Image for illustrative purposes
Quick Summary
- Zagreb Airport (ZAG): Handled 296,861 passengers in January 2026 (up 5.8%) and 281,489 in February (up 7.8%), totaling 578,350 for first two months.
- Expansion Plans: Considers reopening old terminal closed since 2017; must expand if hitting 5 million passengers annually.
- Zadar Airport: Plans major new terminal upgrade to support Croatia's tourism surge.
- What's Next: Final decision on Zagreb old terminal by end of 2026; Phase 2A construction deadline 30 March 2027 if threshold met.
Croatian airports kicked off 2026 with strong passenger growth, led by Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb (ZAG/LZAG). The facility recorded an 8.8% rise across Croatia's airports in January, with Zagreb handling the bulk of traffic.
Zadar Airport is advancing plans for a significant new terminal to accommodate the ongoing tourism boom. This comes as Zagreb explores reopening its former passenger terminal to manage rising demand more affordably.
Why Zagreb Airport Growth Matters
Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb (ZAG/LZAG) welcomed 296,861 passengers in January 2026, a 5.8% increase year-on-year, adding 16,337 more travelers despite a 1.8% drop in aircraft movements.
In February, the airport served 281,489 passengers, up 7.8% from the previous year, even with a 0.7% decline in operations. The first two months of 2026 saw 578,350 passengers total, a 6.8% gain or 36,707 extra compared to 2025.
This steady rise positions Zagreb as Croatia's aviation hub amid recovering tourism. Capacity projections show 5.9% growth in the first half of 2026, adding 169,769 seats, driven by Croatia Airlines and others.
Zagreb Airport Expansion Plans
Zagreb Airport operators, Međunarodna tvrtka Zračna luka Zagreb (ZAIC), are weighing the reopening of the old passenger terminal shuttered since 28 March 2017.
The new terminal opened that day, but growth tied to the concession agreement now prompts action. Expansion of the current terminal must start within 90 days after the year passenger numbers first hit five million.
Pre-pandemic forecasts eyed 2026 for this milestone, though it remains unmet. Current terminal expansion costs around €70 million, so the old terminal offers a faster, cheaper option.
If five million passengers arrive in one year, Phase 2A construction begins no later than 30 March 2027. Further phases trigger at 6.1 million and 7.3 million passengers.
Most Phase 2A work must finish in 365 days, or 540 days for full sub-phases. Delays incur €15,000 daily penalties.
A final decision on the old terminal comes by year-end 2026, per Poslovni dnevnik reports.
Zadar Airport's Major Terminal Upgrade
Zadar Airport plans a new terminal to handle surging tourism traffic. This upgrade aligns with Croatia's 8.8% passenger growth across airports in January 2026.
Zagreb captured 295,000 of January's passengers, up 6.4% year-on-year, underscoring the need for infrastructure boosts nationwide.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Airport | Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb (ZAG / LZAG) |
| January 2026 Passengers | 296,861 (up 5.8%) |
| February 2026 Passengers | 281,489 (up 7.8%) |
| First Two Months 2026 Total | 578,350 (up 6.8%) |
| Croatia Airports January Growth | 8.8% |
| Old Terminal Closed | 28 March 2017 |
| Expansion Trigger | 5 million passengers annually |
| Phase 2A Deadline | 30 March 2027 |
| Expansion Cost Estimate | €70 million |
| Daily Penalty for Delay | €15,000 |
| H1 2026 Capacity Growth | 5.9% (+169,769 seats) |
What This Means for Travelers
Rising passenger numbers signal easier access to Croatia's capital and beyond. More capacity from Croatia Airlines' A220 fleet transition and Ryanair frequency hikes will boost options.
Travelers can expect smoother operations at Zagreb, but monitor FlightAware for real-time updates amid growth pressures.
Turkish Airlines adds the most seats among non-based carriers, with 16,224 extra in H1 2026, followed by Iberia at 11,000. Qatar Airways cuts capacity by nearly 14,000 seats due to fleet issues.
Peak summer growth tempers to 4.3%, or 78,000 seats excluding T’way Air's potential Seoul resumption.
Challenges and Risks
Reopening the old terminal avoids €70 million costs but requires swift regulatory nods. Hitting five million passengers remains uncertain post-pandemic.
Ryanair's January capacity dipped 2.6%, though high load factors aid passenger gains. Doha and London cuts from Qatar and British Airways temper overall growth.
Unserved routes like Geneva, Lisbon, and Krakow highlight expansion potential.
Zadar's terminal faces similar timeline hurdles to match tourism demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers did Zagreb Airport handle in early 2026? Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb (ZAG) saw 296,861 passengers in January (up 5.8%) and 281,489 in February (up 7.8%), totaling 578,350 for two months, a 6.8% rise year-on-year.
When must Zagreb Airport expand its terminal? Expansion starts within 90 days after the first year of five million passengers. Phase 2A begins by 30 March 2027 if triggered, with completion in 365-540 days.
What drives Zagreb's capacity growth in 2026? Croatia Airlines leads with seat additions via A220 fleet and frequency hikes; Turkish Airlines adds 16,224 seats in H1. Ryanair contributes despite minor cuts.
Will Zadar Airport's new terminal open soon? Zadar plans a major terminal upgrade to support Croatia's 8.8% January growth, though specific timelines remain pending amid national tourism surge.
Related Travel Guides
Croatia Airlines A220 Fleet Expansion Impact Top Unserved Routes from Zagreb Airport Best Croatian Airports for Summer 2026 Travel
Disclaimer: Data sourced from Zagreb Airport statistics, EX-YU Aviation, and Croatia Week as of March 2026. Verify latest figures with FAA equivalents or airport authorities before travel.
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