Zagreb Airport Leads Europe in Post-COVID Passenger Surge
In an extraordinary testament to resilience and strategic planning amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zagreb Airport has not only weathered the storm but has emerged stronger than ever. With a strategic decision to lower fees for airline operators, the airport experienced an unparalleled surge in passenger numbers, with low-cost carrier Ryanair spearheading this remarkable recovery. Notably, Zagreb boasts the most significant percentual rise in passengers when comparing pre- and post-COVID levels in all European airports.
During the tumultuous period of the pandemic, Zagreb Airport strategically reduced the fees demanded for airline operators to utilize its facilities. This calculated move aimed to attract more low-cost carriers, thereby stimulating passenger traffic during and after the pandemic. The result was nothing short of spectacular, with Ryanair seizing the opportunity to establish a significant presence at the airport, introducing a plethora of new routes spanning across Europe.
As a direct consequence of Ryanair’s expansion into Zagreb, the airport experienced a surge in connectivity, offering passengers an extensive network of destinations across the continent. This strategic partnership between Zagreb Airport and Ryanair has not only facilitated the airport’s recovery but has also positioned it as the number one airport in Europe when comparing pre- and post-COVID passenger levels.
The impact of this collaboration was evident in the airport’s performance, as evidenced by data from the statistical office of the European Union – Eurostat. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Zagreb Airport witnessed a record-breaking year in 2023, welcoming 3,723,650 passengers, marking an impressive 8.4% increase compared to its previous best result in 2019.
Ryanair’s entry into the Croatian capital catalyzed growth, with the airline competing directly or indirectly with other carriers on numerous routes. Notably, destinations such as Brussels and London Heathrow experienced a notable uptick in passenger numbers, further solidifying Zagreb Airport’s position as a burgeoning aviation hub.
Looking ahead, Zagreb Airport is poised for yet another record-breaking year in 2024, with projections exceeding 4,200,000 passengers. This optimistic outlook is underpinned by the launch of new routes by both Ryanair and Croatia Airlines, along with the anticipated resumption of long-haul flights from Far East Asia.
During the crucial second and third quarters, Zagreb Airport is set to witness a substantial increase in scheduled flights, with seat capacity projected to surge by 18% compared to the previous year. Croatia Airlines and Ryanair are expected to dominate the airport’s scheduled capacity during the upcoming summer season, with the former holding a 33.9% share and the latter closely following with a 30.4% share.
The strategic decisions undertaken by Zagreb Airport, coupled with the symbiotic partnership with Ryanair, have not only accelerated the airport’s recovery but have also positioned it as a beacon of success amidst the challenging aviation landscape. As Zagreb Airport continues to chart a path towards growth and innovation, it serves as a shining example of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
#Zagreb Airport’s busiest routes: Frankfurt retains top spot as #Ryanair fuels record growth#croatia #croatiaairlines https://t.co/DQqwKW423C
— EX-YU Aviation News (@EXYUaviation) March 13, 2024
Source: EXYU Aviation
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