The Irish airline Ryanair has announced its most ambitious Croatian summer schedule for the 2026 season, solidifying its position as the country’s leading operator and reinforcing its growth strategy in markets with competitive airport costs.
A Record Operation: More Capacity, More Routes, and Greater Investment
Ryanair’s Summer 2026 program in Croatia is built upon five key pillars:
- 9 based aircraft, representing an investment of US$900 million.
- 118 total routes.
- 2 new routes from Dubrovnik to Budapest and Gdansk.
- 4.3 million seats, reflecting a +5% growth.
- More than 850 weekly flights.
- Support for over 3,500 jobs in Croatia.
The airline will operate through seven Croatian airports, including its three strategic bases in Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Zagreb.
→ Brussels Court Ratifies Legality of Ryanair’s Cabin Baggage Policy
Expanded Connectivity and Combating Seasonality
A central axis of this growth is the expansion of year-round connectivity. According to the company, the competitive cost environment of Croatian airports has enabled the development of a low-cost network that drives tourism beyond the traditional peak season.
The 5% growth to 4.3 million seats reflects a clear commitment to strengthening the country’s structural connectivity. The new routes from Dubrovnik to Budapest and Gdansk expand the network into Central and Eastern Europe, bolstering both tourism and commercial flows.
Ryanair emphasizes that Croatia has experienced a significant post-Covid recovery in traffic and tourism, favored by competitive operating conditions that have allowed for increased annual connectivity and reduced seasonal dependence.
Reallocation of Capacity from High-Cost Markets
A relevant strategic element is the redistribution of capacity within the airline’s European network. Ryanair states that Croatian airports have benefited from traffic reallocated from markets considered “high-cost,” such as Austria, France, and Germany.
The company claims that traffic recovery in these countries has been limited by aviation taxes and high airport fees. In contrast, the Croatian competitive framework has allowed the country to absorb part of that capacity and translate it into local growth. This dynamic positions Croatia as a recipient market for investment within the group’s network optimization model.
Regulatory Debate: The CAA Tax and PSOs
Despite the record growth announced, Ryanair has urged the Croatian Government to abolish the so-called CAA Tax, which the airline argues unnecessarily increases access costs for passengers and airlines alike.
The company maintains that this tax could be eliminated by funding it through the removal of certain Public Service Obligation (PSO) programs that subsidize a limited number of routes.
Launch Promotional Offer
To accompany the announcement of the Summer ’26 schedule, Ryanair has launched a limited three-day promotion with fares starting from €29.99, available exclusively through the airline’s app.
Related Topics
Argentina Breaks Records: January 2026 Marks Highest Historical Level of Passengers and Operations
Madrid-Barajas Airport Records Best January in History: 5.3 Million Passengers
Heathrow Breaks Historical Record in January with 6.5 Million Passengers, Reigniting Urgent Expansion Debate
American Airlines Doubles Down on Chicago: New 10,000 Square Feet Admirals Club to Open
Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.