Taking Flight: Quick Guide to Croatia’s Major Airports

Croatia is an exciting destination, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning to explore its ancient cities or relax on its stunning beaches, how you start your journey can make a big difference. Choosing the right airport can be key to kicking off your adventure on the right foot. Let’s dive into what you need to know about Croatia’s major airports, so you’re ready to fly.

Croatia has several airports; picking the right one depends on where you’re heading. Here’s the breakdown, whether you’re flying into the bustling capital or a more laid-back coastal town.

1. Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

If you’re flying into Croatia’s capital, Zagreb Airport is your first stop. It’s the busiest in the country, offering flights to numerous international and domestic locations. The airport is modern and well-equipped with restaurants, cafes, and shopping. Getting to the city center is easy, with plenty of buses and taxis available. Zagreb is perfect if you’re planning to explore northern Croatia or head to other European cities.

Zagreb Airport serves as a hub for Croatia Airlines and sees traffic from a diverse range of carriers, including major European flag carriers, Middle Eastern airlines, low-cost operators, and seasonal charter services. This variety of airlines contributes to Zagreb’s connectivity with numerous domestic and international destinations.

Major Airlines Flying To Zagreb

1. Croatia Airlines: The national carrier of Croatia, operating both domestic and international flights
2. Lufthansa: Offering flights to Frankfurt and Munich
3. Turkish Airlines: Providing service to Istanbul
4. Air France: Flying to Paris-Charles de Gaulle
5. British Airways: Operating flights to London-Heathrow
6. KLM: Connecting Zagreb to Amsterdam
7. Austrian Airlines: Flying to Vienna

Low-Cost Carriers

1. Ryanair: Offering flights to various European destinations
2. Eurowings: A German low-cost airline

Middle Eastern Airlines

1. Qatar Airways: Providing service to Doha
2. Flydubai: Operating flights to Dubai

Other European Airlines

1. LOT Polish Airlines: Flying to Warsaw
2. Aegean Airlines: Connecting Zagreb to Athens
3. Air Serbia: Operating flights to Belgrade

Seasonal Operators

1. Air Transat: Offering seasonal flights to Toronto-Pearson
2. Tway Air: Providing seasonal service to Seoul

2. Split Airport (SPU)

Located in Dalmatia, Split Airport is the gateway to the stunning Croatian coastline. As the second busiest airport, it’s known for handling a significant portion of the country’s tourism traffic. From here, you’re a quick ride to Split, where you can hop on ferries to islands like Hvar and Brač. With updated facilities and a range of amenities, Split is a top pick for those seeking the sun and sea.

3. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” has its own airport, perched near the sea. Dubrovnik Airport offers incredible views of the Adriatic as you land. It’s an ideal entry point if you’re planning to explore Dubrovnik itself, along with its nearby islands or even neighboring Montenegro. The airport serves international and domestic flights and is well-connected to the city with regular buses.

4. Zadar Airport (ZAD)

Zadar may not be as well-known as Split or Dubrovnik, but it’s a gem. Zadar Airport offers a good mix of international flights, especially from low-cost carriers, making it a great budget option. It’s located near the northern Dalmatian coast, providing easy access to beautiful beaches, the Kornati Islands, and nearby national parks.

5. Pula Airport (PUY)

On the Istrian peninsula, Pula Airport serves the northern coastal region of Croatia. Known for its Roman amphitheater and coastal views, Pula is a perfect entry point if you’re visiting Istria or heading to Slovenia or Italy. The airport is smaller, but it still offers a good selection of international flights, particularly in the summer.

6. Rijeka Airport (RJK)

Located on the island of Krk, Rijeka Airport serves the northern Adriatic region. It’s a bit more remote, but it’s a great option if you’re planning to explore the northern islands or heading into central Croatia. Rijeka has limited international flights, mainly during the tourist season.

7. Osijek Airport (OSI)

If you’re heading to eastern Croatia, Osijek Airport is the gateway to the Slavonia region. It’s quieter compared to airports on the coast, but it’s crucial for reaching this lesser-known part of Croatia, filled with vineyards, historical sites, and traditional charm.

8. Brac Airport (BWK)

For those lucky enough to visit Brac island, Brac Airport is your best bet. It’s a small regional airport, perfect for those heading directly to the island, especially during the summer season when it handles most of its traffic.

9. Losinj Airport (LSZ)

Losinj Airport is the smallest of Croatia’s commercial airports, but if you’re looking for a quiet island escape, Losinj is your spot. It serves mostly private or small charter flights, and it’s all about getting away from it all.

Airport Traffic and Passenger Numbers

Over the years, Croatia has seen a rise in tourism, and its airport traffic reflects that. For example, Zagreb handles over 3 million passengers annually, while Split and Dubrovnik have been growing, with each receiving around 2-3 million travelers a year. Zadar, Pula, and Rijeka might not see quite as much foot traffic, but they offer fantastic alternatives, especially for budget-conscious flyers.

Sports Airports in Croatia

Airport Name	Airport Code	Exact Location	Address
Aerodrom Čakovec	LDVC	46.39182 N, 16.50012 E	Zrinskih ul. 5, 40000 Pribislavec
Airport Grobničko Polje	LDRG	45.37950, 14.50380	Soboli, 51218, Croatia
Hvar Airport	LDSH	43.18159, 16.63342	Put Gospojice bb, 21460 Stari Grad
Aerodrom Ivanić Grad	LDZI	45.71948, 16.34269	Savska ulica 80, 10311 Posavski Bregi, Croatia
Airport Koprivnica	LDVK	46.2131, 16.8372	Koprivnica, Croatia
Airport Lučko	LDZL	45.76674, 15.84953	Ježdovečka 17, 10250 Lučko, Croatia
Aerodrom Osijek-Čepin	LDOC	45.54242, 18.63253	Ul. IX, 47000 Osijek
Airport Otočac	LDRO	44.8477745056, 15.2866172791	Put Piketa bb, 21230 Sinj
Aerodrom “Piket” Sinj	LDSS	43.7004306, 16.6713250	Put Piketa bb, 21230 Sinj
Airport Slavonski Brod	LDOR	45.15579, 17.98665	Ul. Svetog Nikole Tavelića 2A, 35000 Slavonski Brod
Airport Varaždin	LDVA	46.2946472, 16.3829327	Podravska ul. 60, 42000, Varaždin
Airport Vrsar/Crljenka	LDPV	45.14170, 13.63050	Aerodrom Vrsar, Crljenka 3-5, 52450 Vrsar, Croatia

Abandoned Airports In Croatia

Among the many abandoned airports in Croatia, one stands out for its historical significance and scale—Željava Air Base. Once a vital military hub during the Cold War, this colossal underground facility now lies in ruins, symbolizing the remnants of a bygone era. Let’s take a closer look at the story behind this abandoned Cold War relic.

Željava Air Base: Croatia’s Abandoned Cold War Relic

Nestled on the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, near Bihać, Željava Air Base stands as one of the most significant abandoned military complexes in the region. Built during the Cold War by Yugoslavia, construction began in 1948 and spanned two decades, with a staggering cost of $6 billion (equivalent to $42 billion today). This vast underground base was designed to withstand the impact of a 20-kiloton nuclear bomb.

The base featured 2.2 miles of tunnels and could house up to 1,000 personnel. Its underground network included hangars, communication centers, operations hubs, and missile storage facilities, making it one of the most sophisticated military installations of its time.

However, during the Yugoslav Wars in the early 1990s, the base was heavily damaged and ultimately abandoned. The runways were destroyed using explosives, and much of the underground infrastructure was left in ruins. Today, parts of the site remain hazardous due to landmines, though local police occasionally use it for canine training. While there have been discussions about repurposing the base, border disputes, and financial obstacles have prevented any progress.

Zeljava Air Base Documentary

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