Croatia Airlines marks 30 years of Zagreb–Sarajevo flights with 1.3 million passengers

(Photo: Croatia Airlines)

ZAGREB/SARAJEVO, 24 September 2026 – Croatia Airlines is marking 30 years of regular flights between Zagreb and Sarajevo, a route that has carried more than 1.34 million passengers since it was launched in 1996.

The Croatian national carrier established the Zagreb–Sarajevo connection on 26 August 1996, shortly after Sarajevo Airport reopened for civilian air traffic following the war.

The first Croatia Airlines flight was operated with an ATR 42 aircraft, making the airline the first carrier to land at the restored airport following the reopening of civilian services.

Between 26 August 1996 and 31 August 2026, Croatia Airlines operated 36,196 flights on the Zagreb–Sarajevo route and transported 1,345,041 passengers.

The service has operated throughout the year over the past three decades, with the exception of a temporary suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The route has also developed into an important connection for passengers travelling beyond Zagreb. Through Croatia Airlines’ network, passengers from Bosnia and Herzegovina can connect onwards to destinations across Europe, while Star Alliance membership and cooperation with partner airlines provide connections to destinations around the world.

Croatia Airlines commercial director highlighted Sarajevo’s importance to the airline’s regional network and the long-standing cooperation with Sarajevo International Airport.

The airport’s acting director, Dino Selimović, said the three decades of connectivity represented more than an airline route, pointing to its role in strengthening links between people, businesses and markets in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.

Up to 13 flights a week

The Zagreb–Sarajevo connection remains part of Croatia Airlines’ current network.

Under the current timetable, passengers have access to up to 13 flights per week between the two capitals, providing connections for business and leisure travellers as well as onward journeys through Zagreb.

The long-running air link has contributed to tourism, business and wider social connections between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For passengers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zagreb also serves as a connecting point to numerous European destinations in Croatia Airlines’ network.

The 30th anniversary is being marked with promotional activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Passengers on the Zagreb–Sarajevo flight on Thursday received gift vouchers worth 30% of the value, while Croatia Airlines is offering various promotional fares and sales campaigns in the Bosnian market during the anniversary year.

The milestone comes as Croatia Airlines continues its fleet renewal programme with new Airbus A220 aircraft being introduced as part of the airline’s wider transformation.

Thirty years after the first Zagreb–Sarajevo service, the two capitals remain connected by a regular year-round air link.