Rising Demand: Zagreb Airport Set to Reopen Old Terminal
In a strategic move to accommodate growing passenger numbers, the Croatian government is considering reopening Zagreb Airport’s old terminal, closed since March 28, 2017. This proposal follows a strong post-pandemic recovery, with the airport handling nearly 20% more passengers in 2024 compared to 2019.
The Croatian Ministry for Sea, Transport and Infrastructure is analyzing the feasibility of reopening the terminal, targeting 2026 for commercial operations.
To encourage the Zagreb Airport International Company (ZAIC) to refurbish the terminal, the state is offering a concession extension by three years and nine months beyond its 2042 expiration. This extension depends on ZAIC’s ability to make the terminal functional for passenger use.
ZAIC, under the management of ADP (Aeroport de Paris), had previously planned to use the old terminal for freight storage and offices, but the initiative never materialized. Now, with high passenger demand, they see an opportunity to utilize the space effectively and boost business by welcoming low cost carriers into the airport.
Reopening the terminal for passenger services would lower handling fees for airlines, thus making way for such carriers. High fees have previously deterred carriers from expanding operations at Zagreb Airport. Eurowings and Wizz Air cited high costs as a barrier, while Ryanair leveraged an incentive scheme during COVID to become the airport’s second-largest carrier.
Source: EXYU AVIATION
In case you missed it#Zagreb Airport's old terminal could cater for low cost carriers from 2026#croatia https://t.co/QYZo85HXPR
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