathtaking landscapes and tourist spots.
With a single 1,300-meter asphalt runway, it handles aircraft with up to 50 seats, mainly connecting Loőinj to domestic destinations.
Over the past few years, the airport has seen more seasonal international charter flights in the summer.
While it's not as busy as Zagreb Airport or the island of Krk, Loőinj Airport is essential for visitors enjoying this beautiful island, providing a gateway to its unique charm and natural beauty.
