Zagreb shrugs off concerns over fee hike and flight cancellations

Zagreb Airport has said that recent flight reductions by a select number of carriers for the upcoming summer season are unrelated to the planned increase in its passenger service fee and that it expects a full recovery from the coronavirus pandemic this year. In recent weeks, Air France, British Airways and Lufthansa have reduced their planned operations to the Croatian capital for the 2023 summer season compared to their original schedule, while TAP Air Portugal has discontinued its service to Zagreb. The airport pointed out that Air France has cut its flights to the Croatian capital by around 10% compared to last year from 810 to 730 rotations, while British Airways will in fact boost its operations by 1%, from 634 in 2022 to 642. On the other hand, LOT Polish Airlines will grow its flights by 4.6% this year from 994 to 1.040.

Zagreb Airport started the year off strongly, by handling 221.747 passengers last month, representing an increase of 9.1% on the pre-pandemic January of 2020. Ryanair is fuelling the growth, with the budget carrier planning to increase operations from its Zagreb base by between ten to thirty weekly departures during the 2023 summer season when compared to last year. Low cost airlines are expected to account for 33% of all passengers at Croatia’s busiest airport this year, up from 22% last year. “Airlines make numerous changes to their schedule and network in order to adapt to passenger demand and certain changes that have occurred as a result of the pandemic. At the same time, route cancellations or changes in the number of frequencies are an internal and commercial decision made by the airline”, the airport said.

Commenting on the year ahead, Zagreb Airport noted, “By the end of the 2022/23 winter season, we expect continual growth due to solid demand and a return to pre-pandemic capacity levels by most airlines. Our network currently counts 22 airlines which link Zagreb to 59 destinations, which is a record for the airport”. It added, “If there are no unforeseen circumstances, we expect for 2023 to be a year of complete traffic recovery and, in line with the agreement with the state, the concessionaire will resume regular concession fee payments”. Concerning the planned increase in the passenger fee for airlines from April 1, the airport said the price has been adjusted due to inflation and increased for the first time since 2019. It pointed out that no other fees will be increased.

EX-YU Aviation News

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