Airport News

Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport is at the center of Croatia's growing aviation market. As the country's primary international gateway, the airport is constantly evolving with new routes, airline expansions, and infrastructure upgrades. This page keeps you informed about the major announcements and milestone achievements that affect your travel through Zagreb and shape the future of air travel in the region.

October 2025 - New Direct Flights to Lisbon Announced

In a significant boost for tourism and business travel, Zagreb Airport has announced a new year-round direct service to Lisbon, Portugal. This much-anticipated route, operated by Croatia Airlines in a codeshare partnership, will connect the two capitals directly for the first time, eliminating the need for lengthy layovers in other European hubs.

The connection provides Croatian travelers with direct access to the vibrant culture of Lisbon and serves as a new gateway to Portugal's popular coastal regions. Conversely, it opens up an easier travel path for Portuguese tourists to explore Zagreb and the wider Croatia. The initial schedule includes three weekly flights, with expectations for increased frequency during the peak summer season.

September 2025 - Ryanair Announces Further Expansion of Zagreb Base

Ryanair, which has rapidly become a key carrier at ZAG since establishing its base, has announced another major expansion for the upcoming summer season. The low-cost airline will add two new aircraft to its Zagreb base and launch five new routes to destinations in Spain, France, and Scandinavia.

This expansion reinforces Ryanair's commitment to the Croatian market and intensifies competition on popular European routes, which typically results in lower fares for travelers. The growth is expected to contribute significantly to the airport's passenger numbers and will create new jobs for pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff based in Zagreb. See all carriers on our Airlines page.

August 2025 - Record Passenger Numbers for Summer Season

Zagreb Airport reported a record-breaking summer, handling more passengers in July and August than ever before in its history. The surge was driven by a strong tourism rebound, the expansion of low-cost carriers, and the return of long-haul services. On several peak days, the airport managed over 15,000 passengers in a 24-hour period.

To manage the increased traffic, the airport implemented enhanced operational procedures, including opening check-in counters earlier and increasing staffing at security checkpoints. The successful handling of this record traffic demonstrates the capacity and efficiency of the new terminal, which opened in 2017.

July 2025 - Emirates Increases Dubai Service to Daily Flights

Responding to high demand, Emirates has increased the frequency of its Zagreb-Dubai service to daily flights for the winter season. This move strengthens Zagreb's position as a key hub in Southeast Europe, offering seamless connections to the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Australia via Emirates' extensive global network.

The daily service is a testament to the route's success, catering to both business travelers and tourists. The use of wide-body aircraft also significantly increases cargo capacity, boosting trade opportunities between Croatia and the UAE. Passengers can find the latest schedules on our flight departures board.

Infrastructure and Future Developments

With passenger numbers steadily climbing towards pre-pandemic levels and beyond, the airport operator, MZLZ d.d., is actively planning for the future. While the current terminal is designed to handle up to 5 million passengers per year, long-term strategic plans include phased expansions to accommodate up to 8 million passengers.

Discussions also continue around a proposed light rail or train connection to link the airport directly with Zagreb's city center. While there is no firm timeline for construction, such a project remains a key goal for improving the airport's accessibility and environmental sustainability.