Zagreb Airport potentialEurope and North America

Zagreb Airport is the second largest airport in terms of passenger numbers out of all the airports in the EX-YU. The most lucrative destinations that could be served from Croatia’s capital are those found inside the European Union while transatlantic flights could be profitable and sustainable through charter flights or seasonal summer flights. A total of 6 profitable destinations could be added to the current network from Zagreb.

Madrid is not served directly from Zagreb. In 2007, 10.785 passengers travelled from the Spanish capita; to Zagreb, which was an increase of 20% on the previous year. Madrid accounts for 38% of the total market to Spain from Zagreb. In 2007, 153.860 Spaniards visited Croatia, an increase of 35% compared to the previous year while 2008 data is even more promising. Warsaw in Poland is currently only indirectly served from Zagreb. In 2007, 7.965 passengers travelled from Warsaw to Zagreb, an increase of 15% from the previous year. Warsaw accounts for 67% of the total market from Zagreb to Poland. Polish visitors from Croatia increased 17% in 2007 to 323.000. In 2008 these numbers are even more impressive as by November this tear already 357.230 passengers from Poland have visited Croatia. Milan is also only indirectly served from Zagreb. In 2007, 11.524 passengers travelled from Milan to Zagreb, an increase of 20% compared to 2007. Milan accounts for 28 % of the total market from Zagreb to Italy. Italian visitors from Italy to Croatia exceeded 1 million in 2007 and a small increase is expected in 2008. Bucharest is another underserved destination from Zagreb. In 2007, 8.209 passengers travelled from Bucharest to Zagreb, an increase of 22% compared to the previous year. Bucharest accounts for 90% of the total market from Zagreb to Romania. Visitors to Croatia from Romania increased 40% in 2007 to 47.057.

As for transatlantic services New York and Toronto would, for now, be most profitable if operated on a charter or seasonal basis. Toronto has been served only during the summer period. In 2007 18.263 passengers travelled from Toronto to Zagreb. Passenger traffic to Canada grew by 7% in 2007 compared to 2006. In addition, Skyservice resumed their summer service to Zagreb from Toronto. Visitors from Canada totalled 36.474, an increase of 26% on the previous year. As for New York in 2007, 24.657 passengers travelled to Zagreb from the Big Apple, an increase of 7.7% on the previous year. New York accounts for 19.2% of the total market to the USA from Zagreb. Visitors from the USA totalled 181.381, an increase of 18% when compared with visitors in 2006. The total number of visitors from the USA and Canada to Croatia totalled 218.000 in 2007.

According to the airport’s management it would support any new route to the airport with a 5-year incentive scheme to reduce airline start-up costs. Based on the individual merits of the proposed route growth, the airport may look to offer additional backing through marketing support. In addition the airport has a host of other marketing initiatives - consumer magazine, e-mail database, website banners and other which would be used to promote any new service.

Zagreb Airport is currently served by 15 scheduled airlines and 2 low cost airlines. 1.992.455 passengers used the airport in 2007.

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