June 11th 2025

Zagreb Airport continues its upward trajectory, with soaring passenger numbers driving increased demand — and with it, higher prices across retail, transport, and services. In May alone, the airport welcomed 437,568 passengers, marking its busiest May on record and a 9.5% year-on-year increase. Aircraft movements also rose, totaling 4,600 — a significant gain over last year.

The first five months of 2025 saw a total of 1,714,209 travelers pass through the airport — up by nearly 150,000 compared to the same period in 2024. With June capacity scheduled to grow another 12%, the trend shows no sign of slowing.

Rising Demand, Rising Prices

As footfall increases, so does the appetite for airport services. Concessionaires, retailers, transport providers and hospitality operators are responding to unprecedented demand by adjusting prices and offerings accordingly.

“A surge in demand naturally creates pricing power,” noted a commercial analyst following the Croatian aviation sector. “This is a sign of a healthy, expanding market. We’re seeing what happens when capacity, traffic, and consumption all rise in tandem.”

Parking prices, café menus, and ride-hailing fares have all seen upward adjustments — not as a deterrent, but as a reflection of a dynamic, high-performing travel hub that is evolving to meet market conditions.

Business Opportunity in Full Swing

Retailers within the terminal report strong turnover, with several outlets registering record sales per square meter. Food and beverage operators are expanding menus and investing in upgraded facilities, anticipating continued passenger growth into the peak summer season.

“With more people traveling through Zagreb than ever before, we’re seeing excellent momentum across all commercial categories,” said a representative from one of the airport’s key retail operators. “It’s a great time to be doing business here.”

Strategic Growth Ahead

The surge is driven by a combination of increased frequencies, new routes, and robust performance by Zagreb’s largest carriers, including Ryanair, Croatia Airlines, and Lufthansa. The airport’s continued expansion confirms its rising status as a central hub in the region.

As Zagreb Airport scales up to meet record-setting demand, the economic ripple effects are clear: higher passenger volumes are translating directly into stronger business performance — and investors, operators, and consumers are all participating in the upswing.