Croatia enters the 2025/2026 winter flight season with significantly stronger international connectivity than in previous years, bringing concrete benefits to domestic tourism, the business community, and the diaspora. According to the consolidated announcements of Croatian airports and carriers, during the current winter flight schedule – which, according to the IATA calendar, lasts from October 26, 2025 to March 28, 2026 – our destinations will be directly connected to a total of 69 foreign cities in 25 countries. The strongest connections are being established with key source markets in Central Europe, and intercontinental transfers via important regional hubs outside the EU are continuing.

What exactly does "69 cities in 25 countries" mean

In practice, the winter network of flights on international routes offers 151 unique airline routes, with some departures operating at an increased weekly frequency compared to previous winters. The most direct lines connect Croatia with Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. These are markets with traditionally strong demand, but also stable business ties and developed "city-break" habits of travelers who are increasingly traveling outside the summer peak. Alongside European markets, connections via Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates are particularly important as they enable efficient transfers to Asia, Africa, and Australia, as well as arrivals of guests from those markets.

Period of application of the winter flight schedule

This season's winter flight schedule, in accordance with global practice, began on October 26, 2025 and lasts until March 28, 2026. During this period, carriers optimize fleets and frequencies for off-season demand, while simultaneously retaining part of the summer routes that have proven commercially successful. Croatia Airlines has, for example, included extensions of certain seasonal lines in its winter offer – such as Zagreb–Berlin, Zagreb–Stockholm, and Zagreb–Barcelona – as well as winter rotations on the routes Split–Istanbul and Dubrovnik–Rome, while a connection with Munich is maintained from Rijeka, Osijek, and Zadar. In parallel, a portion of foreign carriers is retaining or strengthening their winter presence at major Croatian airports.

Most connected cities and demand trends

Among foreign destinations with the densest network of departures and the highest number of weekly rotations, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Amsterdam, and Istanbul stand out. These hubs are strategically important because, alongside direct tourist and business traffic, they offer a wide spectrum of one-stop connections to the rest of the world. Frankfurt and Munich, as hubs for Lufthansa and partner carriers, are traditionally the first transit point for travelers from Croatia to North America and Northern Europe. Vienna and Amsterdam further diversify the connection network, while Istanbul serves as an increasingly strong bridge to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Which airports carry the winter traffic

Observing the planned departures and flight sequences, the largest volume of operations this winter is foreseen at Zagreb Airport, which typically holds the leading role in transfer traffic and business travel. Split traditionally reduces volume in the winter months compared to summer, but retains stable connections to the most important hubs, including the mentioned Istanbul. Dubrovnik maintains a low but reliable winter base of flights to major European centers, especially to Frankfurt and Rome. Rijeka, Zadar, Osijek, and Pula also have the role of regional links, with a focus on maintaining continuity of lines to Bavaria, thereby ensuring access to the global network via Munich for residents and the economy of the northern Adriatic and Slavonia.

Carriers: domestic and international players

During the winter, 32 air carriers fly on routes to Croatia. Croatia Airlines remains the backbone of the domestic network and part of international traffic, contributed to by a fleet adapted to seasonality and cooperation within the Star Alliance. Ryanair maintains and develops low-cost options that particularly strengthen Zagreb's accessibility from Central European cities and encourage short weekend visits. Trade Air retains specialized and PSO (Public Service Obligation) operations that are crucial for regional cohesion, while Lufthansa – through its own and partner flights – continuously ensures high frequency to German hubs. Other international carriers also participate on selected routes, including network and hybrid operators who targetedly cover corridors with proven winter demands.

Why winter connectivity is important for tourism and the economy

A stable winter flight network directly supports year-round and sustainable tourism development. Instead of concentrating visits in July and August, an increasing share of guests opt for travel in November, December, January, and February – when pressure on infrastructure is lower, and the experience of the destination is more authentic. Cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik record increased interest in Advent programs, cultural content, business gatherings, and sports events in the winter months. For employers and entrepreneurs, frequent and reliable air connectivity means the availability of meetings, conferences, and new markets in short time intervals, which is crucial for investments and the export of services.

Intercontinental connections and transfers

Although Croatia does not have a wide spectrum of non-stop flights outside of Europe in winter, transfers via Doha, Istanbul, and Dubai enable efficient connectivity with the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, and Australia. For example, travelers from Split and Zagreb via Istanbul can reach more than a hundred Turkish Airlines destinations on three continents, while connections via Doha (Qatar Airways) and Dubai (Emirates/Flydubai) complement the offer towards Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. This structure of air traffic expands off-season tourist demand, as Croatia becomes more easily accessible for travelers from long-haul markets precisely in the period when they seek a milder climate and cultural programs.

Operational specifics: frequencies, capacity, and aircraft types

Winter capacities are planned cautiously: carriers balance between maintaining presence in the market and rationalizing costs. Frequencies on the strongest lines – especially to Frankfurt, Munich, and Vienna – are maintained at levels that allow for productive one-day and two-day business itineraries. On short and medium international routes, new generation narrow-body aircraft are used, and in smaller markets, increasingly regional jets and turboprops, which improves the load factor and schedule flexibility. On lines with a low-cost operating model, capacity is typically concentrated on days with the highest demand (Friday–Monday), while business waves are supported by early morning and late evening departures.

Demand trends from main source countries

Germany remains the largest single market: a strong diaspora, firm business ties, and the habit of frequent weekend trips drive high winter frequencies. Switzerland and Austria have a strong "city-break" and MICE segment, while the Netherlands and the United Kingdom generate stable demand towards Zagreb and Adriatic cities thanks to good accessibility and a large share of "repeat" guests. In this mix, one should also count on Scandinavia, whose travelers seek a milder climate and cultural content in winter, and on France, Italy, and Spain, with which Croatia maintains more direct connections than in previous years.

Winter accessibility of regions: Adriatic and Continent

For the Adriatic, this winter is important because it consolidates the trend of extending the season. Split maintains connections with central European hubs and Istanbul, which favors a year-round program of cultural events and congress tourism. Dubrovnik, as a brand unto itself, retains a quality selection of lines to major European cities, which supports Advent and "film" tourism as well as business events. On the continent, Zagreb is a magnet for Advent, concerts, exhibitions, and matches, and a good flight schedule allows for short visits from most European capitals without the need for a long stay. The connectivity of the northern Adriatic and Slavonia via Munich facilitates arrival at ski resorts in the Alps, but also return "city-break" visits to Croatian cities.

Impact on prices and passenger behavior

Greater supply on main corridors typically stabilizes air ticket prices during winter, although dynamic pricing still relies heavily on periods of highest demand (holidays, school breaks, sports tournaments). In order for passengers to maximize availability, it is recommended to plan trips several weeks in advance and monitor carrier "fare buckets". Business travelers, on the other hand, continue to prefer flexible tickets with shorter change deadlines, which carriers address through "light", "classic", and "flex" tariffs with included priorities and baggage.

Digital and ecological practices in winter traffic

Carriers are increasingly introducing digital processes – from mobile boarding and biometric identification to digital travel documents – thereby reducing congestion and speeding up passenger flow, especially on high-frequency lines. In parallel, the share of newer, more economical aircraft in fleets is growing, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions per passenger. Winter operations also present an operational challenge (de-icing, reduced apron capacities), but a combination of advanced equipment and modern procedures allows for reliability which is necessary to maintain the reputation of Croatian destinations as easily accessible even during the colder part of the year.

How to navigate schedules: advice for passengers and organizers

Although plans are published and available through carrier and airport sales channels, temporary changes are possible due to operational reasons, demand, or weather conditions. Passengers are recommended to check flight status and baggage rules immediately before travel and use official airline apps for real-time notifications. Organizers of events, conferences, and sports manifestations should align itineraries with central European arrival waves (morning waves from Germany and Austria, and afternoon connections from the Netherlands and the UK) to optimize the arrival of participants from multiple source markets.

Broader economic effect of winter connectivity

Winter air connectivity reflects not only on hotel and private accommodation. Through multiplier effects, growth in spending is recorded in hospitality, retail, the cultural and sports sector, as well as in "knowledge" industries that count on the rapid mobility of experts. Investments in airports, navigation equipment, and security processes also generate local demand in construction and IT, while partnerships with carriers contribute to the promotion of Croatia in international markets. For regions further away from main transport corridors, even a few weekly rotations can make the difference between "off-season" and the "new normal" of year-round traffic.

Looking ahead: opportunities and limitations

The growth of winter connectivity creates a good platform for the next steps. Long-term, potential is seen in strengthening secondary hubs (e.g., Zurich, Brussels, Paris) with an emphasis on banking and EU institutions, then in the smart expansion of low-cost connections towards British and Scandinavian regions, and in the targeted development of "point-to-point" winter routes that follow cultural festivals, sports leagues, or business cycles. Limitations arise from seasonality, limited night slots, and crew availability in winter; therefore, the coordination of stakeholders – airports, tourist boards, and carriers – will continue to be crucial for maintaining and upgrading what has been achieved.

Summary of key figures this winter

• 69 foreign cities directly connected to Croatia during the current winter flight schedule.


• 25 countries from which flights operate to Croatian airports.


• 151 unique airline routes in the international flight network.


• Top hubs: Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Amsterdam, Istanbul.


• Leading airports in traffic: Zagreb (most operations), then Split and Dubrovnik.


• 32 carriers on lines to Croatia; the most operations are planned by Croatia Airlines, Ryanair, Trade Air, and Lufthansa.


• Period of application: October 26, 2025 – March 28, 2026.

Note on changes

All stated is based on announcements by airports and air carriers valid as of November 26, 2025. Changes are possible in frequencies, flight days, and aircraft types, especially during periods of peak holiday loads and during poor weather conditions. Passengers and partners in tourism should check information on official carrier and airport channels immediately before planned travel.