Ryanair announces record flight schedule for Croatia: 118 routes and 4,3 million seats

At a time when the European aviation market is facing the challenges of high operating costs, Ryanair confirmed its dominant position in domestic skies today in Zagreb by announcing record summer flight schedule for 2026.

Europe's largest low-cost carrier plans operations with as many as nine based aircraft, which represents a direct investment of $900 million in Croatian aviation infrastructure and tourist accessibility.

The growth strategy for 2026 foresees a total 4,3 million available seats, which is an increase of five percent compared to the previous year.

The line network has been expanded to a total of 118 routes through seven Croatian airports, with particular emphasis on three key bases: Dubrovnik, Zadar and Zagreb. Passengers will be particularly pleased with the introduction of two new lines from Dubrovnik towards Budapest and Gdansk, which continues the trend of stronger connections between southern Dalmatia and the markets of Central and Eastern Europe.

With more than 850 flights per week, Ryanair not only stimulates tourist traffic, but directly supports more than 3.500 jobs in Croatia.

Jason McGuinness, Ryanair's chief commercial officer, during the presentation of the plan in Zagreb, emphasized that this record schedule is based on the competitiveness of Croatian airports.

Croatia has become the primary beneficiary of capacity relocation from high-cost markets such as Germany, France and Austria, where high fees and regressive taxes have stalled traffic recovery. It is precisely the stability of costs that has enabled Ryanair to expand year-round connectivity and actively work to combat seasonality, which is one of the key strategic goals of Croatian tourism. 

- Jason McGuinness

However, along with the optimistic figures, the Ryanair chief also issued a sharp criticism of the regulatory framework.

The company called on the Croatian government to urgently abolish what it says are outdated CAA fees that unnecessarily increase costs for passengers. McGuinness specifically highlighted the need for reform of the subsidy system, proposing the abolition PSO models (public service obligation) which he believes are wasting taxpayers' money on a handful of flights.

Instead, he proposes that these funds be used for the general reduction of market access costs, which would make Croatia an attractive and competitive destination for further investments in the long term.

To celebrate Ryanair's record-breaking summer 2026 flight schedule to Croatia, Ryanair has launched a limited three-day ticket sale with prices starting from €29,99, only via the Ryanair app.

This move will further increase the pressure on competition, but also ensure earlier booking for the summer of 2026, sending a clear message about Ryanair's stability and ambitions in the Croatian market as a key pillar of national air connectivity.