Could Chicago be next direct US flight to Croatia?
- by croatiaweek
- in News
American Airlines
Air links between the United States and Croatia could soon be strengthened with Chicago increasingly mentioned as a realistic next step.
As reported by Simple Flying, discussions are taking place between Dubrovnik Airport and American Airlines, as well as with representatives connected to Chicago O’Hare, one of the airline’s largest hubs.
Interest comes at a time when Dubrovnik continues to record strong tourism figures.
The city has firmly established itself as one of the Adriatic’s most recognisable destinations, driven by its UNESCO-listed Old Town, cruise tourism and global exposure from television and film. Visitor numbers from the United States, in particular, have been rising steadily in recent years.
From the airline’s perspective, American Airlines is once again expanding its transatlantic leisure network.
The carrier is adding seasonal European routes from key hubs, including Chicago, and will increasingly rely on smaller, more efficient aircraft suited to medium-demand markets. This strategy allows American to test new destinations without committing to large widebody operations year-round.
Chicago would offer a significant advantage. As a major hub, O’Hare provides extensive onward connections from across the United States, allowing travellers from multiple regions to reach Croatia with just one stop.
This network strength makes Chicago a logical alternative to a return of the former Philadelphia–Dubrovnik route.
There is also historical data to support renewed interest. Before the pandemic, American Airlines’ seasonal service to Dubrovnik achieved strong load factors, demonstrating healthy demand during peak summer months, Simple Flying stated.
As Croatia continues to target long-haul visitors, a Chicago–Dubrovnik connection may be closer than ever to becoming reality.
For USA to Croatia flights currently, United Airlines offers seasonal direct routes from Newark to Dubrovnik and they are also set to launch a new direct route to Split in April 2026.
