Tourexpi
Ryanair launches record Summer 2026 schedule for Croatia
Ryanair has unveiled its largest-ever summer programme
for the Croatian market. The airline will operate its Summer 2026 schedule with
nine based aircraft, representing an investment of approximately US$900
million. The expanded programme comprises 118 routes and a total capacity of
4.3 million seats, reflecting growth of five percent compared with the previous
year.
The network will span seven Croatian airports,
supported by operational bases in Dubrovnik, Zadar and Zagreb. Among the
additions are two new routes from Dubrovnik to Budapest and Gdansk.
Capacity growth and operational expansion
According to the airline, the Summer 2026 schedule
will include more than 850 weekly flights. Ryanair states that the programme
will support over 3,500 jobs linked directly and indirectly to its Croatian
operations.
The carrier attributes the continued expansion in
Croatia to competitive airport charges, which it says have enabled sustained
traffic growth and year-round connectivity. Ryanair contrasts these conditions
with other European markets where higher operating costs and aviation taxes
have constrained capacity development.
Policy framework seen as growth factor
Ryanair emphasises the role of regulatory and cost
structures in shaping airline investment decisions. The airline argues that
Croatia’s post-pandemic traffic recovery has benefited from comparatively
favourable access costs.
At the same time, Ryanair calls on the Croatian
government to review existing taxation mechanisms. Specifically, the carrier
urges the removal of the CAA Tax, which it describes as an outdated levy
affecting both airlines and passengers. Ryanair proposes reallocating funding
currently used for selected PSO routes.
Airline perspective on market development
Speaking in Zagreb, Ryanair Chief Commercial Officer
Jason McGuinness highlighted the scale of the expansion.
“As Europe and Croatia’s No.1 airline, Ryanair is
pleased to announce our biggest-ever Croatia Summer schedule, delivering 4.3
million seats (+5% growth), operating 118 routes – including exciting new
routes from Dubrovnik to Budapest and Gdansk. This record schedule is
underpinned by nine based aircraft across our bases in Dubrovnik, Zadar and
Zagreb, while supporting over 3,500 jobs.
Croatia continues to achieve strong traffic and
tourism growth thanks to its competitive access conditions, which have enabled
Ryanair to expand low-fare connectivity and address seasonality. However, to
unlock further growth and investment, Croatia must maintain this competitive
advantage.”
Promotional fares accompany launch
To mark the launch of the Summer 2026 programme,
Ryanair has introduced a limited three-day seat sale. Promotional fares start
from €29.99 and are available exclusively via the Ryanair app.
With the expanded schedule, Ryanair further
strengthens its position in Croatia, reinforcing both leisure and city
connectivity ahead of the peak summer season.
Image
Credit: © Ryanair
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