Croatia Airlines launches new year-round Dubrovnik–Rome service

(Photo credit: Croatia Airlines/A.Grubelic)

Croatia Airlines, together with the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, presented the new year-round Dubrovnik–Rome service at an event in Rome last night.

Previously operated only during the summer season, the route has now been extended to run throughout the entire year due to strong passenger demand and the strategic importance of connecting Dubrovnik with the Italian capital.

Flights will operate twice weekly: on Thursdays and Sundays during the winter schedule, and on Saturdays and Sundays in the summer timetable.

Return fares start from €140 on the Croatia Airlines website.

Marija Pavić, Head of Sales at Croatia Airlines, highlighted that the seasonal Dubrovnik–Rome service performed strongly over the past summer and will now continue through winter for the first time.

This winter, Croatia’s national carrier will fly on 27 international routes, connecting six Croatian airports – Zagreb, Osijek, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar and Rijeka – with 17 European destinations including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Vienna, Berlin, Brussels, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Mostar, Munich, Paris, Rome, Sarajevo, Skopje, Stockholm and Zurich.

The extension of the Dubrovnik–Rome route further strengthens links between Croatia and Italy, making travel easier for both leisure and business passengers.

Anamarija Jurinjak, Head of Marketing at Croatia Airlines, added that the airline is enhancing its winter operations by extending several seasonal routes and increasing both flight frequencies and available seats compared with last year.

In addition to Rome, travellers from Dubrovnik will be able to fly to Frankfurt throughout the winter. Zagreb maintains extended services to Stockholm, Berlin and Barcelona, while Split continues its connection to Istanbul.

“By operating the Dubrovnik–Rome route year-round, we are meeting passenger expectations and strategically strengthening our network,” Jurinjak said.

“This permanent connection supports tourism in Dubrovnik and improves Croatia’s accessibility to Europe and the world. Alongside the largest fleet renewal in the company’s history, we are also enhancing comfort and service quality for passengers.”

Supporting the initiative, travel agency Obzor putovanja has prepared special packages for trips to Dubrovnik and established Fly&Drive cooperation for the Italian market.

Miroslav Drašković, Director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, and Julijo Srgota, Director of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, emphasised that the new year-round service is an important step in positioning both Dubrovnik and the region as year-round destinations.

“Italy is among Dubrovnik’s ten most important markets, and direct connectivity with Rome further strengthens this bond,” they said, expressing confidence that the new flights will help attract more visitors during the winter months.

Viviana Vukelić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s representative office in Italy, noted that the year-round route reinforces Dubrovnik’s position as a leading Mediterranean destination and opens additional opportunities for both business and leisure travel.

“The establishment of a year-round air link between Dubrovnik and Rome is a significant step in boosting accessibility and extending the tourist season,” she said. “Quality air connections beyond the peak summer months are essential for strong results in Croatian tourism.”

Vukelić also thanked the attending media and travel agents and highlighted the rich programme of Advent events across Croatia, describing the winter period as an ideal time to visit, with excellent gastronomy, relaxing wellness options and a special festive atmosphere.