Croatia Airlines scorns Zagreb Airport over Ryanair arrival
Croatia Airlines has requested for Zagreb Airport to offer fees and conditions similar to those provided to low cost carrier Ryanair, which will base two aircraft in the city from September through its subsidiary Lauda Europe. “Competing with a significant number of large carriers has been the reality of the market since Croatia Airlines’ foundation and there is nothing problematic in that regard. However, it is unacceptable that the national carrier is financing the arrival of new carriers on the market”, Croatia Airlines said. The company noted that were it offered the same conditions as the low cost giant, its fees at Zagreb Airport would be lower by 17.8 million euros in 2019, which would see the airline post a profit instead of a loss that year.
The carrier also touched upon Ryanair’s plans to serve a number of secondary airports in cities it already operates to from the Croatian capital, thus qualifying the low cost airline for additional incentives as these destinations are considered brand new routes. “This camouflages Zagreb Airport’s intention to bring in new carriers to serve the same markets while offering them better conditions”, Croatia Airlines said. It noted that the market is being distorted in favour of Ryanair, which it has communicated to Zagreb Airport, with which it plans to hold a number of meetings on the matter. The airline further argues that it had received less than 200.000 euros in incentives from the airport between 2016 and 2019 for the launch of ten new routes, while Ryanair will get thirty times more for its twelve new destinations.
“We appreciate Zagreb Airport’s efforts in securing new flights, however, this should only be done on the basis of impartiality and the same terms should be offered to all companies without favouritism. At the same time, we expect for Zagreb Airport to meet the needs of Croatia Airlines in the same way and that conditions will be harmonised with those offered to Ryanair, taking into account the number of routes we operate and passengers carried. Failure to secure the same incentives for Croatia Airlines, or even greater discounts, seriously endangers equal conditions for all and purposely causes damage to the national carrier, which is majority owned by the Republic of Croatia”, the company concluded.
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