PHOTOS: Croatia Airlines marks first commercial flight of new Airbus A220-100 “Dubrovnik”

Airbus A220-100 “Dubrovnik” (Photo: Croatia Airlines)

Dubrovnik, 8 October 2025 – Croatia Airlines today celebrated the first commercial flight of its brand-new Airbus A220-100 aircraft at Dubrovnik Airport.

The national carrier’s seventh new aircraft, proudly named Dubrovnik, completed its inaugural journey on the Zagreb–Dubrovnik route.

The event at Dubrovnik’s Ruđer Bošković Airport marked another milestone in the airline’s ongoing fleet renewal programme — the largest modernisation project in its 36-year history.

The A220-100, introduced into the fleet on 30 September, is designed to meet the demands of modern aviation, offering improved efficiency, passenger comfort, and performance in challenging weather conditions.

“We are delighted that the first passengers on our newest aircraft arrived here in Dubrovnik,” said Slaven Žabo, Croatia Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer. “The Airbus A220-100 is specially equipped to handle demanding flight conditions, which is particularly important at Dubrovnik Airport, known for strong bura winds. This aircraft, named after Croatia’s tourism gem, also has the largest seating capacity of any A220-100 in service.”

(Photo: Croatia Airlines)

Žabo added that the fleet renewal project represents “a major step forward for Croatian civil aviation,” enabling Croatia Airlines to strengthen its flight network and improve operational efficiency.

Expanded Winter Connectivity for Dubrovnik

Thanks to cooperation with Dubrovnik Airport, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, and the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, Croatia Airlines will extend its Dubrovnik–Rome service into the upcoming winter schedule, making it a year-round route.

(Photo: Croatia Airlines)

Additionally, the airline will continue operating the Dubrovnik–Frankfurt route, ensuring direct connections to two major European destinations throughout the winter season.

• Dubrovnik–Rome flights will operate twice weekly (Thursdays and Sundays).

• Dubrovnik–Frankfurt flights will operate three times weekly (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays).

Viktor Šober, Director of Dubrovnik Airport, welcomed the arrival of the aircraft named after the city.
“It is a great pleasure to see Croatia Airlines’ newest aircraft, Dubrovnik, land at our airport,” Šober said. “The introduction of modern aircraft such as the Airbus A220-100 enhances the travel experience for passengers while the symbolic connection of the name further reinforces Dubrovnik’s global recognition. We believe this new fleet will greatly improve the city’s year-round accessibility.”

(Photo: Croatia Airlines)

(Photo: Croatia Airlines)

Special Launch Offer for Passengers

To mark the occasion, Croatia Airlines is offering a 50% discount on direct international flights between 8 and 12 October 2025. The promotion is available to passengers travelling from Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Rijeka, and Osijek to the airline’s European destinations (and vice versa).

The offer applies to travel between 26 October 2025 and 29 March 2026 within the winter timetable. The discount applies to the airfare only, while airport taxes and other charges remain unchanged. Tickets can be purchased via the airline’s official website — www.croatiaairlines.com — or through the Croatia Airlines mobile app.

Fleet Renewal: Investing in the Future

Under the ongoing modernisation plan, Croatia Airlines has so far received six Airbus A220-300 aircraft (each with 149 seats) and one Airbus A220-100 (127 seats). The project is expected to be completed by 2027, when the fleet will consist of 15 new Airbus A220 aircraft — 13 A220-300s and two A220-100s.